As a filmmaker, I’m always excited to work on local business spotlights, especially when it involves capturing something as fun as dogs getting pampered. Recently, I had the opportunity to film a new project for Dog Watch Hidden Fences of Southeastern Michigan, highlighting their latest addition—a self-service dog washing station at their boutique store in downtown Brighton.
Pete Black Plumbing, my full-time client, handled the installation of the dog wash, and it was great to feature both Dog Watch and Pete Black’s contribution in this video. Watching the Pete Black team bring their expertise to a project like this, where they help a local business expand, is always inspiring. And, of course, we got to film some adorable dogs using the wash, which made for an entertaining shoot.
Now, as fun as filming dogs is, capturing footage inside a local business comes with its own set of challenges. Most stores, like Dog Watch, have a lot of fluorescent lighting, which gives off that infamous green hue. Add in the natural light streaming through the windows, and you have a mix of lighting that’s tough to manage on a smaller budget. For bigger shoots, I’d usually have a flag kit on hand to block and control the light, but for local business spotlights, we work with what we’ve got. The trick is to use every resource and bit of time wisely to create the best product possible.
Despite the productions limitations, we made it work. The dogs looked great, the dog wash station worked well, and the collaboration between Dog Watch and Pete Black Plumbing came through perfectly on film. Capturing how these two businesses came together to serve their community made the project even more meaningful.
I love working with Pete Black Plumbing, not just because of their professionalism, but because they genuinely care about helping other local businesses grow. It’s that passion that translates on camera, and it’s a story I’m proud to tell through my lens. It’s true, in tough times they’ve even helped me out.
If you haven’t checked out the new self-service dog wash at Dog Watch Hidden Fences yet, stop by their Brighton location. Whether you’re there for the pet fencing systems or to give your dog a quick wash, it’s clear that local businesses like these are thriving, thanks to strong partnerships and a commitment to community.
This project is another example of what can happen when local businesses come together to help each other out. Plus, who doesn’t love filming cute dogs? All photos below taken by Brandon Damon.
