Producing a video documentary is a collaborative and immersive experience, bringing together storylines, visuals, and meticulous planning. Recently, Checked In Media partnered with True Bakery and Eat Wyoming to create a documentary that showcased the power of local specialty crops and the art of culinary craftsmanship. The project took place over 2.5 days and followed Bill Brockley, chef and owner of True Bakery in Casper, Wyoming, as he crafted a specialty dinner. This blog breaks down the production process, from preproduction to the final moments of the shoot, providing insight into what it takes to create a cinematic story.
Preproduction: Laying the Groundwork
Every great production begins with preproduction. Our goal for this project was to tell the story of Wyoming’s specialty crops and how they can be incorporated into gourmet meals for local communities. We scouted three primary locations to ensure the shoot ran smoothly:
- True Bakery – the heart of the culinary action.
- Bill’s Home – a glimpse into his personal life and inspiration.
- Platte River Trails – the scenic site of the final dinner event.
The storyline took shape during these initial stages, aligning our vision with Bill's culinary philosophy. We knew we wanted to document not just the food but also the thought, effort, and creativity behind it.
Day 1: Behind the Scenes at True Bakery
Our first location was True Bakery, located in the heart of downtown Casper. Here, we followed Bill in his element, working in the kitchen and preparing the components for the meal. With cameras rolling, Bill shared insights into his culinary process and his passion for using local ingredients. The kitchen scenes were shot in a style reminiscent of Chef’s Table, with cinematic angles and intentional lighting that captured the artistry in food preparation.
We took a break from the action to sit down with Bill for an interview in the kitchen. This session allowed us to slow down the pace, uncovering what drives him as both a chef and a person. To keep the visuals engaging, we used different angles, wardrobe changes, and varied lighting to make it feel like multiple days of production, elevating the overall aesthetic.
Day 1 Continued: Sourcing the Perfect Pairing at The Liquor Shed
After wrapping up at True Bakery, we headed to The Liquor Shed, located off Wyoming Boulevard and 2nd Street in Casper. Here, Bill hand-selected the perfect wines to pair with his courses—a crucial step in the meal’s preparation. The store staff were incredibly accommodating, allowing us to film inside and capture multiple angles of Bill making his selections.
With a wireless microphone on Bill, we recorded the entire experience, blending candid moments with thoughtful selections. This footage added another layer to the story, highlighting how every detail matters in curating a dining experience.
A Glimpse Into Bill’s Life: Home, Study, and Inspiration
Our next stop was Bill’s home, where we documented his personal life and evening routine. We captured footage of Bill in his study, working on his journey to becoming a doctor—a remarkable side to his story. The intimate scenes showcased the balance between his professional and personal life, with moments of family interaction that added depth to his character.
These behind-the-scenes shots gave us a richer understanding of who Bill is beyond the kitchen. By seeing him study and relax with his girlfriend and child, we painted a fuller picture of the man behind the chef's coat.
Day 2: From the Kitchen to the Trails — Prepping for the Big Dinner
The second day began back at True Bakery, where Bill completed the final preparations for the dinner. We documented his meticulous process of packing the dishes and transporting everything to Platte River Trails. Located along the Platte River, the site offered stunning views, providing the perfect setting for an outdoor dining experience.
Though the location had only a staging kitchen, Bill navigated the challenges with precision. We filmed his final preparations and plated dishes, using slow-motion and macro shots to capture every detail. These close-ups will be essential in the final edit, emphasizing the textures and presentation of the food.
The Main Event: Serving Up Culinary Excellence at Platte River Trails
As guests arrived at the dinner, we documented their first impressions and interactions with Bill. With a microphone on him, we captured Bill introducing himself and sharing the story behind each dish. The reactions were priceless—smiling faces, moments of surprise, and expressions of enjoyment that showcased the impact of locally sourced, expertly prepared food.
We also used additional lighting in the staging kitchen to capture the final touches before each dish was served. Time-lapse footage of food plating provided an artistic glimpse into the fast-paced environment behind the scenes, adding a dynamic element to the narrative.
Wrapping It All Together: Final Thoughts on the Journey
To fully conclude the story, we plan to conduct one last interview with Bill, reflecting on the entire experience and his thoughts on the event. This interview will be filmed once the editing process is further along, allowing Bill to comment on the final product and the impact of the project.
This 2.5-day production was an ambitious project that blended documentary storytelling with culinary artistry. By following Bill through the various stages of preparation, we showcased how local specialty crops can be elevated through thoughtful cooking. From the kitchen at True Bakery to the scenic dinner at Platte River Trails, every step of the process was documented with care.
This project highlights the beauty and potential of Wyoming’s food culture, demonstrating what can be achieved when chefs embrace local ingredients. Stay tuned for the full documentary, and in the meantime, visit True Bakery and EatWyoming to learn more about their incredible work.
