Branding emphasizes the product’s unique selling propositions (USPs), such as innovative features, superior quality, or specific benefits, making it easier for consumers to see its value.
Pre-Production
This was one of the most creatively open-ended briefs I’ve received. MK Builders & Developers simply wanted us to portray Vizag in its best light — both literally and figuratively — to attract investors from outside the city. No script. No model. No voiceover. Just a visual journey. That gave us complete creative freedom.
We began by shortlisting locations through secondary research — a combination of Google searches, personal familiarity with the city, and a few insider recommendations from MK Builders themselves. Some must-haves were obvious: Rushikonda Beach, the hilltop views, the bustling cityscapes, and calm seaside moments. Others came to us in the moment — we let spontaneity lead when it made sense.
There was no mood board or storyboard. Just a carefully planned route and a nimble, improvisational approach that let the visuals come alive organically.
Production
We were a lean team of two, covering at least four locations a day for three straight days. That meant efficiency was everything — scouting, framing, and shooting had to happen almost simultaneously.
- Nikon Z6 + Atomos Ninja V (to shoot in 12-bit ProRes RAW)
- GoPro Hero 10
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro (10-bit DLog)
- Tripod + Handhel, used as needed
One of the biggest wins of the shoot was underwater footage — something we had no budget for. But it felt essential to showcase Vizag’s marine beauty. So, I approached Platypus Escapes, a local scuba diving company, and proposed a barter: I would shoot a promotional film for them, and in return, we’d get access to a dive and the gear needed to film it.
The result? My first ever scuba dive turned into one of the most visually poetic parts of the film. We captured rock formations, schools of fish, and vibrant marine life that elevated the story of Vizag.
Post Production
Because we shot with precision, editing was swift — just two days in Adobe Premiere Pro. The sequence of visuals was already clear to us while shooting, and the footage naturally lent itself to the music we selected.
We avoided voiceover altogether, instead letting visuals do the heavy lifting. Music was key — we combed through dozens of tracks on Envato Elements to find one that was culturally inspired yet light, uplifting yet grounded.
Color grading was fully custom — no LUTs. We relied on strong contrasts, natural saturation, and rich yet subtle hues to bring Vizag’s character to life. Ninety percent of the cinematic quality came from the lighting choices we made during the shoot.
Results
This was more than a marketing film. It was an emotional postcard — not just for investors, but for anyone unfamiliar with Vizag’s raw charm. The client loved the final cut so much that they didn’t ask for a single change. Today, this film plays at their project sites as a welcome video for every new customer.
It reaffirmed a creative belief I’ve always held:
You don’t need a big crew. You just need big intent.