Case study

Ile de France

TV Commercial video

Ile de France, a renowned brand for premium dairy products, set out to create a video showcasing three of its iconic products: Aperifrais Côte d'Azur, Petit Brie, and Brie Slices. The goal of the video was to highlight the product packaging while maintaining an elegant, French-inspired mood that aligns with the brand's identity. The objective was to craft a video that seamlessly blends simplicity and sophistication, reflecting the refined essence of Ile de France.

Phase 1

Concept development

Vision behind the shooting

We developed the video concept based on a general brief provided by the client, which we refined through calls and meetings. This close collaboration ensured that the client’s vision was respected and that all creative decisions aligned with the brand’s values.

Our vision for this project started with a fundamental question: What makes Ile de France synonymous with French refinement in the world of dairy products?
We realized that the answer lies in the defining elements of the brand:

  • French Elegance: Each product embodies the tradition and culinary sophistication of France.
  • Product Quality: The delicate texture of Brie cheese and the attention to detail in the packaging convey a sense of excellence.
  • Sophisticated Simplicity: A focus on the product in a distraction-free setting, highlighting its authentic essence.

We built the video concept around these pillars, ensuring that each frame captured not just a premium product but also a visual experience that conveys the tradition and refinement of Ile de France.

Beyond the conceptual stage, once the idea was approved, we managed every aspect of the production process, including location scouting, selecting models, sourcing props, and curating French-inspired music tracks that could be licensed for TV use.

The shooting process 

The vision comes to life

Phase 02

Equipment Used

Camera:
For this shoot, we used a Nikon Z8 camera, capable of recording in 4K ProRes 12-bit, delivering exceptional video quality.

Lenses:

  • Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
  • Nikon 35mm f/1.8
  • Laowa Probe Lens

Lighting and Modifiers:
The setup included two continuous lights: one 300W and one 200W. Neither was used at full power except when working with the Laowa Probe Lens, which requires significant light due to its narrow aperture.

To achieve soft, diffused lighting, we used 120cm and 90cm octobox modifiers. Additionally, the 200W light, with its variable temperature range, was positioned outside the location to simulate warm summer light, aligning with the video’s theme.

Gadgets and Accessories:
For precise and dynamic shots, we used a motorized slider, electronically controlled video heads, sturdy tripods, and stands capable of supporting the weight of the lights and modifiers.

Duration of the Shoot

The shoot was completed in one full day, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the Cabo Studio team on-site, including the Director, Director of Photography (DOP), Food Stylist, Marketing Specialist, and Account Manager.

This project was executed remotely with the client, ensuring approvals were received for each frame before moving forward. This approach guaranteed that the final video met the client’s vision, stayed true to the brief, and leveraged our expertise for a successful result.

Phase 03

Behind the scenes

Making it all work

Bringing the concept to life

To bring this concept to life, every detail had to work in perfect harmony, from lighting setups to the final composition. Each step was carefully planned to reflect the authenticity and elegance of Ile de France Brie cheese.

Key steps in the shooting process:

1. Precision in lighting:
We used soft, diffused lighting to create a premium look, enhancing the texture of the cheese and the intricate details of the packaging. Each reflection was meticulously controlled to maintain a refined aesthetic, keeping the Ile de France logo as the focal point of the composition.

2. Capturing details in motion:
Achieving the perfect moment where the cheeses were presented and served required precise synchronization. Multiple takes were done to capture the essence of the product, highlighting the natural colors and distinctive texture of the cheese.

3. Composition and angles:
The products were strategically arranged with elegant props to complement the brand’s visual story. Carefully chosen angles showcased the updated packaging, while every element was positioned to convey balance and sophistication. The brand’s logo remained a central feature, reinforcing Ile de France’s visual identity and values.

This meticulous approach ensured that every frame not only showcased a premium product but also conveyed the brand’s heritage, refinement, and dedication to quality.

Post-production

Create the story

Bringing It All Together

Post-production was the stage where all elements came together to reflect the essence of the Ile de France brand. The goal wasn’t to alter reality but to enhance the visual impact of the products while preserving their authenticity and French elegance.

Steps leading up to post-production:

  1. Concept creation
  2. Scouting for locations, models and props
  3. The actual shoot

Now came the editing phase, where all the ideas, concepts, and scenes were seamlessly connected.

The final deliverable was a 20-second TV commercial, which posed its own challenges. Longer formats allow for extended shots and more storytelling, but they risk losing the viewer’s attention and come with significantly higher broadcasting costs. The 20-second format demanded a sharp focus on delivering the story concisely while maintaining high impact.

The Post-Production process:

  • Scene Selection: The best shots were carefully chosen to showcase the product’s elegance and quality.
  • Cutting and Sequencing: Precise cuts were made to align the scenes perfectly with the narrative.
  • Soundtrack: A specially selected track, licensed for TV use, was added to enhance the mood.
  • Voice-Over: A professional voice-over was recorded to guide the story.
  • Color Grading: The footage was carefully color-graded to ensure consistency and enhance the premium feel.

The result was a polished video that represented the client’s desired quality and aligned with the brand’s vision.

Tools and delivery formats:

Most of the editing was completed using Final Cut Pro, ensuring a streamlined and professional workflow. The final formats delivered included versions optimized for social media as well as TV, such as Apple ProRes 422, meeting the specific technical requirements for both platforms.

Phase 04

The final video for Ile de France - TV Commercial video

Final story

Phase 05