Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Festival
First Sight Films
Video Production & Photography | St. Augustine, FL
First Sight Films partnered with St. Johns Cultural Events, Inc. for the Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Festival. 2026 was our second year in a row providing festival photography and event videography for every night of the festival.
Fort Mose Historic State Park • St. Augustine, FL • Northeast Florida
About Fort Mose
Fort Mose Historic State Park is the site of the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States. Established in 1738, Fort Mose was a refuge for escaped slaves from the British colonies — a pivotal chapter in American history, located just north of downtown St. Augustine.
The annual Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Festival honors this legacy through live music, cultural programming, and community celebration. For two consecutive years, First Sight Films has served as the official video production partner — documenting performances, capturing crowd energy, and helping preserve these moments.
Our Process
Simple. Value, brand, and story aligned.
Understanding the Story
Our process started with a deep dive into the story of Fort Mose — its history and its path forward. Once we understood the full picture, we scheduled an onsite video session to capture a sneak peek social reel, building anticipation for the new fort being constructed in collaboration with SJCCE, Inc.
We also connected with Florida State Parks, who manage Fort Mose, as well as the Florida State Park Foundation, a nonprofit ally to Florida's state parks.
Festival Photography
Festival Videos
Common Questions
What do we get?
Our standard event package includes:
- 2-4 minute highlight reel
- 5-10 short-form clips for social media
- Raw footage archive for future use
We can also add photography, artist interviews, or promotional videos for next year's event.
How much does it cost?
Single-day festival coverage typically runs $2,500-$4,000 depending on the scope. Multi-day events run higher. We work with nonprofit and cultural organizations regularly and can structure packages around grant funding requirements.
Tell us about your event and we'll give you a clear number.
How far in advance should we book?
2-3 months is ideal. It gives us time for pre-production — reviewing schedules, scouting locations, coordinating with your team. For larger events, 3-6 months ensures availability.
What if we've never worked with a videographer before?
That's fine. We'll guide you through what we need — usually just the event schedule and any key moments you want captured. We handle the rest. You don't need to know anything about video production.
Do you also shoot photos?
Yes. Many clients bundle video and photography. It's more efficient — one coordinated team, one point of contact. Photo packages include performance shots, crowd candids, and press-ready images.