FAQ
Questions, answered.
Everything about the Blueprint Workshop, pricing, timelines, and how a project actually runs.
Our Philosophy & Approach
What makes Modern Story different from a traditional video production company?
We’re a strategic filmmaking partner, not just a video vendor. Led by Jason, a former Executive Chef at Restaurant Associates (Compass Group), we bring a deep understanding of operational pressure and craft to every project. We don’t just hit record — we use our signature Blueprint Workshop to architect stories that align with your business goals. We focus on authentic, documentary-style filmmaking that elevates brand perception for foodservice, education, and purpose-driven organizations.
We’re a non-profit or school. Do you only work with foodservice?
While our roots are in the culinary world, we bring that same human-centered, documentary-style approach to education and purpose-driven organizations. Whether it’s a school looking to boost enrollment or a non-profit driving donor engagement, we uncover the authentic narratives that build trust and move people to action.
Do you use scripts and actors for your films?
It depends on the goal. Our signature work is documentary-style — real people in real environments — because authentic stories build trust and outlast polished ones. That’s our default for brand films and chef stories. But we’re pragmatic: for formats like corporate training, a script and professional talent often serve you better. A trained actor delivers a clearer, more consistent performance than an on-camera employee, and keeps the instruction precise. Real people when authenticity earns trust; scripts and actors when polish and precision matter more — we match the method to the objective.
The Blueprint & Process
What is the Blueprint Workshop?
The Blueprint Workshop is our mandatory, two-hour collaborative strategy session held before any production begins. We identify the core business challenge you’re trying to solve and develop a content roadmap based on the Four Pillars of Story: Purpose, People, Plot, and Place. If the workshop doesn’t deliver complete clarity and direction for your project, we offer a full refund.
How long does a typical project take from start to finish?
Most comprehensive storytelling projects take between 6 to 10 weeks from the initial Blueprint Workshop to final delivery. This timeline ensures we have the time for deep discovery, cinematic production, and meticulous editing to deliver a high-impact asset.
How much time will this require from our leadership team?
We deeply respect your time. Because our founder spent years in high-pressure kitchens, we know how to operate with minimal disruption. We require your leadership’s focus for the 2-hour Blueprint Workshop and structured review sessions. Beyond that, we handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on running your organization.
Location & Investment
Where are you located, and do you travel for projects?
Modern Story is proudly based in Pennsylvania, with deep ties to the Philadelphia area and New York City. However, we operate on a national scale, and frequently travel across the country to capture stories on-site for our hospitality, education, and corporate clients.
How much does a strategic filmmaking project cost?
Because we architect custom strategic solutions rather than selling generic “video packages,” our engagements are tailored to your specific goals and distribution needs. Every partnership begins with the Blueprint Workshop. From there, we provide a comprehensive proposal with clear options that align with your budget and intended ROI.
We have an in-house marketing team. Do you handle distribution?
We focus on strategy and high-end cinematic production. We deliver your hero films, social cutdowns, and training modules optimized for each platform, then partner with your internal team or media agency — providing them the visual assets they need to execute your broader campaign.
Legal & Deliverables
Who owns the rights to the final video content?
Transparency is key. Upon final payment, our clients receive full licensing rights to use the delivered films across their designated digital, social, and internal platforms. Modern Story retains the right to feature the work in our portfolio. Detailed intellectual property and usage rights are clearly outlined in our service agreements.
Do we get the raw footage along with the final videos?
Our standard engagements deliver fully finished, cinematic films that reflect your brand’s highest standards. Raw, unedited footage is generally not provided as it’s an unfinished product. However, if your team requires a library of archival b-roll for ongoing internal use, raw footage licensing can be discussed during the Blueprint phase.
How do we start a project with Modern Story?
It starts with a conversation. Reach out through our Contact page to schedule a 20-minute Discovery Call. We’ll discuss your current challenges and determine if our strategic storytelling approach is the right fit to move your organization forward.
Still Wondering?