NAVAD Bakers & Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
In today’s digital world, video is one of the most powerful tools for storytelling. It has the ability to capture authenticity, share experiences, and connect audiences with a brand’s mission. Recently, I had the opportunity to create a short-form video for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses of Rhode Island, featuring Guy Hanuka, owner of NAVAD Bakers in Providence.
Capturing a Story with the Right Tools
For this project, I used my iPhone to capture the video. That might sound surprising, but the reality is that the best camera is the one that fits the moment. Over the years, I’ve built an extensive toolkit, and sometimes a lightweight, mobile approach is the best fit. Many of the videos we watch daily—from news segments to social media content—are shot on smartphones. But what separates a casual phone video from a professional one is experience, lighting, and sound.
Low Production, High Impact
This wasn’t a large-scale production with a full crew. It was just me, a few team members from 10,000 Small Businesses, and Hanuka at his bakery. My goal was to capture the essence of NAVAD Bakers—its energy, passion, and journey. To do this, I followed a simple yet effective structure:
B-Roll Footage – I captured the daily rhythm of the bakery: ovens opening, fresh Middle Eastern pastries being prepared, and their team interacting.
Interview with Guy – His story was the heart of the video. He spoke about how 10,000 Small Businesses helped him shift from being a baker to a business owner, learning how to run his company with strategy and confidence.
Professional Post-Production – Even though it was shot on an iPhone, I treated the video with the same care as any other production. I enhanced the visuals, incorporated music, lower thirds, and logos, and formatted the video in horizontal and vertical versions for different platforms, including Instagram.
The Power of Storytelling in Business
NAVAD Bakers specializes in authentic Middle Eastern baked goods, but Hanuka's journey is about more than just food—it’s about growth. As he shared in the video:
“I’ve been a baker for 15 years, but business is not necessarily my strongest muscle. I wanted to open my own bakery, and I didn’t necessarily know if I was doing it right. The 10KSB program gave me the foundation of business and understanding how to do things properly.”
Hearing stories like Hanuka's is always inspiring to me. As a visual storyteller, my role is to help small businesses like NAVAD share their passion, struggles, and success in a way that connects with their audience.
Why Short-Form Video Matters
Short-form video is one of the most effective ways to reach audiences today. It’s versatile, easy to share, and can be adapted to different platforms. This type of production is perfect for:
Social media marketing
Client testimonials
Behind-the-scenes insights
Event highlights
With the right approach, even a simple iPhone video can feel polished and professional. It’s not about the camera—it’s about the story, lighting, sound, and editing.
