Dynamic Lighting Meets Motion Control:
The Art of Beverage Cinematography for Larceny Bourbon
A Case Study Highlighting multi-pass motion control for Beverage Cinematography as a Los Angeles Director of Photography
For this campaign, Larceny Bourbon, owned by Heaven Hill Distillery, needed a bold and captivating visual approach to showcase its premium bourbon. The result? A meticulously crafted multi-pass beverage cinematography production, combined with synchronized dynamic lighting, to highlight the smooth richness of Larceny Bourbon. Additionally, the project included eight stunning still images for print and digital use. With a talented team and cutting-edge technology.
..this campaign brought a new level of sophistication to commercial video production.
The Vision:
Under the creative leadership of the team at Method 1, the campaign aimed to elevate the brand’s identity through visually striking and cinematic storytelling. Timothy Hogan, as the Director and Photographer, partnered with Drew Lauer, an LA Director of Photography, to craft dynamic visuals that captured the rich character of Larceny Bourbon. The challenge? Seamlessly blending complex camera movements with synchronized lighting to bring the product to life with precision and flair, leveraging the expertise of a top product cinematographer in the industry.
Motion Control Precision
Using two state-of-the-art cinema robots, the production team relied on motion control cinematography to execute intricate camera movements. These robots, operated by Carlito Pienado, enabled precise synchronization between the camera and dynamic lighting setups. The result was a seamless flow of visuals that highlighted every pour, splash, and shine of the bourbon. With Drew Lauer as the Director of Photography, the attention to detail in every frame elevated the campaign to a new level of commercial video production.
Post-Production Excellence:
The color grading, handled by Ryan McNeal of RKM Color, added warmth and depth to the visuals, ensuring the bourbon’s inviting tones were enhanced on screen. For the stills, retouching by Diyana Ivanova complemented the dynamic elegance of the video, creating a cohesive visual identity across digital and print mediums.
As an experienced DP in LA, Drew leveraged the full potential of motion control systems and dynamic lighting to craft visuals that were both engaging and technically flawless. His expertise as a product cinematographer allowed the team to balance creativity and precision seamlessly.
The Impact
The combination of multi-pass motion control, synchronized dynamic lighting, and stunning still photography positioned Larceny Bourbon as a product of sophistication and craftsmanship. The campaign not only delivered an unforgettable visual experience but also set a new benchmark for beverage cinematography in the world of commercial video production.
Through this case study, it’s clear that Drew Lauer’s approach to beverage cinematography—coupled with the technical advantages of motion control filmmaking—provides an unmatched level of visual storytelling. Whether working on tabletop shoots or complex commercials, Drew’s ability to deliver exceptional, mouth-watering content sets him apart as a top Los Angeles DP.
