Client
Martha Ballard Committee
Date
April 15, 2022
Services
Video and Editing
The Mayors Committee for Martha Ballard in Augusta, Maine entrusted us with a poignant mission: crafting a fundraising video to celebrate the remarkable life of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife whose legacy shaped Central Maine. Martha's diary, spanning 27 years, vividly captures her trials and triumphs, from navigating the treacherous Kennebec River to her pioneering midwifery. Our goal is to honor Martha's contributions with a commemorative site and monument overlooking the Kennebec River, ensuring her pivotal role in history resonates for generations to come.
Our quest to film the Martha Ballard video immersed us in history at Sandhill Bagel Co., housed in the last standing structure of Historic Edwards Mill, lost in a tragic fire. This location, set in Mill Park where Martha's monument will stand, provided an ideal location for our heartfelt interviews. Amid the mill's atmospheric power plant, we captured poignant stories and perspectives, bridging past and present. Drone footage of Mill Park, Bond Brook Bridge, and Old Fort Western enriched our narrative, offering a breathtaking view of Martha's legacy and the storied Kennebec Valley
Editing the Martha Ballard video was an exhilarating journey of historical discovery and creative problem-solving. While we began with insightful interviews and stunning aerial footage, the absence of visual records posed a significant challenge. Martha's era lacked photography, prompting us to innovate ways to visualize her story. We scoured archives, collaborated with historians, and unearthed rare illustrations and artifacts. Incorporating licensed images from "A Midwife's Tale" enriched our narrative, culminating in a meticulously crafted documentary that vividly honors Martha's enduring legacy, bridging past and present with depth and authenticity.
After minor adjustments to the imagery placement and fine-tuning the on-screen text positioning at the video's conclusion, we received client approval. Their satisfaction with the final video was evident, as they appreciated how these refinements enhanced the overall impact of the production. Our collaborative approach ensured that every detail met their expectations, resulting in a video that not only met but exceeded their vision.