Covid-19 has changed everything about, well - everything. The ripples and side effects of the pandemic continue to surprise when brought to one’s attention. More and more, Bottle Tree is being asked to help translate once in-person events into virtual experiences - and no one is hit harder by these changes than non-profits and community organizations who depend on these fundraisers. Now, more than ever, social safety nets are needed to help those who find themselves in need - in a world where nothing can be counted on as it once was.

Most recently, we were brought for one such project with our good friends, MassAV. We’ve done a handful of live events with MassAV throughout the Pandemic, and we were excited at the prospect of helping to capture the story of Community Servings with them. We were tasked with a quick turn around, 2 day shoot - to gather as much footage on location as possible, weaving in interview content with the various staff members of the organization - all stitched together by their host, CEO David Waters. The program was put together and lead by MassAV Executive Producer, Leo Bonarrigo and Senior Video Producer Jason Kershner. Due to Covid restrictions, that we whole-heartedly agree with - we are unable to crew shoots like this the way we have done in the past. These days, multiple roles need to be filled on set by far fewer people. We’re fortunate to have an amazing production crew, who were able to capture beautiful images on a small budget - lead by our Director of Photography, Dylan Law - alongside camera operator and AC, Alex Lopez. Bottle Tree’s Creative Director, Alex Enman, lead the edit. Below is an excerpt from the LifeSavor 2020 Virtual Event.

The gliding B-Roll shots were captured with a Ronin-S Gimbal and the Panasonic GH5. Interviews were shot with the Sony FX-9.

Valerie Machinist - Manager of Nutrition Service, Community Servings

An excerpt from the full LifeSavor 2020 program.
Executive Producer: Leo Banarrigo
Producer: Jason Kershner
Director of Photography: Dylan Law
Editor: Alex Enman
Coordinator: Dan Gruenpeter
Camera Operator: Alex Lopez

The piece was challenging to put together, as we only had a week or so to finalize a 30min live to tape fundraising event. MassAV was able to conduct a number of interviews remotely that filled the stories out. Through a few versions we molded the story arch and shaved the fat, ending up with a wonderful piece that shares a little insight into the current food shortages patients in Massachusetts are facing. Not to mention how difficult it is for immunocompromised people to maintain specialized diets.

It’s always eye opening to hear the stories of these organizations - Community Servings started 30 years ago, helping just a handful of HIV patients during a similar time of disease, fear, and confusion. Today, they’re making tens of thousands of meals a week for patients of all kinds across the state - during a similar time of need. We’re proud to have helped tell their story and raise money for such a great cause.

Though the event has streamed already, it’s still available for viewing - and, more importantly, donations. Visit www.LifeSavor.org to support a great New England organization that is helping so many people in need, with really incredible food

Alex Enman | Creative Director