Hudson Valley Cannabis: Growing a New Legacy

Documentary Series Proposal for Hudsy.tv

Project Overview

A documentary series exploring the emerging cannabis industry in New York's Hudson Valley through intimate portraits of farmers, business owners, and their communities. This series will capture the historic transformation of the region's agricultural landscape while highlighting the personal journeys of those pioneering this new frontier.

Series Format

6-8 episode series
Each episode: 22-25 minutes
Release schedule: Weekly or bi-weekly
Complementary photo essays and extended interviews for digital platform

Production Approach

Visual Style

Primary coverage using two-camera documentary interview setups
Cinema verité style facility tours and community interactions
Environmental portraits shot on medium format digital
Atmospheric B-roll of farming operations and Hudson Valley landscapes
Natural lighting emphasized with minimal supplemental lighting

Interview Strategy

In-depth personal histories of owners and key staff
Focus on their transition into cannabis industry
Family farming legacy connections
Community impact and relationships
Regulatory and business challenges
Future vision for the industry

Episode Structure

Opening Sequence
- Aerial establishing shots of Hudson Valley
- Introduction to featured farm/facility
- Meet episode's primary subject(s)
Personal Story
- Background and journey to cannabis farming
- Family history in agriculture (if applicable)
- Key turning points and decisions
Facility Tour
- Growing operations
- Unique approaches and techniques
- Sustainability practices
- Quality control measures
Community Context
- Local economic impact
- Neighbor relationships
- Municipal/town perspective
- Regional industry development
Looking Forward
- Future plans and aspirations
- Industry challenges and opportunities
- Vision for Hudson Valley cannabis

Production Requirements

Technical Equipment

Camera Package

2x Fujifilm X-Pro3 bodies
- Perfect for both documentary video and high-quality stills
- Discrete form factor ideal for intimate documentary work
- Classic film simulation options for consistent look
Lens Kit:
- Wide zoom (e.g., 16-55mm f/2.8) for environmental shots
- Portrait lens (e.g., 56mm f/1.2) for interviews
- Macro option for detail shots of plants
Support:
- 2x lightweight tripods for interviews
- Monopod for mobile shooting
- Shoulder rig/stabilization for walking shots

Audio Package

2x wireless lavalier systems
Shotgun microphone with boom pole
Field recorder (e.g., Zoom F6 or Sound Devices)
Backup recorder
Headphones for director and sound recordist

Lighting

2-3 compact LED panels
Bounce/diffusion materials
Battery solutions
Small grip kit for modifying available light

Storage/Media

Multiple SD cards per camera
Portable backup drive
Card reader
iPad/laptop for field backups

[Rest of proposal remains the same]

Production Schedule

Pre-production: 6 weeks
Principal photography: 12 weeks
Post-production: 16 weeks
Total project timeline: 34 weeks

Crew Requirements

Director/Producer
Director of Photography
Sound Recordist
Production Assistant
Editor
Motion Graphics Designer
Color Grader

Deliverables

6-8 complete episodes
Photo essays for each featured business
Extended interview transcripts
Behind-the-scenes content
Social media cutdowns
Promotional stills

Target Audience

Hudson Valley residents
Cannabis industry professionals
Agricultural community
Small business owners
Documentary enthusiasts
New York State policy makers

Distribution Strategy

Primary: Hudsy.tv platform
Secondary: Film festivals
Educational screenings
Industry events
Social media platforms

Impact Goals

Document this historic transition in Hudson Valley agriculture
Humanize cannabis industry professionals
Educate viewers about regulated cannabis cultivation
Preserve personal stories of industry pioneers
Create dialogue between cannabis businesses and communities
Showcase economic development in the region

Budget Range

$80,000 - $125,000 total production budget

Pre-production: 15%
Production: 45%
Post-production: 30%
Marketing/Distribution: 10%

Potential Funding Sources

Hudsy.tv production budget
New York State film grants
Cannabis industry sponsorship
Agricultural organizations
Crowdfunding campaign
Regional economic development funds

Initial Production Timeline

Month 1-2: Research and pre-production
Month 3-5: Principal photography
Month 6-7: Edit and rough cuts
Month 8: Final post-production
Month 9: Marketing and release

Unique Value Proposition

This series offers an unprecedented look at a transformative moment in Hudson Valley agriculture through a human-centered lens. By focusing on the personal stories behind the cannabis industry's emergence, we create an authentic narrative that resonates with both local audiences and broader viewers interested in this historic shift in American agriculture and culture.

