Annual Gala Film for Pease Park Conservancy

Austin Nonprofit Video Production

Each year, Pease Park Conservancy brings together supporters, donors, and community leaders for its annual fundraising gala. As part of that event, StoryChef Media produces a short film that highlights the people, purpose, and future of one of Austin’s most beloved public spaces. This year’s film marked a major milestone: Pease Park’s 150th anniversary.

Project Overview

This project involved producing the annual gala film for Pease Park Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Pease Park in Austin, Texas. The video was created to anchor their fundraising gala, helping guests connect emotionally with the park’s impact, the volunteers who sustain it, and the vision guiding its next chapter.

The film premiered live during the gala and was later repurposed for ongoing donor engagement, digital campaigns, and community storytelling.

The Challenge

Pease Park has a long and meaningful history in Austin, but telling that story in a way that feels alive—not archival—was the real challenge. The film needed to honor 150 years of legacy while still feeling relevant, forward-looking, and personal.

The audience already cared about the park. The goal wasn’t to explain what Pease Park is—it was to remind people why it matters, and why continued support directly shapes its future.

Strategy & Creative Approach

Our approach centered on people over place.

Rather than leaning on sweeping park visuals alone, the story was driven by the voices of volunteers and community members who actively shape Pease Park today. Their experiences became the bridge between the park’s history and its future.

The structure was designed for a live gala setting:

• Clear emotional arc

• Tight pacing

• Moments of reflection balanced with momentum

Every creative decision was made to ensure the film would land in a room full of supporters—without feeling like a highlight reel or a recap.

Production & Execution

Production focused on capturing authentic interviews paired with purposeful b-roll throughout the park. Filming emphasized real moments: volunteers at work, visitors enjoying the space, and details that reflect the care and intention behind the conservancy’s efforts.

The shoot was designed to be efficient and respectful of the park environment, while still allowing for cinematic visuals that elevated the story for a large-screen gala experience.

Post-Production & Storytelling

In post-production, the edit focused on clarity and emotional flow. Interview soundbites were carefully selected to reflect both pride in the park’s history and optimism for what’s ahead.

Music, pacing, and visual rhythm were all shaped to support the story—not distract from it. The final film was crafted to feel intentional, warm, and grounded in community rather than production polish for its own sake.

Results & Impact

The film premiered during Pease Park Conservancy’s annual gala and served as a central storytelling piece for the evening. It helped reinforce the organization’s mission, celebrate the 150-year milestone, and frame the importance of ongoing support.

Following the event, the video continued to provide value as a reusable asset for donor communications and digital storytelling—extending its impact well beyond the gala itself.

Why This Type of Video Works

Annual gala films are especially effective for nonprofits because they combine emotion, mission, and momentum in a short window of attention.

For organizations like Pease Park Conservancy, this style of video:

• Strengthens donor connection

• Humanizes impact through real voices

• Creates a shared emotional moment in the room

When done well, it doesn’t feel like fundraising—it feels like belonging.

About the Production Team

This project was produced by StoryChef Media, a video production and video marketing agency based in Austin, Texas. We specialize in story-driven films for nonprofits, brands, and organizations that need more than just good visuals—they need clarity, connection, and purpose.