Finding the Story in Every Place: A Filmmaker’s Approach to Travel Content

Over the course of my life, I’ve travelled to 20+ countries. I’ve carried my camera with me across the U.S., Costa Rica, Ireland, Croatia, Hungary, India, Armenia, Estonia, and more. My Blackmagic Pocket 6K has been a constant companion, capturing everything from bustling city streets to quiet, off-the-beaten-path moments. Travel has been a part of my life from the very beginning…my parents were avid travelers, and they instilled a love of exploring the world in me.

For me, traveling is about experiencing a place like a local, immersing myself in the culture, and finding the magic that makes each location unique. This is how I approach travel filmmaking…what I’ve learned from years on the road and behind the camera.

Learn Before You Shoot

Before I arrive anywhere, I try to learn as much as I can about the history, culture, and even a bit of the language. This research shapes how I approach filming and storytelling, helping me see a destination beyond the surface. Once I’m there, I continue learning…visiting museums, attending cultural events, getting lost in the neighborhoods, shopping in small stores, and seeking out everyday experiences.

One of my favorite lessons in this comes from Zagreb, Croatia. At first glance, the city seemed unremarkable compared to Budapest, where I’d just been. But as I spent time wandering the streets, trying pastries from local shops, cooking a meal with groceries I bought nearby, and exploring quirky museums, I fell in love. By the end of my two weeks there, Zagreb had completely captured my heart.

Finding the Story

Every destination tells a story…it’s just a matter of finding it. Some places captivate you immediately; others are slow burns. As a storyteller, I’m constantly observing, listening, and sensing the mood of a place. This instinct shapes how I frame my shots, what I choose to highlight, and the emotional tone I aim to convey in my videos.

Capturing a variety of shots is essential. Wide shots can showcase a cityscape, but detailed, intimate moments bring a location to life. Texture, color, movement, and people all tell parts of the story. The more thoughtfully you capture these elements, the more authentic and compelling the final piece will feel.

Travel Gear That Works

I bring high-quality gear that’s practical for travel, but nothing flashy that draws unnecessary attention. My Blackmagic Pocket 6K paired with a couple of reliable lenses lets me capture cinematic footage without the risk or hassle of large, conspicuous rigs. I also prioritize backups. Losing my camera would be sad, but losing my footage would be devastating, so I make sure to back everything up constantly.

Connecting With People

Some of the most vibrant stories come from the people you meet along the way. I talk to locals, visit small businesses, and keep an eye out for unique stories. Once, I ended up shooting a mini promo video for a food stand on a beach in Costa Rica…an entirely spontaneous project that resulted in something memorable. You never know what fascinating encounters are waiting just around the corner.

The Takeaway

For me, travel filmmaking is as much about curiosity and connection as it is about gear or technique. By immersing yourself in a place, understanding its culture and history, and instinctively seeking out stories, you can create content that’s authentic, engaging, and meaningful. Every destination has magic, you just have to find it.

Every place has a story waiting to be told. At eXNk Productions, our team of storytellers, led by an award-winning cinematographer and director, crafts high-quality travel content that captures the essence of a destination. We don’t just film; we find the story, shape it visually, and bring it to life with cinematic storytelling that resonates.