Project Summary
Deadstock Guitars is entering a defining chapter in its story. With new leadership, new product offerings, and a growing vision for the future, this project is designed to create a foundational library of visual assets that establish the brand, communicate its values, and support future growth.
At the center of the story is the partnership between Jacob and Zack. Jacob brings years of craftsmanship, guitar-building expertise, and a commitment to quality. Zack brings vision, business leadership, and a passion for helping Deadstock grow into its next chapter. Together, they are building something neither could create alone—a company rooted in craftsmanship, relationships, and a shared belief that great instruments are worth building the right way.
Through a combination of documentary-style storytelling, premium product imagery, and process-driven content, this project will capture not only the instruments themselves, but the people, partnerships, and craftsmanship behind them. From American-sourced materials and trusted manufacturing partners to assembly, setup, and final inspection, the goal is to tell an authentic story of how Deadstock Guitars are made and why quality remains at the center of everything they do.
By documenting the journey from raw material to finished instrument, this project will showcase the care, intentionality, and expertise involved in every step of the process. Rather than simply claiming "Made in America," the content will highlight the people, suppliers, and craftsmen who help bring each instrument to life.
As Deadstock continues to introduce new guitar designs, expand its product offerings, and work toward a dedicated manufacturing space, this content will provide a strong foundation for future marketing, dealer relationships, product launches, and brand growth. The resulting films and photography will serve not only as promotional assets, but as a lasting representation of the vision, craftsmanship, and people behind Dead Stock Guitars.
I don’t just make videos—I help people tell stories that matter.
My work is rooted in listening well, asking meaningful questions, and crafting visuals that feel honest and human. What sets me apart is my ability to uncover the deeper “why” behind a story and bring it to life with clarity, intention, and heart.
I believe great storytelling builds trust. And I’m here to help you do just that—with creativity, strategy, and a process that feels collaborative from start to finish.
Director’s Statement
PRE-PRODUCTION
To get things started we’ll connect via Google Meet or in person to talk through the details and specifics of the project and each shoot day.
We’ll identify key moments, locations, events, and individuals that we want to capture
Prepare questions for interviews in collaboration with Zach, Jacob and any others who may be interviewed
Create a tentative schedule for outlining key events, days, times, location(s), etc.
Discuss final deliverables and platforms being utilized and create a priority list
PRODUCTION
Production will include multiple cameras, as well as lighting and audio, 2-3 Days of shooting across different locations: 2-3 full days of interviews, testimonials and b-roll (depending on scope of project and investment option). This includes founder interviews, partnership story, product demos, studio imagery, and workshop/process footage. Filming locations to be determined in collaboration with Deadstock Guitars.
1-2 full day filming interviews on location with Zack and Jacob and any other members or clients.
Location(s) to be determined based on availability and scope. These locations will be determined in collaboration with Zach from Deadstock, as we determine the best environment(s) to support the story
Half to full day of filming client testimonials about the guitars along with player b-roll
The craftsmanship, quality, sound, playability, etc.
For interviews, we will arrive roughly 1.5-2 hours prior to the shoot to set up and prep gear so we’re ready to begin filming on time
1-1.5 days of b-roll on location (depending on scope of project and investment option)
1 day of product b-roll: product in different environments, reveals, craftsmanship process, etc.
1 day of b-roll on location in Ohio (if agreed on as part of The Heritage package)
For b-roll, we will capture the craftsmanship that goes into each guitar, the products themselves, players and environments.
Possible Production Day Layouts:
Day 1:
Zack Interview
Jacob Interview
Partnership Story
Vision & Future
Brand b-roll
Workshop Footage
Day 2: Product Capture
Product Photography
Product Showcase Footage
Lifestyle / Player Footage
Player Interviews / Testimonials
Detail Shots
Day 3: Heritage Package Only - Ohio Supplier Story
Ohio Supplier Interview
Ohio Supplier B-roll
Wood Sourcing & Selection
CNC Process
Manufacturing footage
Process Photography
POST-PRODUCTION
This is where it all comes together. We piece together the video components into engaging, authentic content to help tell your story.
Reviewing and selecting best segments from b-roll for engaging content
Color grading footage
Adding lower thirds, graphics, titles or additional text
Audio editing (including EQ, artifact removal, compression, etc.)
