The process of shooting a restaurant TV commercial and important things to know.

Discover the professional restaurant TVC production process from A to Z with Right Media. This article provides important tips to help you create an attractive, engaging, and effective food advertisement video, optimizing costs and dramatically increasing revenue.

Why does your restaurant need a professional TV commercial?

Are you planning to take your restaurant brand to the next level? Among countless marketing methods, TV commercials (TVCs) continue to assert their position as the "king" in building brand image and powerfully reaching customers. A professional restaurant TVC isn't just about showcasing visually appealing dishes; it's about telling an emotional story that awakens all the viewer's senses.

Before delving into the implementation process, let's consider the outstanding benefits a TV commercial can bring to your restaurant:

• Build a strong brand identity: A TV commercial helps convey the restaurant's story, style, and core values consistently and impressively.
• Stimulate the taste buds, entice customers: Footage of appetizing dishes, close-ups of steaming hot food, or the delightful sizzling sounds have the power to stir emotions and draw customers to your restaurant.
• Breakthrough revenue growth: A successful TV commercial campaign can create a viral effect, attracting a large number of new customers and boosting sales.
• Elevate your brand's prestige: Professional media coverage helps to solidify the restaurant's position and reputation in the eyes of the public.

Understanding this importance, investing in a professional restaurant TV commercial production process is a strategic and smart move.

Discover the professional restaurant TV commercial filming process.

To produce a high-quality TV commercial, Right Media and professional production houses typically follow a three-stage process: Pre-production, Production, and Post-production. Each stage has specific tasks that play a crucial role in achieving overall success.

Phase 1: Pre-production

This is the most crucial stage, determining the success or failure of the 70% project. The more thorough the preparation at this stage, the smoother the production process will be and the higher the quality of the final product. The process of shooting a restaurant TV commercial in the pre-production stage includes the following steps:

1. Receive the Brief and Define the Objectives:

• Brief from the client: The production team will begin by listening to and receiving the brief from the restaurant. The brief should clearly state: Campaign objectives (increase brand awareness, launch a new dish, promotion, etc.), Target audience, Main message to be conveyed, Estimated budget, and Broadcast channels.
• Consultation and agreement: Based on the brief, the production team will provide consultation and analysis to work with the restaurant to determine the clearest objectives for the TV commercial.

2. Develop a script idea:

This is the heart of the TV commercial. Based on the agreed-upon message, the creative team will brainstorm to come up with unique concepts that align with the brand's spirit.

The idea could be a touching story, a humorous slice of life, or a focus on the exquisite beauty of food. The chosen idea will develop into a literary script (a script that details the story, setting, and characters).

3. Write a detailed script and storyboard:

• Detailed Shooting Script: Based on the literary script, the director will develop a detailed filming script. This script describes each scene, camera angle, dialogue, sound, lighting, acting, and more in detail.
• Storyboard: This is the "visualization" step of the script. The artists will sketch each important scene in comic book form, helping both the crew and the client clearly visualize the TV commercial before filming begins.

4. Personnel and location selection:

• Casting: Based on the script, the production team will conduct a casting call to find suitable actors who have good acting skills and can convey the true spirit of the TV commercial.
• Location Scouting: The primary setting is usually your restaurant. However, the production team will need to conduct thorough research to select the best camera angles, arrange the space, and adjust the lighting. If there are outdoor scenes, finding and obtaining permits for the location will also be necessary.
• Food Stylist: An indispensable part of the restaurant TV commercial shoot is the food stylist. They are the ones who help make the dishes look their best and most appealing on camera.

5. Prepare equipment and props:

Based on the script and production requirements, the team will create a list and prepare all the necessary filming equipment (professional cameras, lenses, lighting, sound recording equipment, etc.) and props for the scene.

Phase 2: Production Organization

Once all preparations are complete, the team will move on to the production phase – the official filming day.

1. Setting up the scene:

The crew will arrive at the location early to set up the scene, arrange props, and set up the camera and lighting systems according to the storyboard.

2. Shooting:

Under the director's direction, the scenes are filmed. The Director of Photography (DOP) is responsible for image quality and camera angles, while the director directs the actors' performances. This process requires seamless coordination from the entire team, from lighting and sound to logistics. In particular, filming food scenes requires meticulous attention to detail and patience to capture those "golden" moments.

Phase 3: Post-production

The raw footage from the set will be transferred to the post-production department for "polishing" and refinement. This stage requires high technical skill and creativity.

1. Video Editing:

Film editors will arrange the raw footage according to the script, cutting and splicing it together to create a rhythmic and engaging story.

2. Color Grading & VFX:

• Color Grading: This step helps adjust the color of the entire TV commercial to a dominant tone, making the visuals more professional, artistic, and consistent. The colors of the food are also refined to look fresher and more appealing.
• Visual Effects (VFX): If required by the script, special effects will be added to enhance the impact and vibrancy of the TV commercial.

3. Sound and Music (Sound Design & Music):

Sound is an extremely important part. The sound team will handle background noise, add voiceovers (if any), and incorporate sound effects such as sizzling or clinking glasses to enhance realism. Music (background music, theme song) will be carefully selected or specially composed to heighten the viewer's emotions.

