Why drinks brands should think like cinematographers - using powerful videography

The art behind the pour

Every bottle tells a story — of the people who make it, the places that shape it, and those moments it creates.

Whether you’re distilling whisky in the Highlands, harvesting grapes in the sunshine, or pouring a perfectly crafted pint, audiences want to feel your brand before they taste it.

That’s why drinks brands are turning to drink brand videography that feels cinematic — film that shows what you mean, not just what you make.

At Sole Productions, we’ve filmed vineyards at dawn, bars alive with laughter, and distilleries that hum with heritage. Every shoot reminds us of the same truth: when a brand tells its story through the lens of a cinematographer, it connects on a human level that no product shot ever could.

Why drinks brands should think like cinematographers

A cinematographer (or videographer) sees more than a scene. They see shape, light, texture and story — the same way a winemaker or brewer sees flavour, colour and balance. Both crafts rely on patience, rhythm and an obsession with the details that most people miss.

Thinking like a cinematographer means seeing your brand not just as a product, but as an experience. The curve of a bottle, the condensation on a glass, the flame beneath a copper still — these are the visuals that make people pause mid-scroll and feel something.

When you invite an audience behind the label, you move from selling to storytelling. And that’s where real loyalty begins.

From vineyard to distillery video production — the cinematic journey

Every stage of production has its heartbeat.

Vineyards have the rhythm of the seasons — sun, soil and family tradition. This is where the drone’s eye reveals the scale but the handheld shot finds the soul.

Distilleries glow with fire, steam and history — copper, oak and craftsmanship captured in shifting light.

Bars, taprooms and tasting rooms bring people into the picture — laughter, glassware, and the art of hospitality.

We think that cinematography brings all of this together into a sensory experience that does real justice to your product. It lets your audience see, hear and (almost) taste your story.

The power of visual storytelling in the drinks industry

The drinks industry is crowded — but very few brands feel distinct. We reckon that strong visuals can change that but it needs to be crafted with cinematic intent:

• Builds brand distinctiveness in a saturated market.

• Deepens authenticity and trust, because people believe what they can see.

• Strengthens digital and PR content, from your website hero video to short-form social clips.

• Boosts engagement and reach, especially when it’s optimised for today’s visual-first platforms.

The right film doesn’t shout. Instead, it invites.

How to capture your brand’s spirit (and soul)

A successful drinks film doesn’t start with a storyboard - it starts with your story.

Cinematography is at its best when it focuses on people — the makers, the tasters, the growers, the dreamers. The world already knows what your bottle looks like; what they don’t know is why it matters to you.

This also happens to be the bit that we particularly love so here's a few guiding principles:

• Lead with people and process. Show the human side of the craft.

• Think narrative, not advertising. Every bottle, blend and bar has an emotional arc.

• Use light and movement to mirror your brand’s personality — smooth, bold, playful, refined.

• Collaborate with filmmakers who understand both creative storytelling and brand strategy.

It’s the balance we live for at Sole Productions — cinematic visuals rooted in real emotion.

Making it practical: what to film this winter

Winter is one of the best times to create drinks content. The light is lower, warmer, more dramatic. Venues are quieter mid-week, and teams have time to slow down and capture the atmosphere that makes their brand unique.

With that in mind, a few ideas for your next shoot....

• Barrel tasting and blending sessions that reveal craft and expertise.

• Behind-the-scenes bottling runs or new product launches.

• Festive cocktail prep or cosy wine-by-the-fire moments.

• Drone footage of vineyards, breweries or landscapes in winter mist (or snow).

• Team portraits and people-focused b-roll to feed your social content through spring.

By filming now, you’ll have a content library ready for next year’s campaigns — and your audience will see the real, human side of your brand in the meantime.

Why drinks brand videography matters right now

Thinking like a cinematographer isn’t just about film. It’s about perspective. It’s about slowing down to notice the beauty in your own process, and letting others experience it too.

For drinks brands, that can be the sweet spot: when your audience can taste your story before they’ve even opened the bottle.

Let’s bring your story to life

Whether you’re distilling whisky, pouring wine or crafting the next great beer, your brand has a story that deserves to be seen — not just told.

Bars and restaurants thrive on hospitality video storytelling that makes viewers feel part of the experience and we’re now booking winter and mid-week shoots for drinks brands across the UK.

Check out our promotional videography or reach out for a chat and a quote.