IAM Outdoors

Lite Sleeper

The Problem

The Lite Sleeper is a versatile, military-grade sleep system designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from military personnel and survivalists to outdoor enthusiasts and preppers. While the product’s durability, portability, and unique features, such as the integrated pillowcase, smart sleeve for sleeping pads, and waterproof poncho capability, make it a standout in the market, the challenge was creating a video that showcased its diverse uses while capturing the attention of a broad, varied audience.

The Solution

InnerAction Media began the project by understanding the vision and purpose behind The Lite Sleeper. Through in-depth discussions with founder Dustin Ward, the team identified the need for a video that showcased the product’s versatility and durability while telling Dustin’s personal story of military-inspired innovation. This focus on authenticity guided the creative direction, leading to a concept that blended real-world functionality with engaging storytelling to connect with outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and military users.

The Process

Pre-Production
Production
Post Production

The pre-production phase of the Lite Sleeper video was a collaborative process focused on telling Dustin Ward’s personal story—his military experience and how it inspired The Lite Sleeper. To ensure the script felt authentic, our team held in-depth meetings with Dustin to understand his background and vision. Once the script was finalized and approved, we scouted filming locations, ultimately selecting Coopers Rock in Morgantown, WV, for its accessible yet rugged, natural setting.

Initially, Dustin was set to star in the video, narrating his story while using the product. However, due to travel issues, we pivoted to cast an actor with a similar look and military background. After weeks of searching, we found the perfect fit for the role. With the actor in place, we secured filming permits, coordinated with local rangers, and planned a detailed shot list, including scenes in a house, truck, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a campsite.

This meticulous planning ensured every aspect—from script and location to casting and permits—aligned seamlessly with the video’s vision.

InnerAction Media utilized our local outdoor resources by filming at Coopers Rock State Forrest in West Virginia. The Appalachian mountain terrain provided a rugged backdrop to showcase an ideal use case for The Lite Sleeper. The footage was shot in a specific order to maximize the effect of the lighting change throughout the evening. The finished film appears to have taken place overnight, but we were able to fit all of the filming into one shoot day. Our crew used not only natural lighting but also battery-powered cinema lights and modifiers and a variety of cameras and camera support systems, including tripod, handheld, gimbal, and FPV drone operation. Each tool was used to match the intended mood and pace of the script. Although the creator of The Lite Sleeper was unable to be on-site during filming, we were able to keep him informed of the progress of the shoot throughout the day by sending behind-the-scenes pictures and examples of what was in the frame.
Using non-linear editing software, our Director of Photography (DP), Gabe Ofca, spent hours crafting and polishing The Lite Sleeper Image Film. The voiceover in the video is Dustin Ward, the creator of The Lite Sleeper himself. Although Dustin is not a professional voice-over artist, we decided to use his voice to maintain the authenticity of the story, and his voiceover was tracked remotely. The actor in the visuals, however, was not Dustin. From cutting and sequencing clips to color grading and sound design, a vast amount of creative tools were used to influence the tone and viewer perception of the video.

The Impact

Through engaging storytelling and rugged visuals, the video showcased The Lite Sleeper as the ultimate multi-purpose sleep system designed for durability and versatility. Emphasizing its practical features and tying them to Dustin Ward’s military-inspired innovation, the video connected with outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and military users, reinforcing the product’s reliability and broad appeal.