4. Product review and delivery:

A draft version will be sent to the client for review and feedback. The production team will incorporate the feedback and make revisions until the restaurant is completely satisfied. The final product will be exported in the highest quality and delivered to the client in the required format for broadcasting on various platforms.

Key tips you need to know when shooting a restaurant TV commercial.

Understanding the process is one thing, but to make your restaurant TV commercial truly effective, you need to remember these secrets:

• Focus on the emotions, not just the food: Instead of just listing dishes, tell a story. Customers come to restaurants not just to eat, they seek an experience, atmosphere, and memorable moments. Let your TV commercial touch their emotions.
• The importance of a Food Stylist in the restaurant TVC filming process: Don't skimp on hiring a professional food stylist. They know how to make your food "shine" on camera, from arranging the layout and creating steam effects to keeping the vegetables fresh and green. This is a crucial factor in the appeal of your TV commercial.
• Light is the "key" to photography: Lighting in food TV commercials needs special attention. Natural light is always the preferred choice to create a realistic and intimate feel. However, using professional lighting will help control image quality and highlight the texture and color of the food.
• Vivid sounds stimulate the taste buds: Don't underestimate the power of sound. The clatter of a knife on a cutting board, the bubbling of oil in a pan, the sizzling of meat on a grill, or the cheerful clinking of glasses… these are powerful catalysts that stimulate the imagination and taste buds of viewers.
• Choose a reputable manufacturing partner: Choosing a production house with experience in the F&B (Food and Beverage) industry is a key factor in creating a successful TV commercial.

Check out some outstanding restaurant advertising TVCs. 

To give you a better visual understanding and inspiration, let Right Media highlight some restaurant and food commercials that have left a strong impression on Vietnamese audiences. These are prime examples of successful storytelling through visuals:

1. Gogi House (Korean BBQ Restaurant)

Main concept: Gogi House's promotional videos often focus on a "fun" atmosphere, "gathering with friends," and the experience of grilling meat together.

The sizzling sound of grilling meat and the lively music are featured in Gogi House's advertising video.

Key features:

• Sound: The sizzling sound of meat on the grill is always the "main character," and it's incredibly stimulating.
• Feeling: Emphasize the bonding and lively conversations among groups of friends or family gathered around the barbecue table.
• Image: A close-up view of the fresh, delicious meats, the diverse side dishes (panchan), and the restaurant's authentic Korean ambiance.

2. Manwah (Taiwanese Hot Pot)

Main concept: Manwah has cultivated an image of a luxurious, sophisticated, and cozy hot pot space, offering an exquisite culinary experience.

Vibrant visuals and catchy music are featured in the Manwah restaurant TV commercial.

Key features:

• Space: The videos often highlight the restaurant's cozy, somewhat classic and elegant interior design.
• Subtlety: Emphasis is placed on the variety of hot pot broths, premium dipping ingredients, and a specially prepared dipping sauce bar.
• Feeling: Aiming for a more relaxed experience, from intimate to formal gatherings.

3. Kichi-Kichi (Conveyor Belt Hot Pot)

Main concept: Fun, modern, constantly moving, and with limitless diversity.

Captivating with its continuously moving visuals in the Kichi-Kichi commercial video.

Key features:

• Uniqueness: The focus is on showcasing the image of a constantly moving food conveyor belt, creating a sense of richness and excitement.
• Young people: The videos typically have a fast pace, upbeat music, and are aimed at young people and those who appreciate novelty and convenience.
• Option: The emphasis is on the fact that customers can freely choose from nearly 100 different dipping sauces on the conveyor belt.

These are more typical examples of restaurant chains that have invested in video marketing to shape their brand and attract customers based on their unique experiences.

Right Media – Partnering with businesses to produce professional restaurant TV commercials.

Choosing the right production company is a crucial step in determining the success of a TV commercial. Understanding the concerns of restaurant owners, Right Media We are proud to be a reputable provider of professional food TVC production solutions, offering complete peace of mind to our clients.

Video F&B Right Media produced in collaboration with CP Group

So what makes Right Media different?

• An elite team with extensive practical experience: We possess a talented team, a combination of experts trained both in Vietnam and internationally. With extensive experience gained from hundreds of projects, especially in the F&B sector, we not only understand production techniques but also have a keen market sense and a deep understanding of customer insights to create scenarios that truly resonate with emotions.
• Modern equipment system: To create sharp, realistic, and visually captivating food shots, Right Media invests heavily in state-of-the-art equipment. From cameras and specialized lenses to gimbals, lighting systems, and professional sound recording equipment, we are ready to meet even the most demanding visual and technical requirements.
• Professional process, transparent costs: From the beginning, we've worked with transparency. Every cost in the restaurant TVC production process is detailed and transparent in the quotation, with no hidden fees. Clients will always know where their budget is being invested, thus ensuring satisfaction. PEACE OF MIND and TRUST Absolutely. Right Media is committed to providing a professional collaborative experience where clients are not just partners, but also companions.

Choosing Right Media means choosing a comprehensive solution, a dedicated partner to help you tell your captivating and successful culinary brand story.

In conclusion, a successful restaurant TV commercial is the perfect combination of a compelling story, stunning visuals, and vibrant sound. By mastering the restaurant TV commercial production process and the important considerations shared by Right Media, you can confidently embark on the journey of creating an impressive advertising product that will help your brand take off and leave a lasting impression on diners.