Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Drink Me Chai Video Ad with Friend Studios and Gazer Agency

Creating video ads at home have now been accessible and available for many creators.  I’ve created many videos at home that have garnered plenty of views, traffic, and conversions for my clients.  No need for big studios or fancy equipment, you now can shoot high-quality ads in your own house - which is shown in this BTS video by Friend Studios and Gazer Agency for their video ad for Drink Me Chai.

Here is our breakdown of the gear that they used to create this captivating ad and how each element contributed to the final video:

  • Sony A7SIII: Renowned for its exceptional low-light performance and stunning 4K imagery, the Sony A7SIII served as the workhorse camera, capturing the essence of Drink Me Chai with the signature Sony color space.

  • Slow-Motion Magic: Friend Studios utilized the Sony A7SIII's capabilities to create captivating slow-motion sequences, adding a touch of elegance and visual intrigue to the ad.

  • @9.solutions C Pan Arm 2: For those smooth dolly and jib-arm movements that add a touch of cinematic flair, Friend Studios relied on the @9.solutions C Pan Arm 2.  This light and compact camera rig allows creators to capture unique movements without having to build a large rig.

  • Close-Up Perfection: Highlighting the product's visual appeal was key. Friend Studios used the Sony 90mm macro lens to capture beautiful close-up shots of the Drink Me Chai product and its ingredients.  By using a prime lens over a zoom, the quality is more crisp and has more depth of field.

  • Soft Light and Diffusion: To create a dream-like atmosphere with soft, diffused light, Friend Studios incorporated a hazer machine, adding a subtle haze throughout the shoot. This technique also allowed for the creation of steam-like effects, further enhancing the visual storytelling.

  • Creative Freedom: The ad doesn't shy away from handheld shots. Friend Studios strategically used handheld camera work to inject a sense of movement and energy into specific scenes. Nowadays, a lot of video creators prefer handheld over gimbals to get closer to subjects and have more control on the camera.  

  • Sound Design Symphony: The impact of a video ad is amplified by its sound design. Friend Studios incorporated creative sound design into the editing process, adding another layer of engagement for viewers.  Sound FX are a great way to add more production value to your edits while bringing your viewer closer to the action through sound. 

  • Godox Lighting Powerhouse: Friend Studios didn't leave lighting to chance. They employed Godox lights throughout the production. The Godox Spotlight Mount provided precise control over lighting and shadow, while the Godox VL300 and Amaran 200d ensured consistent and reliable illumination, setting the stage for visually captivating scenes.

Technical Expertise: The Magic Behind the Gear

But gear alone is not enough to create a compelling video ad. It takes a skilled team of creatives to bring the vision to life. Friend Studios and Gazer Agency brought their expertise to the table, meticulously planning and executing every detail.  The production design was amazing and really captured the essence of buying the product in the store and then experiencing it at home. 

Their attention to detail ensured that every frame of the Drink Me Chai ad was polished to perfection. By combining technical precision with creative innovation, they crafted an ad that not only showcased the product but also resonated with viewers on an emotional level.

Aspiring videographers and advertisers can draw inspiration from the behind-the-scenes process of this production, learning valuable lessons in gear selection, technical execution, and creative storytelling. Cheers to Friend Studios, Gazer Agency, and the entire team behind the Drink Me Chai ad for raising the bar and setting a new standard of excellence in video advertising.