Concrete Stories
Finding poetry in the industrial landscapes of working cities
Production
- Role
- Director / Operator / Editor
- Format
- Horizontal / Real
- Year
- 2024
- Tools
- Sony FX6DJI Mavic 3 ProDaVinci ResolveAfter Effects
The scene
Concrete Stories is an observational documentary that finds beauty in places most people overlook: factories at twilight, power lines against dramatic skies, the rhythm of industrial work. The project challenges the notion that documentary beauty belongs only to nature.
The challenge
Gaining access to industrial sites required months of negotiation with facility managers concerned about safety and proprietary processes. Shooting at twilight meant extremely limited windows of optimal light, often just 20-30 minutes per day.
The process
Each location was visited multiple times to understand its rhythms and identify the most visually compelling moments. Drone footage provided the sweeping context shots, while handheld work captured the intimate details of machines, workers, and materials. The final edit interweaves the industrial and the human, revealing the people who animate these spaces.
Visual approach
A deliberately desaturated palette with rich, moody skies providing the primary color element. Industrial structures are shot as if they were cathedrals -- with reverence for their scale and geometry. The warm-cool contrast between artificial light and twilight sky creates a consistent visual tension.
The documentary screened at 2 regional film festivals and was acquired for educational streaming. It has been praised for its unique perspective on urban landscapes and its respectful portrayal of industrial workers.
Edit rhythm
Research & Story
Finding the question worth asking. Subject research, visual references, location scouting.
The Shoot
Camera, light, and performance. Capturing the raw material with intention.
The Cut
Building rhythm in the timeline. Structure, pacing, and the moments between moments.
Grade & Delivery
Color science, sound design, and final output. The film finds its atmosphere.
