There’s something uniquely satisfying about donning a hard hat and high-vis vest and stepping onto an industrial site. Seeing large-scale operations up close and meeting the people who build the world around us is one of the most exciting parts of our work at Dream Engine. But before we start filming, we place a strong focus on both safety and creative planning.
Safety First
When we’re filming a construction video in Melbourne, safety always comes first. Before every shoot, we conduct a detailed risk assessment to identify any hazards and determine what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required. Often that’s as simple as closed-toe shoes and high-visibility vests. On active sites, it may include hard hats, gloves, and steel-capped boots. Sunscreen and hydration are just as important, especially during outdoor shoots.
Every workplace has its own safety procedures, and it’s our responsibility to understand them. We complete safety inductions, note emergency exits, and ask questions to ensure we’re fully briefed before filming begins. This preparation not only keeps our crew safe but ensures we respect the client’s work environment.
Our Approach to Industrial Video
Once safety is covered, we focus on understanding the site and the story. We talk to the people who know the operation best to learn what’s most important to capture. Knowing how the site runs and how machinery operates helps us plan where to spend our time and what visual elements to highlight.
Before rolling the camera, we scout the best angles and vantage points to show scale and movement. Lighting large spaces can be challenging, so we plan shoots around the time of day that offers the best natural light. The goal is to present the site in a way that feels authentic yet cinematic.
Equipment
Industrial shoots often involve large areas and a lot of walking, so mobility matters. Our preferred camera is the Sony FX3 — lightweight, compact, and capable of producing high-quality cinematic footage. We pair it with a Miller Air tripod for stability and a DJI Ronin gimbal for smooth motion shots. This combination gives us the flexibility to move quickly while maintaining professional production quality.
Keep it Versatile
Our Lowepro backpack holds a range of lenses to cover every scenario. A 16–35mm wide-angle lens captures the full scope of a site. A 50mm prime is ideal for close-ups of workers and details. For fine detail and distant subjects, we bring a 70–200mm telephoto or 100mm macro lens.
We also use GoPros with vehicle or machine mounts to capture unique perspectives that would be difficult or unsafe with a handheld camera. Mounting a GoPro on heavy machinery or vehicles in motion provides dynamic shots that bring energy to the final video. For projects showing extended processes, such as our work with Solar Systems, we use time-lapse footage to illustrate progress and efficiency over time.
At Dream Engine, we’ve filmed in factories, workshops, construction sites, and warehouses across Australia. We understand the balance between safety, efficiency, and creativity. Our goal is always to capture the scale, precision, and human skill that drive industrial work: creating videos that showcase not just what you do, but how you do it.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne-based video production company established in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, Ryan has helped leading Australian businesses, government departments, and non-profits communicate their message with clarity and impact through video. He’s known for his strategic approach, reliable process, and commitment to producing videos that deliver measurable results.