Selecting appropriate musicbed for the video (including necessary licensing)
Ensuring the right tone, feel and flow for the story
Creating backups and storage for all files and clips
DELIVERABLES
Flagship Brand Film (5–7 minutes)
Comprehensive overview and story of Deadstock Guitars
Product Showcase Films (1-2 minutes each)
Overview of each guitar / product
Brand / Product Photography Library
High quality photos of each product
Lifestyle product photos
Testimonials
Testimonial of the overall craftsmanship, quality, sound, and playability of each Deadstock guitar
Social Media Assets
6–10 short vertical clips (15–60 seconds each) for social media
4k Still Frames
Roughly 5-10 4k still frames to be used as .jpgs
Story Example #1
This is a part of a Legacy story where we combined interview and narrative components with b-roll video to share just part of Ken’s story of life change.
Story Example #2
Pure & Simple School of Worship invests in the heart of the worshipper while also cultivating practical skills and tools needed to support our worship expressions both in individual and corporate environments.
This short video is a recap of a Night of Worship led by students at the end of a semester. While mostly consisting of b-roll shots we incorporated narrative audio from the night.
Story Example #3
Children of Promise is a child sponsorship program in over 30 countries around the world.
This short video highlights who they are, what they do and why. It incorporates interview and real, on location b-roll to accent and highlight the ministry of Children of Promise.
Story Example #4
This was one of the first stories we had the privilege to capture and share. When we first heard of Alan’s story we knew it needed to be shared. It was such a joy to interview Alan, and by weaving his narrative and b-roll we were able to capture the true heart of this story. This is a beautiful reminder to “Be still and know”.
Additional Story Examples:
I’d love for you to take a look at more of our work by clicking the button below:
4K Still Frame Examples:
These are still frames pull from our video footage. We deliver these as 4k images in the .jpg format. They can be used for website or social content, and occasionally can be used on print pieces.
Beyond The Product
Exceptional guitars are built from great materials, thoughtful design, and skilled craftsmanship. But what often creates lasting connection is the story behind the instrument.
Many boutique builders can talk about quality. Fewer can introduce customers to the people behind the guitars, the source of the materials, the trusted partners involved in the process, and the craftsmanship that exists at every step along the way.
This project is designed to capture more than product features. It aims to document the relationships, processes, and vision that make Deadstock Guitars unique. By highlighting the journey from raw material to finished instrument, the resulting content will help customers understand not only what makes these guitars different, but why that difference matters.
INVESTMENT
The Craft
A foundational content library designed to introduce Deadstock Guitars through the people, products, and vision behind the brand.
Pre-Production: $1,750
Production: $5,875
Post-Production: $6,000
Photography: $
Total Project Estimate: $13,625
The Heritage
A comprehensive storytelling campaign that follows the journey from raw materials to finished instrument, showcasing the craftsmen, suppliers, and partnerships that make Deadstock uniquely American-made.
Pre-Production: $2,625
Production: $7,050
Post-Production: $8,000
Photography: $
Total Project Estimate: $17,675
Travel & Expenses
When a project requires travel, travel days are billed at a half-day rate per crew member to account for time spent in transit and project-related logistics.
Expenses such as mileage, airfare, lodging, meals, parking, tolls, and other necessary travel costs are billed separately at actual cost. Whenever possible, estimated travel expenses will be communicated and approved in advance to ensure transparency throughout the project.
Derick Grant - DG Mindset
“Ben Hodge’s professionalism and his ability to take our company’s vision and bring it to life is second to none. I have had the chance to work with other videographers in the past, but Ben Hodge is by and far the most talented I have ever worked with. If you’re looking to take your vision and bring it to life, look no further.”
“We partnered with Ben to help establish the Daniels School of Business’ storytelling presence at Purdue University in Indianapolis, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. The process was seamless, collaborative, and genuinely enjoyable, with Ben serving as a true creative partner every step of the way. Together, we created an impeccable pillar piece that captures both our student’s personal story and the broader energy, opportunity, and momentum of the program. The final result feels authentically Purdue, unmistakably Daniels, and has become a cornerstone asset for our presence in Indianapolis.”
Shawn Dildine - Purdue Daniels School of Business
“Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God, but only he who sees takes off his shoes; the rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”
— Elizabeth Barrett Browning