Portfolio

Introduction

The National Grind Project is a short-form storytelling concept centered on Ellwood City’s local coffee culture, featuring National Grind Coffee & Tea Shop as the heart of the narrative. The project aims to create a cinematic yet grounded story that celebrates craftsmanship, connection, and community through the lens of Robert and his dedicated team.

My role covers all stages of production—from pre-production (developing the concept, mapping story structure, and defining a warm, authentic tone) to production (filming interviews, everyday interactions, and environmental details) and post-production (editing, audio mixing, and narrative shaping).

National Grind Coffee & Tea Shop, owned and operated by Robert, represents the essence of small-town pride in Ellwood City. The project’s primary goals are to:

  • Capture the artistry behind each drink and pastry prepared by the team.
  • Highlight the camaraderie between Robert, Bailey, Derrick, and Riley.
  • Position National Grind as both a cozy local café and a gathering space for the community.

Through early conversations with Robert and the staff, we focused on what makes National Grind special: its people, its atmosphere, and its ability to make everyone feel like family. The story emphasizes those values, showcasing the shop as a place that connects both customers and employees in meaningful ways.

Document Artifacts

Planned & Captured Shots:

  • Medium establishing shot of Robert.
  • Close-ups of coffee being brewed, milk steaming, and coffee beans.
  • Tight detail shots of fresh bagels, pastries, and baked goods.
  • Footage of Derrick and Riley preparing drinks.
  • Candid group shots of friends and regular customers conversing.
  • Moments of Robert and Bailey preparing coffee and reviewing the inventory on a tablet.
  • Atmospheric b-roll of baristas smiling and completing tasks.

Used for Production:

  • Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  • Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens
  • Canon RF 24–105mm f/4 L IS lens
  • Joby GorillaPod 5K kit
  • Deity D3 Pro microphone
  • Neewer 660 RGB LED light panel with diffuser
  • Tascam DR-10L lavalier audio recorder

Ideal Budget (If Available):

  • Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
  • Zhiyun Crane 4 gimbal
  • Rode Wireless GO II mic set
  • Aputure 120D II key light with light dome
  • Sigma 18–35mm f/1.8 Art lens
  • DJI Air 3 drone for exterior establishing shots

Shooting Schedule

Visit 1 – Pre-interview & shop b-roll
Date: 9/30
Time on location: ~2 hours
Focus: Robert’s introduction, coffee-making process, shop ambiance.

Visit 2 – Staff & customer interactions
Date: 10/7
Time on location: ~2 hours
Focus: Staff collaboration (Derrick, Riley, Bailey), customer conversations, community atmosphere.

Storyboard and Interview Guide

I prepared a list of interview questions and prompts to guide the narrative and capture authentic moments:

  • What inspired you to start National Grind here in Ellwood City?
  • How has the shop grown since it first opened?
  • What does coffee mean to you beyond just the product?
  • How does your team contribute to the welcoming environment?
  • What’s your favorite part of connecting with customers each day?
  • What makes National Grind unique to Ellwood City’s community?
  • Where do you hope to see National Grind in the next few years?

Photo Session

For my photo session at National Grind, I wanted to capture the welcoming and hardworking spirit of the shop. The photos highlight the team’s personality and the craft behind what they do each day. The images include smiling portraits of the baristas, close-up shots of ground coffee and roasted beans, and action shots of espresso being made. The pastries and bagels in the display add warmth and texture, showing the variety and freshness that National Grind offers.

Each photo was taken to feel authentic and inviting, reflecting the shop’s friendly environment and strong sense of community. Together, the images tell a story of teamwork, quality, and connection. My overall goal was to show that National Grind is not just a coffee shop, but a place where people come together over good coffee and good company.

First Draft

In my first draft for the National Grind video, my main idea was to focus on the craft of coffee making and the sense of community inside the shop. I wanted to capture the everyday rhythm of the space, how Robert and his staff start the morning, prepare drinks, and connect with customers. My early concept centered around showing the process from bean to cup, mixing together shots of espresso being made, how the pastries were prepared, and customers enjoying conversations.

As I began developing the project, I learned how important it was to plan each shot and sequence to match the mood I wanted to create. My initial ideas helped me build a foundation for pacing, lighting, and transitions, but through filming and editing, I found new ways to make the story flow naturally. The first draft gave me a better understanding of how to balance visuals, interviews, and atmosphere.

Final Draft

The video I made for National Grind showcases the everyday warmth and connection that define the coffee shop in Ellwood City. It follows Robert, the owner, along with his staff Bailey, Derrick, and Riley as they prepare drinks, serve customers, and interact with the community. Through a mix of medium, close-up, and candid shots, the video captures both the craft of coffee making and the friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back. The project allowed me to practice visual storytelling, composition, and pacing while highlighting authentic human moments that reflect the shop’s character and values.

From this experience, I learned how to plan and execute a complete production from concept development to filming and editing, with an emphasis on storytelling and emotion. Moving forward in my multimedia career, I can apply these skills to create more meaningful, brand-driven narratives that connect audiences to the people and stories behind local businesses.