Pre Production Phase

Pre-Production Phase 1: Building Your Case (2-3 weeks)

Research all licensed cannabis farms in Hudson Valley through:
- NY State database of licensed cultivators
- Local news coverage
- Industry associations
- Social media presence
- Local business networks
Create concise outreach email template:

Subject: Documentary Project - Hudson Valley Cannabis Pioneers

Hi [Name],

I'm a Hudson Valley filmmaker documenting our region's cannabis industry pioneers. Your farm caught my attention because [specific detail].

I'd love to meet for coffee and discuss potentially featuring [Farm Name] in this project. We're planning intimate portraits of the people shaping this historic moment in NY agriculture.

Brief chat this week to explore the idea?

Best,
[Your Name]

Cast wide net: Contact 10-15 farms in first wave
- Track responses in spreadsheet
- Follow up after 3 days
- Phone calls after second email
- Goal: secure 3-4 interested farms

Pre-Production Phase 2: Building Your Team (Parallel to Phase 1)

Post crew search in:
- Hudson Valley Film Workers Facebook group
- Hudson Valley Film Commission contacts
- Local film school networks
- Personal network
Crew needs:
- DP comfortable with X-Pro3s, documentary style
- Sound recordist with own basic kit
- Both must have:
  - Own transportation
  - Documentary experience
  - Flexible schedule
  - Interest in long-term project

Strategic Decision Point:

Option A - Pitch to Hudsy First:

Advantages:

Potential funding for pilot
Official backing helps with farm access
Professional credibility
Equipment/resource access

Disadvantages:

Longer timeline to start
Less creative control initially
More stakeholders to manage

Option B - Shoot Pilot First (Recommended):

Advantages:

Complete creative control
Faster start
Proof of concept for pitch
Real footage to show farms
Better negotiating position
Can test workflow and style

Pre-Production Phase 3: Pilot Shoot Planning

Choose most visually interesting/accessible farm
Create detailed shot list:
- Two-camera interview setup
- Facility tour coverage
- Process documentation
- Environmental elements
- Town/community context
Tech prep:
- Test both X-Pro3s in similar conditions
- Check all audio gear
- Prep memory cards/batteries
- Plan backup solutions

Production Day (8-10 hours):

Morning:

Crew arrival 1 hour before subject
Camera tests
Audio checks
Interview setup
Subject prep/comfortable chat

Mid-day:

Main interview (2 cameras)
Quick review of key moments
Break for lunch
Facility tour planning

Afternoon:

B-roll coverage
Process shots
Environmental footage
Quick pickup shots
Backup footage onsite

Post-Production:

Immediate backup of all footage
Quick assembly of key moments (1-2 days)
Rough cut of pilot (1-2 weeks)
Polish with basic color/sound (1 week)
Create 2-minute trailer

NOW pitch to Hudsy:

Meeting request with:
- 2-minute trailer
- Pilot episode rough cut
- Detailed series proposal
- Budget breakdown
- Production timeline
- Additional farm commitments
- Crew bios
- Distribution strategy

Why this order works:

Pilot proves concept
Shows production value
Demonstrates subject access
Proves crew capability
Real budget understanding
Clear style established

Red Flags to Watch For:

Technical:
- Audio issues in farms (machinery)
- Lighting challenges in grow rooms
- Data management with two cameras
- Weather impacts
Logistical:
- Last-minute schedule changes
- Access restrictions
- Time limitations
- Crew availability conflicts
Creative:
- Subject comfort level
- Story clarity
- Visual consistency
- Narrative flow

Essential Prep Items:

Releases for:
- Location
- Subjects
- Staff members
- Music (if used)
Insurance for:
- Equipment
- Liability
- Crew
Shot List Priorities:
- Interview (primary)
- Process shots
- Environmental
- Details
- Community context