City of Oakley: Celebrating 25 Years Trailer | Content Creation for Local Government & Nonprofits
Celebrating 25 Years of Oakley
This year marks a big milestone for the City of Oakley as it celebrates its 25th anniversary of incorporation. I had the honor of being commissioned to create a special video trailer featuring six residents, each from different generations. The goal was not only to celebrate the anniversary but also to highlight the unique experiences and stories of these residents.
Bringing Heritage to Life
Oakley has a rich heritage that goes back to its early settlers. One of the main aims of the video was to show how those settlers lived and the challenges they faced before Oakley officially became a city. The effort to incorporate the city showed the strong community spirit and determination of its residents. Since then, community-building efforts have shaped Oakley into the vibrant community it is today.
Creating the Video
We kicked off the production phase with a meeting with the city team. This was crucial for deciding who to interview, scheduling those interviews, and outlining the themes and stories that would drive the video. We filmed the interviews at City Center Park, Oakley Recreation Building, and one of Oakley’s scenic vineyards to capture the essence of the city.
B-roll footage was essential, showcasing some city events like the lively Friday Night Bites, the 25th Anniversary Parade, and Summerfest. We also captured the beauty of Oakley’s vineyards, marina, and parks to depict the city's diverse environment.
The Editing Process
Editing started with a thorough review of the interviews and creating transcriptions. By evaluating these interviews, common themes emerged, which were crucial in weaving a cohesive and impactful narrative. This process ensured the video resonated deeply with the community and effectively highlighted Oakley's journey over the past 25 years.
Goals and Impact
From Oakley's perspective, the primary goal was to bring awareness to the city's rich heritage and the residents' quality of life. The video aimed to boost the city’s online presence and engagement with current residents while attracting potential new residents and visitors.
For me, this project was a great opportunity to showcase my skills as a content creator and videographer. It also allowed me to demonstrate the behind-the-scenes efforts involved in creating such a meaningful project. Storytelling is a powerful tool for local governments, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, and this video illustrates how compelling content can strengthen community bonds and drive engagement.
Looking Forward
Creating this video for Oakley’s 25th anniversary has been an enriching experience. As we look ahead, I’m excited about the potential for new projects and collaborations. If your organization wants to tell its unique story, I’m here to help create compelling and impactful content. I invite you to watch the video trailer, share your thoughts, and reach out if you’re interested in creating your own storytelling project. Here’s to celebrating Oakley's past, present, and future together!