'Specialty' ~ a Wellington Coffee Documentary

WATCH THE TRAILER ABOVE

The Project:

As a product, an industry, and a social pastime, coffee is intrinsic to Wellington’s culture.

With dozens of local roasteries, hundreds of cafes serving specialty coffee, and thousands of Wellingtonians partaking in the ritual of daily consumption- coffee is woven into the very fabric of the city.

This four-part documentary series will explore Wellington coffee genesis, its history, and its present-day culture. As we meet a range of brilliant coffee minds from across the industry, hearing their unique stories, the series will also shine a light on the social, financial, and environmental factors that continue to shape coffee production and consumption in New Zealand.

Science meets art meets Kiwi entrepreneurial spirit.

This is Specialty. This is Wellington Coffee.

Why This Story?

The New Zealand hospitality industry is continuing to recover from and adapt to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. From significant changes to consumer behavior, closures to iconic establishments, staffing shortages, and economic inflation, the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt throughout the sector.

Simultaneously, the international coffee industry is at a financial crossroads. With the cost of green beans rising more than 100% since the beginning of 2020, and climate change creating smaller and less reliable coffee-yields, the entire coffee ecosystem is at risk.

Despite all this, however, the average coffee consumer does not recognise the fragility of their local coffee industry. Most coffee drinkers are relatively uninformed about both the product itself, and the varied elements that go into facilitating the wider cultural institution they so regularly enjoy. This documentary has the potential to change that.

‘Specialty’ will capture the Wellington coffee zeitgeist like never before, providing a hi-spec, gripping, behind-the-scenes look at the industry- to entertain, educate, and celebrate. Think Chef’s Table, but Wellington coffee’s way.

Key Creative Team:

Director & Co-producer: James Ladanyi
Co-producer: Ana Caicedo Macia
Director of Photography & Co-producer: Samuel Austin

Rollout / Distribution:

‘Specialty’ will be partially premiered at an in-person public event in Wellington in August 2024. Following this event, the full documentary series will eventually be available to view online for free. This project has community at the core of its kaupapa and will, therefore, be made as accessible to as many people as possible.

Your Help:

We seek to raise $15,000 to cover the production costs to create this documentary series.

We have already successfully raised $5,000 in seed funding, thanks to the support of Wellington City Council, via its Arts & Culture Fund in late 2023. This $5,000 will be used to cover a portion of our personnel costs, as well as our post-production costs. Your financial support will help us to pay for the following additional costs:

Personnel Fees: $8,000
Camera, Lens, & Lighting Gear Hire: $2,850
Sound Gear Hire: $600
Crew Catering: $560
Van Hire: $300
10% to Boosted: $1,500
12.5% NZ taxes: *about* $1,100
Total: $ 14,910 (about)

Special thanks to Tait & Willie, the visionary owners of Swimsuit Coffee, for generously sharing their time and passion with us. Our Boosted trailer was crafted with no budget, showcasing our storytelling ability with the meanest of resources. Imagine what we can create with your financial support!

Closing Comments:

This isn't just a documentary; it's an invitation to embark on a sensory adventure where science harmonizes with art, all fueled by the unmistakable Kiwi entrepreneurial spirit. Join us in celebrating the craft, the community, and the passion that is present in every cup.

Your donation will help us bring this extraordinary project to life, sharing the love and dedication that make coffee an integral part of our vibrant city. Together, let's brew up a masterpiece!

Plus, donations made by NZ income earners qualify for a 33% tax credit from the IRD with a receipt from The Arts Foundation :)