Project Summary

A Story of Stewardship

A documentary portrait following the journey to becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator.

Becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator isn't simply a career milestone—it represents years of growth, leadership, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

This project is designed to preserve that journey through authentic storytelling, creating a collection of films that celebrate not only the opening of a new restaurant, but the calling and character behind it.

Rather than producing individual videos in isolation, we'll capture one cohesive story that can be thoughtfully adapted into multiple pieces for employees, family, Chick-fil-A leadership, and the broader community.

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 cinematic 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, a phone call or in person to talk through the details and specifics of the project and each shoot day.

  • We’ll identify key moments, events and talk more about Natalia and parts of her story that we want to capture

  • Prepare questions for the interview with the student and discuss main storyline and goal(s)

  • Create a tentative schedule for production outlining key events, days, times, location(s), etc.

  • Discuss final deliverables and platforms being utilized

PRODUCTION

Production will include multiple cameras, as well as lighting and audio. Production could include multiple days of filming across multiple locations depending on final scope. This could involve travel days.

  • Foundations Dinner event recap and b-roll

  • Interviews/testimonials with family members

  • Interview with Karl

  • 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

  • For b-roll, we will shoot after we wrap with interviews or at intentionally scheduled times on separate days

  • For full days or shoots that occur over a meal time, there will be a 1 hour break for the crew

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

  • Adding animation(s) as needed

  • 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

PRIMARY DELIVERABLE

  • Signature Documentary

    • A cinematic documentary (approximately 6–8 minutes) telling the story of Karl's journey to becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator, weaving together interviews, family perspectives, milestone moments, and opening day.

  • Team Welcome Film

    • A shorter piece (approximately 2-3 minutes) introducing Karl to his new team, sharing his heart for leadership, service, and the culture he hopes to build.

  • Story & Social Collection

    • 2–4 thoughtfully crafted social films drawn from the larger story, highlighting meaningful moments and themes throughout the journey.

    • Event recap from the Foundation Dinner (delivered as a standalone social piece if access is approved).

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

In August of 2025, Cedar Valley Christian School celebrated its 50th anniversary. The goal of this project wasn’t just to celebrate the rich legacy and foundation of the school, but to also showcase what sets the faculty and school apart as a top choice for Christian education in the community.

We combined b-roll of the school and snapshots of its history with interviews with former and current staff, as well as alumni and parents of current students. The final touch was adding the voice-over script that was read by one of the original founding members.

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.

INVESTMENT

  • Pre-Production: $875

  • Production: $2,350 - 4,700

  • Post-Production: $3,200-4,000

Total Project Estimate:

Starts at $6,425

This proposal assumes access to the Foundation Dinner and other Chick-fil-A-related events is granted by the appropriate parties. Should access be limited, the story will be thoughtfully adapted to preserve the overall vision while making the most of the moments available.

Travel expenses (airfare, lodging, rental vehicle, mileage, parking, meals, and other production-related travel costs) are billed at actual cost.

Travel days required for out-of-state productions are billed at 50% of the standard production day rate to account for reserved production time and travel commitments.

What’s Next?

Agree on scope and pricing

1

We’ve already had initial conversations, but sometimes plans change and priorities shift with the vision as things grow and take shape. We’re flexible and here to be your creative partner. Let’s make sure everything is in alignment before we get started.


Contract agreement

2

We’re big fans of clarity and communication. Once we’ve got everything in alignment we’ll put together a contract that outlines rough timelines and the nitty gritty. That way everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect as we move forward.


Get started

3

This is the fun part! Where we start to put plans into action and get rolling on pre-production and start bringing this story to life.

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