Planning a Brand Story Video for Your Beverage Brand

What Is a Brand Story Video?

A brand story video explains why your brand exists—not just what you sell. It's the content that creates emotional connection with customers, impresses investors, and differentiates you from competitors selling similar products.

Product ads say "buy this." Brand stories say "here's why we made this, and why it matters."

When You Need a Brand Story

Building Long-Term Brand Equity

If you're competing on more than price, you need a story. Brand story videos help customers choose you over alternatives that might be cheaper or more convenient.

Fundraising

Investors bet on founders and missions, not just products. A compelling brand story video communicates vision, authenticity, and market understanding in 60-90 seconds.

Retail Expansion

Buyers want to know who they're putting on their shelves. A brand story helps you stand out in pitch meetings and provides content retailers can use in-store.

Website Cornerstone

Your homepage deserves more than a tagline. A brand story video creates immediate emotional connection with every visitor.

The Structure of Effective Brand Stories

The Foundation: Why Before What

The most common mistake is leading with product features. Instead:

Open with the problem or tension — What's wrong with the current state of things?

Introduce your perspective — How do you see the world differently?

Show your solution — Here's what you created and why it works

End with the invitation — Join us, try it, be part of this

The Ingredients

Authenticity: Real founder voice, genuine origin story, honest about your journey.

Emotional hook: What feeling do you want viewers to have? Energy? Calm? Rebellion? Belonging?

Visual signature: Distinctive look that feels like your brand, not generic production.

Clear resolution: What should someone do after watching? Visit site, try product, share?

Planning Your Brand Story

Step 1: Discovery (Week 1)

Before any production, we need to understand:

• Your origin story — How and why did you start this?
• Your differentiator — What do you believe that competitors don't?
• Your audience — Who are you really talking to?
• Your tone — Serious? Playful? Bold? Warm?
• Your goals — Where will this video live and what should it accomplish?

This is typically a 60-90 minute session, sometimes multiple conversations.

Step 2: Creative Development (Week 2)

Based on discovery, we develop:

• Narrative structure — The story arc and key beats
• Script or outline — Either word-for-word or bullet points depending on format
• Visual direction — Mood board, reference videos, shot ideas
• Logistics plan — Location needs, talent needs, product styling

You review and refine until the creative direction is locked.

Step 3: Production (Week 3-4)

Production typically requires 1-2 days depending on scope:

Day 1: Interviews/Founder

• Sit-down interview with founder(s)
• B-roll of them at work, with product
• Environmental shots at HQ, production facility, etc.

Day 2: Product & Lifestyle

• Hero product shots
• Lifestyle context (how product is used)
• Detail and texture captures

Some brand stories can be done in one day; larger scopes may need two.

Step 4: Post-Production (Week 5-6)

Extended post-production for brand stories:

• Assembly and rough cut — Story structure takes shape
• Interview editing — Selecting the best soundbites
• Music selection — Finding the right emotional tone
• Color grading — Establishing visual signature
• Sound design — Professional audio mix
• Revisions — 2-3 rounds to perfect the final piece

Step 5: Delivery

Final delivery includes:

• Long-form version (60-90 seconds)
• Condensed version (30 seconds)
• Social cutdowns (15 seconds, 6 seconds)
• All platform formats (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)

What It Costs

Brand Story Package — $12,000-$25,000

Standard ($12,000-$15,000):

• 1 production day
• 60-90 second primary + cutdowns
• All platform formats
• Standard post-production

Premium ($18,000-$25,000):

• 2 production days
• Location shoots (not just studio)
• Extended interview content
• Premium color and sound
• Additional revision rounds

What Drives Cost Higher

• Multiple locations (production facility, retail, lifestyle settings)
• Talent beyond founders (employees, customers, experts)
• Premium music licensing or original composition
• Complex motion graphics or animation

Tips for a Great Brand Story

Be Specific, Not Generic

"We're passionate about quality" means nothing. "We source single-origin coffee from three specific farms in Guatemala" means something.

Show, Don't Just Tell

If you say "we care about sustainability," show the sustainable practices. If you say "we're obsessed with flavor," show the tasting process.

Keep It Under 90 Seconds

Attention spans are short. Even the most compelling brand story loses viewers after 90 seconds. If you have more to say, make additional content—don't cram it all into one video.

Test with Real People

Before finalizing, show the rough cut to customers or potential customers. Do they feel what you want them to feel? Do they understand your difference?

Do You Need a Brand Story?

Yes, if:

• You're competing in a crowded category
• You have a genuine origin story worth telling
• You're fundraising or pursuing retail expansion
• Your brand identity is mature and defined

Not Yet, if:

• You're still figuring out product-market fit
• Your brand positioning might change in 6 months
• You need performance ad creative more urgently
• Budget is under $12,000

Not Ready for a Brand Story?

If you need content now but aren't ready for a full brand video, start with The First Drop—our $3,500 starter project. Get quality product content today, tell your brand story when the time is right.

Learn about The First Drop →