Source TEN Case Study
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Governor’s Export Awards Video Series
The DeLong Company
From Wisconsin Fields to Global Markets: A Story of Legacy, Innovation, and Impact
Source TEN partnered with WEDC to tell the story of The DeLong Company, transforming a Governor’s Export Award into a cinematic narrative that connects local heritage with global influence.
Client Overview
Wisconsin’s farm families have long been the backbone of the state’s economy, driving innovation, sustainability, and global trade.
The DeLong Company stands as a fifth-generation, family-owned enterprise that gathers grain from Wisconsin farmers and exports premium agricultural products across international markets.
In recognition of its global impact and commitment to Wisconsin agriculture, The DeLong Company was honored with a Wisconsin Governor’s Export Award by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Source TEN was invited by WEDC to produce a cinematic video story that captured the legacy, innovation, and global reach behind The DeLong Company’s success.
The Challenge
WEDC needed more than a corporate profile video.
The goal was to tell a compelling, emotionally resonant story that:
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Showed the human impact of global exports on Wisconsin farmers
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Highlighted The DeLong Company’s heritage and innovation
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Communicated the significance of the Governor’s Export Award
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Elevated the narrative beyond facts into meaning, purpose, and identity
The challenge was to translate a complex agricultural export operation into a story that felt authentic, inspiring, and globally relevant.
Creative Approach
Objective: Capture the authentic journey of a Wisconsin-based family business that evolved into an international leader in grain and seed exports—while preserving its agricultural roots.
Narrative Direction: Source TEN approached the project with a documentary-driven storytelling model:
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Deep research into The DeLong Company’s history, values, and global footprint
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Interviews with key leadership and team members
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Strategic location scouting across multiple facilities and operational sites
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Cinematic visual language that balanced industrial scale with human emotion
Production Philosophy: Rather than simply showcasing operations, Source TEN focused on:
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People → farmers, employees, leadership
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Place → Wisconsin landscapes, facilities, global connections
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Purpose → how exports strengthen communities and economies
This approach ensured the story felt personal, credible, and impactful.
Cinematic Execution
Visual Tone:
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Warm, natural color grading to reflect agricultural heritage
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Cinematic lighting to elevate industrial environments
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Dynamic pacing to balance emotional moments with operational scale
Key Visual Elements:
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Interviews framed in authentic working environments
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Drone footage of facilities and farmland
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Macro details of grain handling and logistics
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Human moments that connected global trade to local communities
Hero Assets Produced:
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Primary cinematic story video
Results & Impact
While specific campaign metrics were not publicly disclosed, the project delivered clear strategic value by elevating WEDC’s storytelling standard and strengthening The DeLong Company’s brand as a global exporter rooted in Wisconsin values.
The video created an evergreen asset for statewide economic development, resonating emotionally with audiences by highlighting pride in Wisconsin agriculture, the human side of global trade, and a deeper understanding of the export ecosystem.
Ultimately, Source TEN’s cinematic storytelling transformed a corporate achievement into a cultural narrative, bridging local identity with global impact.
