A Documentary Series Celebrating
“The Way Life Should Be”
Our Country Stores is an independent documentary style series honoring the general stores, corner markets, and community hubs that continue to shape rural Maine.
They’re more than small town shops, they’re gathering places, emergency stops, morning routines, and familiar faces, woven into the identity of the people they serve.
Through intimate storytelling, thoughtful cinematography, and honest conversations, this series showcases the stores that still stand, and the local icons that keep them alive.
About The Series
Each 22 minute episode is designed to feel less like watching an episode of TV on the couch, and more like spending a day in a special place that still matters to people.
Each chapter follows a unique store, through quiet mornings, lunch rushes, and conversations over the counter, featuring charming locals, historical lessons, and authentic culture.
Visually, the series is cinematic, grounded, and unhurried, with a pace that respects the atmosphere, a tone that honors the story, and natural humor that makes us feel at home.
About The Mission
Before algorithms, delivery apps, and self checkout lines, country stores were where life happened, where people celebrated good news, processed hard times, and stayed connected.
We believe these stores deserve more than a passing memory or a nostalgic photograph. They deserve to have their stories told properly, while they are still here, by real Mainers.
At its core, this series is about preserving the untold side of humanity that survives in nooks and crannies of our smaller communities, ensuring future generations never forget old vibes.
About The Creators
This series is personal to us.
Producer Brad LaBree grew up inside Harmony Variety in Harmony, Maine.
Director Ethan Levesque grew up inside Bishop’s Store in Jackman, Maine.
We are not outsiders pointing cameras at something quaint.
We are locals that understand the emotional necessity of a small town market.
We love a good coffee counter, hunting story, handwritten sign, and public bulletin board.
About The Company
Northern Oak Media are story tellers first.
The company mission is to support Maine business, community, and people.
The company is run and organized by a dynamic team of talented Mainers.
We operate with strong values and disciplined execution.
We tell meaningful stories with intention, clarity and emotional impact.
We use storytelling to make people feel seen, heard, and understood.
interested in participating?
We are currently developing pilot episodes, to then be pitched for network and online distribution consideration.
If you own, operate, work in, or know of a country store that deserves to be part of this project, we would genuinely love to connect.
Whether your store has been around for 100 years, or is simply carrying the tradition forward today, your story matters.
Particpating stores can expect a collaborative an drespectful filming environment, flexible scheduling, a small yet professional production rew, honest representation, and meaningful exposure.
Most importantly, this project is about preservation. Our goal is to document these places with care so future generations can better understand the communities, personalities and traditions they helped shape.
