One Last Spin

Introduction

At Reverie Films, we believe that video has the power to do more than just promote; it can educate, inspire and drive real social change. As a video production company based in Glasgow, we specialise in storytelling that moves people. One Last Spin, our documentary on gambling addiction, is one of the most meaningful projects we have ever produced.

Filmed entirely in Glasgow, this project aimed to shine a light on the hidden struggles of gambling addiction and the people affected by it. It was not a commercial piece but a human one, blending creative filmmaking with social purpose. The documentary went on to spark national conversations, reinforce calls for policy change and demonstrate how thoughtful, ethical video production can create lasting impact.

The Challenge

Gambling addiction affects thousands of people across the UK every year, yet the issue is often ignored or misunderstood. Our challenge was to create a documentary that was both emotionally engaging and factually accurate, one that would raise awareness while protecting the dignity of everyone who took part.

As filmmakers, we had to earn trust. The people we interviewed were sharing some of the most painful and vulnerable parts of their lives, and their stories needed to be handled with care. Before production began, our team at Reverie Films spent weeks researching the subject, meeting with advocacy groups and holding open conversations with contributors. This early groundwork helped shape the integrity of the project and ensured that every voice was treated with honesty and respect.

From the outset, One Last Spin was designed to be more than just a documentary; it was a platform for change, giving a voice to those who had long been unheard.

Our Approach

Pre-Production

The pre-production process was both creative and deeply human. We approached it with the same level of professionalism and structure that we bring to our corporate video production projects in Glasgow, while adapting our methods to the sensitive nature of the topic.

Our team developed a visual plan that balanced journalistic realism with cinematic storytelling. We identified key filming locations around Glasgow that could add emotional depth and authenticity. At the same time, we built strong relationships with participants, ensuring they felt in control of how their stories would be shared.

This phase also included extensive research into the gambling industry, recovery programmes and government policy, giving our storytelling team the context needed to handle the subject responsibly. We wanted the documentary to speak with accuracy, compassion and creative impact, values that underpin every project we produce as a video production company in Scotland.

Production

Interviews

The interviews formed the emotional core of the film. We designed each setup to feel safe, private and empowering for the participants. Every question was asked with care, and we encouraged contributors to tell their stories in their own words. The result was raw, heartfelt dialogue that gave a human face to an often-statistical issue.

Filming people in vulnerable situations requires sensitivity and experience. Our Glasgow-based production team took a supportive, human approach, ensuring everyone felt heard and respected. This collaborative atmosphere was key to the film’s authenticity and emotional depth.

B-Roll Footage

Alongside the interviews, we captured personal, yet atmospheric b-roll tied to the experience of the collaborators. We filmed scenarios that involved secretly betting while spouses are at work, partners leaving, heartbroken children, reflective moments, angry losses of control, and attempted suicides. These visuals helped contextualise the personal stories and gave viewers a deeper sense of place. The cinematography reflected the dual nature of addiction: its hidden despair and its public visibility.

Our creative team used a mix of handheld and cinematic camera work to evoke emotion while maintaining realism. Every frame was designed to feel intimate and immersive, drawing the audience into the experience of those affected by gambling harm.

Crew and Collaboration

Producing a documentary of this scale required an exceptional team. Alongside our director and editor, the crew included producers, cinematographers, sound engineers, colourists, wardrobe stylists, and composers. Each person contributed specialist skills that elevated the final film.

As a professional video production company in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on collaboration. Everyone, from camera assistants to post-production specialists, understood the emotional responsibility behind the project and worked together to ensure the story was told truthfully and powerfully.

Post-Production

Once filming was complete, the project entered a detailed post-production phase that spanned several months. This was where the story truly came together.

Editing the Narrative

With hours of interviews recorded, our editors worked meticulously to build a coherent 30-minute narrative. The challenge was to preserve the full emotional range of each story while keeping the pace compelling for viewers. We combined testimony from recovering addicts, experts, and campaigners into a structure that informed as much as it moved.

Integrating Visuals and Sound

Our editors and sound designers collaborated closely to ensure that every scene carried emotional weight without feeling heavy-handed. The b-roll was integrated with precision to mirror the themes of isolation, repetition and recovery. Ambient sound, natural pauses and subtle effects were layered in to create a sense of immersion.

Musical Score

Working with our composer, we developed a restrained and reflective score that complemented the tone of the documentary. The music underscored moments of reflection and hope, while leaving space for the human voices to take centre stage.

Colour Grading and Finishing Touches

The colour grade set the emotional tone of the final piece. We used a muted, cinematic palette with cool tones to reflect the gravity of the subject while maintaining visual cohesion across all scenes. This deliberate aesthetic choice ensured the documentary felt polished, consistent and tonally balanced, a hallmark of our video production work in Scotland.

We concluded post-production with final touches such as the design of the official film poster and promotional materials, creating a strong visual identity that mirrored the film’s message.