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Behind the Scenes with GameAbove Entertainment: Filming Brett White’s Journey at Mary Free Bed

  • Writer: Brady Gilliam
    Brady Gilliam
  • Nov 17
  • 5 min read
Video via WoodTV8 in Grand Rapids, Michigan

GameAbove Entertainment brought its latest documentary project to Grand Rapids, MI, highlighting PGA Tour golfer Brett White and his inspiring story of recovery and return to competition. The film follows Brett’s path from battling illness to finding success on the course again, offering a rare look at the perseverance required to rebuild both mind and body.


To help bring the vision to life, Visionaery Productions joined as local production support—supplying professional cameras, lighting, and on-set coordination throughout the shoot at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. The collaborative effort created a powerful environment where storytelling and rehabilitation came together seamlessly.


Local news outlet WoodTV8 also covered the filming day, capturing behind-the-scenes moments from this meaningful video project. Their segment offers a glimpse into the energy and purpose that defined the production—showcasing Michigan talent working together to tell a remarkable documentary story.


The Story Behind the Film – Brett White’s Journey to Greatness


behind the scenes video production brett white

At the heart of this documentary is PGA Tour golfer Brett White — a Michigan native whose journey from illness to recovery embodies determination and resilience. Years ago, Brett’s promising golf career came to a halt when he was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain infection. The odds were against him, yet through relentless rehabilitation and sheer will, he fought his way back to competition, eventually earning his place among the best players in the world.


GameAbove Entertainment recognized the power of his story — not just as a tale of success in sports, but as a testament to the human spirit. The film captures the raw emotion behind Brett’s return to form, showing how perseverance and belief can change lives. It’s a reminder that greatness is rarely achieved without setbacks, and that the people who rise again after loss are the ones who truly feel the meaning of victory.


Through Brett’s lens, the documentary invites viewers to connect, reflect, and celebrate the courage it takes to keep going.


Collaboration in Action – GameAbove Entertainment & Visionaery Productions



For this project, GameAbove Entertainment brought together a talented team of storytellers, athletes, and filmmakers with one shared goal: to create a film that connects people through perseverance and purpose. Visionaery Productions joined the effort as a trusted partner in Grand Rapids, MI, handling local production support to keep the plan running smoothly from start to finish.


Our work included pre-production coordination, camera and lighting setup, and on-site logistics—ensuring GameAbove’s directors and producers could focus fully on the story. We supplied much of the film equipment, managed on-set adjustments, and supported the creative flow throughout the day.


Together, the team captured heartfelt interviews at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital before moving through the facility to meet the staff who helped Brett regain his strength. The shoot concluded as Brett met current patients, listening to their experiences and sharing his own. It was the kind of moment that reminds everyone involved why we trust in storytelling—the ability to connect people and inspire action through a shared belief in recovery and resilience.


Capturing Authentic Interviews and Powerful Moments



The film day at Mary Free Bed was focused on authenticity—capturing real conversations and honest emotion. For the sit-down interviews, our production team used a minimal setup: a single, soft key light motivated by the natural light streaming through the hospital windows. This simple approach allowed the environment to feel genuine while keeping the people in front of the camera comfortable and at ease.


We filmed with two Canon cameras—a C300 for the wide angle and a C70 for the close-up—giving the director flexibility in the edit while preserving a cinematic look. An overhead boom captured clear, natural audio without distraction.


Between setups, we shifted to handheld and run-and-gun footage, following Brett White as he met staff and patients throughout the hospital. With a lav mic placed discreetly, we let moments unfold naturally. The result was video content that connects with viewers—unscripted, human, and true to the story being told.


A Behind-the-Scenes Look – Mary Free Bed and the Mission of Recovery


view from a camera monitor during an interview with a doctor at mary free bed

Filming inside Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital offered a rare perspective on a place where recovery and resilience shape countless lives every day. The hospital’s mission—helping people regain independence and confidence—set the emotional tone for the documentary. Every hallway, therapy room, and quiet corner carried a sense of progress, filled with stories of determination and hope.


For GameAbove Entertainment, capturing Brett White’s return to the same facility where his own journey began added powerful context. It wasn’t just a film about golf—it was about trust, perseverance, and the human ability to rebuild after setbacks.


Our production day was humbling. The team moved through spaces where therapists and patients worked side by side, witnessing small victories that define real strength. It reminded us that the world doesn’t always see these moments, yet they’re the ones that move an audience the most. In Grand Rapids, MI, Mary Free Bed remains a place where hope meets action—and that spirit is evident in every frame of the video.


From Set to Screen – Preparing Footage for Post Production


Once filming wrapped, our production team shifted focus from set logistics to secure footage management. Organization and reliability are key in any documentary project, and this one was no exception. During pre-production, we planned a clear workflow to ensure a seamless transition into post production.


After capturing interviews and b-roll throughout the day, all video files were carefully backed up, verified, and uploaded to GameAbove Entertainment’s servers. This allowed their editorial team to begin crafting the story immediately, with full confidence that every frame was safe and properly labeled.


That kind of precision behind the scenes makes the difference between progress and problems later on. For Visionaery Productions, supporting post-production through careful data handling is part of what ensures success—keeping every film moving forward with clarity, consistency, and trust.


Watch the Story Unfold – A Glimpse from Grand Rapids WoodTV8


brett white with a patient at mary free bed rehabilitation hospital

Local news outlet WoodTV8 highlighted the documentary filming day at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, offering a short but powerful look at the story behind GameAbove Entertainment’s project. The segment captured Brett White’s return to Grand Rapids and the meaningful interactions that took place between him, the hospital staff, and patients continuing their own recovery journeys.


It’s a brief video that helps the audience see how moments like these inspire people beyond the film itself—showing the real impact of storytelling rooted in perseverance, trust, and success.


Conclusion – Supporting Stories That Inspire Action


Being part of this film with GameAbove Entertainment and Brett White was a reminder of why we do what we do—helping meaningful stories reach people in a way that sparks emotion and inspires action.


Projects like this show the power of collaboration and trust in every stage of production, from first setup to final video delivery.


We’re proud to have played a small role in supporting a journey that celebrates resilience and success, and we can’t wait to see the full documentary come to life when it’s released in the future.


Suppose you’re looking for a partner in Michigan to help bring your next production to reality. In that case, Visionaery Productions is ready to connect and help tell your story—with the same passion and precision that make great films possible.



Brady Gilliam, video producer of Visionaery Productions in Grand Rapids, Michigan

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