Framing 2025: Full Time, Full Focus
This was the year we went all in.
In 2025, reelCreative became a full-time creative agency. That decision changed everything. With a single focus came bigger opportunities, deeper creative work, and the chance to tell more stories that truly matter. We scaled and sharpened our vision.
As we wrap up the year, we’re looking back with gratitude and momentum. Here’s a look at what made 2025 our most defining chapter yet.
Expanding Our Reach
Moab Office of Tourism
This fall, we were selected as the creative partner for Moab’s official 2026 ‘Who is Moab’ tourism campaign. Our team spent October on-location, producing a four-part mini-documentary series that tells Moab’s story through the people who live and breathe it. From raft guides and local artists to small business owners, we focused on authentic, place-based storytelling.
Flipo Group
We partnered with Flipo Group to produce photo and video content for products now airing in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and the USA. Many products sold out immediately after launch. Our focus was simple: create high-quality media that stands out from the status quo and gets results. Clean visuals. Real use cases. Clear value.
More Coming in 2026
Behind the scenes, we also worked on multiple large-scale campaigns that will launch next year. These projects were built in close partnership with our clients to help define their brands for years to come.
Telling Stories That Matter
IVCC Ag Forward Campaign
We created the signature video and still photography for Illinois Valley Community College’s Ag Forward capital campaign. The work was designed to inspire support for a new agriculture complex that will impact generations of students. We’re proud to have played a part in helping bring this important story to life. As of December 2025, the complex is under construction with completion slated for 2026.
Ice Climbers of Starved Rock
Together with Starved Rock Hikers, we created our original documentary ‘Ice Climbers of Starved Rock’ available to stream online for the first time. The film premiered in 2024 with support from the Illinois Office of Tourism and Heritage Corridor Destinations. Now, anyone can experience the story and frozen beauty of winter at the park. Click here to view the film online for free.
More Premieres Than Ever
This year, in collaboration with our clients, we premiered more original videos than any creative team in our region. From capital campaign launches to tourism showcases, from nonprofit awareness stories to high-impact reels, the work showed up everywhere; on stage, on screens, and in front of the audiences who mattered most. Every premiere felt like a win, not just for us but for the people and places behind each project.
Giving Back
We believe creative work should serve the communities that shape us. This year, we gave back through storytelling, collaboration, and connection. A few highlights;
Working with the Hegeler Carus Mansion to photograph original architectural blueprints and drawings so every visitor can now experience them. We also captured updated interior photos to support their ongoing marketing and preservation efforts.
Making a financial donation to the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council to support their mission of advancing leadership and opportunity in the region.
Donating a video to Ottawa’s Marquette Academy for their largest annual event, May Merriment. At the event, our video was the centerpiece and helped raise significant funds.
Joining three local chambers of commerce to strengthen our commitment to the business communities we call home.
By the Numbers
A snapshot of what going full time looked like.
50+ video interviews
71 full-day shoots
16 parks visited
15,000 miles traveled
18 terabytes of content captured
Building for the Future
This year wasn’t just about doing more. It was about doing things better.
We established a clear framework for projects to keep everything effective and efficient for our team.
We invested in long-term storage and post-production systems to keep our workflows efficient as projects scale.
We continued to grow our network of photographers and filmmakers across the Midwest, connecting with more talented creatives who share our values.
Sharing the Process
Our blog, depth, became more than a place to announce projects. It’s where we reflect on the work and why it matters. Whether we’re unpacking a campaign, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, or highlighting collaborators, depth is a space to stay grounded in what’s real. And it’s just getting started.
Looking Ahead
Going full time in 2025 wasn’t a finish line. It was the beginning of a new chapter. We bet on ourselves, leaned into the work, and doubled down on the type of storytelling we believe in.
To our clients, collaborators, and friends, thank you for being part of it. Your trust means everything.
Let’s keep building. Let’s keep going. Let’s make 2026 unforgettable.
With gratitude and excitement,
Matthew Klein, Connor Broderick, and Kyle Petersen