Shooting on the Water: How We Brought Alumacraft’s Story to Life on Lake Vermilion
Last summer was one of those seasons that reminds you why you fell in love with visual storytelling in the first place.
At Oak & Glen, we had the privilege of producing a series of cinematic videos for Alumacraft Boats Inc. on the pristine waters of Lake Vermilion. What began as a creative brief became a project rich with meaning, breathtaking scenery, and the kind of camaraderie only an early morning shoot on the lake can forge.
Why Lake Vermilion? Why Alumacraft?
Lake Vermilion — with its miles of glassy water, towering pines, and shifting light — isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a character in its own right. For a brand like Alumacraft, where every boat carries a legacy of durability, heritage, and outdoor adventure, this setting was more than beautiful — it was the perfect canvas.
Our goal wasn’t just to show boats on water. It was to capture a feeling — the quiet anticipation before the first cast, the hum of an outboard at sunrise, and the unspoken bond between boat, angler, and the wild place they share.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Series
This wasn’t a one-day shoot. It was a coordinated effort involving a team of passionate creatives:
Matt Williamson – Producer (Strait Productions)
Thomas Cusciotta III – Creative Director
Mike Menne – Producer
John Linn – Still Photographer
Marko Zitzer – Cinematographer & Editor
Jake Gyllen – Camera Assistant
Jon Sherf - Assistant Editor
Taylor Lewin – Sound Design
Each person brought not just skills — but years of experience. We spent long hours capturing footage at dawn and dusk to harness that golden light Lake Vermilion delivers in spades. We listened to fishermen recall silent mornings and epic hauls. We chased shifting shadows and reflected storylines through ripples on the water.
More Than Footage — Capturing a Legacy
What makes Alumacraft special isn’t just how boats are built — it’s why. Since 1946, anglers, guides, and families alike have trusted these boats. They’re crafted with precision, pride, and that unmistakable blend of durability and grace.
In our videos, you’ll hear:
“The water remembers…”
It remembers the first cast, the first fish, every lesson, every unspoken bond between a boat, a lake, and the ones who share it.”
That narrative — poetic, evocative, true — became the heart of the video. It’s more than a script. It’s a philosophy.
Lessons from the Lake
Producing on Lake Vermilion wasn’t without challenges — unpredictable weather, changing light, and remote logistics tested our planning. But those challenges taught us something fundamental: the best stories come from responsiveness, respect for your environment, and trust in your team.
Here’s what we took away:
Listen first. Let the environment and the cultural context guide creative decisions.
Collaborate deeply. A well-synchronized team makes the logistics seamless and the creativity richer.
Be patient with light. Natural settings reward patience — especially at golden hour.
Looking Forward
This series reminded us why we do what we do — to bring stories into focus, beautifully and honestly. At Oak & Glen, we thrive at the intersection of craft and culture. And when a project lets us explore both — like this one — it becomes something special.
If you’re curious to see how storytelling rooted in real places and real people can elevate your brand, let’s talk.