As part of Explore Charleston’s Explore Black Charleston initiative, we crafted a seven-film series that amplifies powerful African American heritage stories across the Lowcountry. From the hauntingly beautiful grounds of McLeod Plantation and Boone Hall to the groundbreaking exhibits at the International African American Museum, our journey took us deep into the past—unearthing narratives that shaped the present. More than just a production, this project was a profound experience for our crew. We felt the weight of responsibility as storytellers, capturing voices that have long deserved a platform. There were moments of deep reflection, of shared grief and joy, of discovering histories that demand to be seen and heard. The result? A visually stunning, emotionally resonant series that connects history to modern tourism, inviting audiences to engage with Charleston’s rich and complex past in a meaningful way.
We completely trust Vive Media to run with our initial vision and tie in their own creativity and talent to produce unique, high-quality content that highlights the Charleston area in an amazing light.
Before the cameras rolled, connection came first. Earning the trust of our storytellers was the foundation of this project—we weren’t just asking them to share history; we were asking them to be vulnerable, to open up about deeply personal and emotional narratives. That meant taking the time to listen, to build relationships, and to ensure they felt seen and heard. Once that trust was established, our team went into full creative mode—scouting historic locations, designing cinematic storyboards, and crafting thoughtful, intentional interview questions to draw out the raw emotion and depth these stories deserved.
“Our partnership with Key West Boats began in 2020 with an ambitious project—capturing their entire 14-boat fleet over five action-packed days of filming and photography. One standout moment? A breathtaking aerial shot of all fourteen boats cutting through the Ashley River in perfect formation—one of our all-time favorite drone captures. Since then, our collaboration has only grown. Year after year, we continue to produce high-quality video and photography, keeping their content fresh for both new and existing models. Our work is featured prominently on the Key West Boats website, in dealerships across the country, and throughout their social media platforms—helping them make a lasting impression in a competitive market.”
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“Our team handles casting all of the talent, planning locations, shotlists, schedules, and all the other details that go into making a successful shoot simple for the client. We’ve created a lifestyle video for every boat in the Key West fleet.”
“Every year, we embed ourselves in the rhythm of Charleston Wine + Food, capturing the energy, flavor, and soul of the five-day festival. Our team splits up to cover 25+ events across the city and film over 10 interviews with chefs and talent from around the world. This isn’t just a recap—it’s the official hype reel that sets the tone for the next year. By now, attendees are excited to see our cameras; they know the magic we’ve created in past videos and want to be part of it. Our focus is on diversity, celebration, and storytelling—always aiming to craft something even more unforgettable than the year before.
“Beyond the main recaps, we produce a steady stream of punchy social shorts for Charleston Wine + Food—built to drop fast during the festival and keep the momentum going after. Some are mapped out ahead of time, others come together on the fly from something we captured spontaneously. We tailor every piece for platform-specific impact, delivering in all the right formats—vertical, square, horizontal—so it’s ready to hit feeds wherever the audience is scrolling.”
“As part of our ongoing partnership with Charleston Wine + Food, we create a range of ad spots and commercials designed to drive ticket sales for the upcoming year. From ticket launch announcement videos to airport ads and sponsored social content, these pieces carry the same vibrant energy as our recaps—layered with punchy on-screen text and clear calls to action. Whether it’s on a phone screen or a terminal monitor, the goal is the same: grab attention and get people excited to be part of the next festival.”
We completely trust Vive Media to run with our initial vision and tie in their own creativity and talent to produce unique, high-quality content that highlights the Charleston area in an amazing light.
“Our videos for Kiawah River create a sensory experience. We want you to feel the water rippling, smell the pluff mud, taste the salt. Being at home outdoors is what the lowcountry is all about, and we love getting our feet dirty (and wet) in the process of each year’s production. In close collaboration with the Kiawah River marketing team, we’ve continuously pushed to differentiate their visual identity—setting a standard that others in the space have since tried to follow.
“We create in depth video walkthroughs and detailed photography of every boat so potential buyers can learn everything they need to know about each model before even visiting a dealership. These videos also allow Key West Boats to control the narrative on how the features of their boats are introduced to customers and dealerships. Our team handles all filming, photography, voiceover casting/recording, and script supervising.”
“We capture video and photography in tandem on every shoot, maximizing the content created for Key West Boats while ensuring seamless visual continuity across their campaigns. From high-energy action shots on the water to detailed stills that highlight craftsmanship, our photography helps their boats jump off the page.”
“Our work with Kiawah River captures the distinct blend of upscale living and untamed Lowcountry beauty. As the community has grown—especially with the addition of The Dunlin, a luxury boutique hotel—our content has evolved to reflect that elevated aesthetic while staying rooted in the raw, authentic spirit of the Sea Islands.
“From the women behind Kiawah River Farms to local fishing guides and the community’s own Chief Environmental Officer, we focus on the people who bring Kiawah River to life. Their stories reflect the spirit of the Lowcountry—deeply connected to the land, the water, and each other. Showcasing these voices adds depth and authenticity to the brand, reminding viewers that Kiawah River is more than a destination—it’s a community.”
With just one day to capture each film, every moment on set was purposeful. To keep the interviews intimate and authentic, we opted for audio-only recordings—removing the barriers of cameras and lights so that our storytellers could speak freely, without distraction. This approach allowed for deeply personal and conversational narratives, bringing raw emotion to the forefront. Visually, we ensured the series felt cohesive and intentional by utilizing a consistent approach to natural lighting, camera movement, and framing across all locations. We embraced the environment of each location, using soft, available light whenever possible to create an organic, timeless feel. More than just a production, this project was a privilege. We were lucky to have the opportunity to share these voices, honoring the past through powerful storytelling that will resonate for years to come
The heart of storytelling truly comes together in post-production. With each interview rich in emotion and history, the greatest challenge was distilling hours of footage into under two minutes per film—ensuring every second carried weight and meaning. We maintained a cohesive feel through pacing and tone, letting each story unfold with a natural rhythm that honored its history while keeping the audience engaged. Thoughtful transitions, the intentional use of ambient sound, and a unified visual style tied the series together, creating a seamless and immersive experience. Every cut was made with care, shaping a final product that was as impactful as it was cinematic
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