What Customer Journey Content for Rail Operators Actually Requires
Customer journey content for rail operators is a specific production challenge. It's not about finding someone who can hold a camera on a moving train — it's about finding a partner who understands what the content needs to do across every touchpoint of a journey that starts long before a passenger reaches the platform. Here's what that actually requires.
How We Helped York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruit the Region's Business Leaders — On Camera
Most public sector video briefs have a straightforward communications objective. The brief from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was different — they needed content that would persuade some of the region's most senior business leaders to join a newly formed advisory board. Here's how we approached it.
How St Leonards Hospice Turned a Communications Challenge into Content That Moved People
Most charities have a story worth telling. The harder question is how to tell it in a way that reaches beyond existing supporters and moves new audiences to act. Here's how St Leonards Hospice in York tackled that challenge — and what their approach to video content can teach any charity communications team.
From the First Cohort to the Panel: What Reignite Reminded Me About Building a Business in Yorkshire
Last night's Reignite XIV at York St John's was a reminder of how far things have come. Reflecting on the Aesthetica Creative Business Skills Academy, the founding of The Production Dept., and why York and North Yorkshire's creative economy is one worth watching.
Why Walking Holidays Are Sold by Feeling, Not Itineraries — And What That Means for Your Content
Walking holidays aren't sold by itineraries. They're sold by the feeling of being there. Here's why authentic visual content makes the difference — and why stock photography is costing walking holiday brands bookings.
Five Ways Walking Holiday Brands Can Win on Instagram in 2026
Walking holidays are booming in the UK. But are you reaching the right people? Here are five practical Instagram strategies to help your brand get found, build trust, and drive bookings in 2026.
On the Trail, On the Train, On the River: Filming Travel When You’re Part of the Trip
Filming overseas travel is different when you’re travelling as part of the trip. From walking stages to rail connections and river bends, this is how we capture the journey—challenges, rhythm, and the details that last.
2026 Travel Marketing Trends: Content That Books
A conversational field note on what’s truly driving trips in 2026—and the simple, human fixes destinations and hotels can make to turn spectators into insiders.
From Classroom to Calendar: planning that turns winter into winning content
Diary dates are opening and winter light’s still on our side. Off the back of a Selby College session, here’s how we fit with in-house teams: co-pilot the plan, sort permissions/logistics/fixers, or run end-to-end—always budget-sensible and amiable. Plan smarter, shoot calmer, get more in the can.
Walking into 2026: what the market’s saying—and how we help you act on it
September’s rising, January still converts, and travellers want slower, more meaningful walks. This market-led piece distils 2026 signals for UK walking brands and shows how The Production Dept. plugs in—scaling from a shooter + copywriter to fuller crews—so your content works harder, year-round.
December diary: shoots, sniffles, and a very chilly Santa 🎄
A proper December: a couple of cracking shoots, the winter lurgy doing the rounds—and a magic reset in Lapland (–32°C, mint). We’re lining up coffees and plans for the months ahead, plus a teaser for our “Walking into 2026” guide.
Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa: where luxury meets the wild outdoors -the perfect duo.
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa blends luxury with Lake District tranquillity. From the dramatic waterfall backdrop to the warm, attentive staff and beautifully presented dining, this 4-star retreat offers the perfect escape for those who crave comfort, scenery and a touch of timeless elegance.
Calm Paths and Autumn Colours: Best Family & Couples Walks in the Lake District
There’s something magical about autumn in the Lake District — where calm paths wind through golden fells and mirrored lakes. Join us on a peaceful walk around Derwent Water and Cat Bells, the perfect autumn escape for couples, families, and lovers of quiet beauty.
Why We Go to WTM (and the Kind of Work We Love to Do)
WTM week always reminds us why we do what we do. It’s not the badges or the buzz — it’s the real conversations. The ones where a travel brand says, “We’ve got a big story to tell and not enough hands to do it.” That’s where The Production Dept steps in. From walking holidays with Inntravel, to river and rail adventures with Great Rail Journeys, to capturing 7,500 Points of Interest for Jet2holidays across Europe, we’ve learned how to keep creativity flowing — even when the schedule’s tight and the coffee’s gone cold. We’re heading to WTM London to talk about what authentic travel content really looks like — human, handcrafted, and rooted in the story itself. If you’re showcasing wonderful parts of the world, we’d love to help you show them well.
Walking Holiday Content Creation: Authentic Storytelling for Travel Brands
Discover how The Production Dept. creates authentic, evergreen content for UK walking holiday companies. From the trails of Portugal, Spain, and Italy to the Yorkshire Dales, we walk alongside our clients to craft genuine visual storytelling — photography and creative production that connects people to the pace, place, and purpose of travel.
Shooting on the River: Creative Content for the River Cruise Industry
Discover how The Production Dept. creates authentic, cinematic content for river cruise operators and travel brands. From life onboard to stories ashore, our agile production approach delivers photography and storytelling that capture the true rhythm of slow travel — creative content that flows as effortlessly as the rivers we film on.
How Our Small Production Team Delivered a Full Travel Shoot in Portugal – Strikes, Power Cuts, and All
A week-long travel content shoot across Portugal’s Douro Valley and Algarve coast tested our small team’s adaptability. From strikes to power cuts, we delivered high-quality walking holiday photography and videography with an agile production approach.
The Power of People: Why Relationships Shape Every Shoot
Strong relationships are the secret ingredient in creative production. Whether working with talent, crews, or clients, kindness, thoughtfulness, and teamwork set the tone for success. In this blog, I share insights from a recent 8-day shoot across Spain — and why people, not just cameras, make the difference in bringing stories to life.
How to Create Timeless Travel Content on Tight Schedules – A Creative Production Approach
In today’s fast-moving travel industry, brands need content that works harder, lasts longer, and feels true to who they are. At The Production Dept., we’ve delivered high-quality visuals for clients on the move—capturing brand values and timeless emotion across single-day shoots in multiple locations, with a lean, adaptable team. In this blog, we share how future-proofed content is created—through thoughtful planning, creative efficiency, and a deep understanding of what gives content longevity and impact.
Shooting for Social: How to Capture Travel Content for Every Platform
In today’s travel industry, one-size-fits-all content doesn’t cut it. What works for Instagram might fall flat on YouTube, and a TikTok trend needs a different approach than a web campaign. This blog explores how professional production teams capture high-quality, versatile content for multiple platforms in a single travel shoot—maximising budgets while delivering polished, platform-optimised assets for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and beyond. Discover the strategy behind efficient shooting and why working smarter means creating more.