A deep dive into our BBC Food content retainer
We create 8 x recipe videos from scratch every single month.
Here’s how…
In a world driven by the visual appeal of culinary delights, recipe videos have become a cornerstone of food culture. They not only tantalize our taste buds but also inspire us to get creative in the kitchen. For a media giant like the BBC Food, whose recipes are most households go to place for fresh ideas or the classics, these recipe videos need to consistently stand out from competitors. A huge advantage that we have as a team is that we now shoot with BBC on a monthly basis, this allows us the opportunity to tweak and focus on key areas to ensure the output gets better and better every month as we adapt ourselves to hit all our clients needs. So, join us on a behind-the-scenes journey as we delve into how we craft and produce recipe videos for the BBC.
The Vision and Planning
Our journey begins with a vision shared with our client. Crafting these recipe videos is a meticulous process that starts with in-depth planning. The key steps include:
Concept Development: We plan and refine ideas for each recipe video, considering seasonality, dietary trends, and audience preferences alongside our client until deciding on the final 8 that are the most relevant in that upcoming month.
Influencer Collaboration: Our influencers are typically hand picked by the client based off our recommendations to suit the theme of the content we are crafting and add some variety. When getting them involved in shooting we’ll have them develop their own recipes from the beginning so it’s authentic whilst planning ahead with other elements such as voiceovers.
Pre-Production
Before the cameras start rolling, there's an array of preparatory work that takes place:
Casting: We typically choose from our bank of food stylists for the cooking and prepping aspect of the shoot, we know anyone from our supplier list will be efficient, confident and can keep up with the pace whilst still keeping the quality high. Another aspect of casting, dependent on the tier of production value is sometimes casting hand models, they stand in and perform the motion of the stirring and chopping under close guidance from our food stylist on set - this ensures we have a range diversity in our videos rather than the same stylist’s hands over and over again.
Prop Sourcing and Set Design: With our unique and interchangeable kitchen set we are already at a huge advantage to be able to provide the client with a range of backdrops from sage green farmhouse vibes to a luxury navy blue with marble counters. We have recently began to branch out further playing with colouramas and colourful textured backdrops as a way of mixing things up. Props are always a crucial part of the pre production process, after working with the stylist we often start to pull and order props in-keeping of that months theme whether it’s festive , Halloween or anything in between. As well as the themed props a lot of thought is put into the colour schemes and textures of the crockery - considering the colours of the recipes and what plates, bowls or boards will make them pop.
Recipe Testing: Our food stylist carefully tests and refines each recipe to ensure it's both delectable and achievable for home cooks as well as figuring out required equipment and props that may be needed. This is really important as it allows the stylist to spot any issues with recipes in advance so if something doesn’t work there is plenty of time to figure out a solution. This is also a great opportunity for our client to see the finished recipes and if they want to make any suggestions or amends such as changing the toppings of a recipe etc
Finalising: Before we begin shooting all systems are a go as we build and run through our production plan with the whole team. A production plan is crucial to ensure everyone involved is aligned, this includes: the schedule for the shoot and order of the recipes that have been planned with consideration for cooking, chilling and freezing times so we can always maximise the day. This also contains the method, ingredients list and shot list all listed out for anyone to reference on the shoot day. Of course this is all done before we get to our pre-light day that includes setting up all the kit, lighting and styling of the sets.
Production Phase
This is where the magic happens:
Filming: Our crew is normally on the smaller side on these shoots to keep things easy, all we require is a director, producer, DOP and food stylist and that makes up the dream team on the day. Cal is our DOP and is in charge of capturing every detail. We use a 2 camera system; 1 fixed overhead and 1 x manned camera used for juicy close ups.
Lighting and Styling: Paying attention to every detail, from the arrangement of ingredients on the counter to the play of light and shadow, this ensures a visually appealing experience. We always look to elevate with props that compliment the food and the backdrops with consideration even going into things as specific as napkin colours. Our food stylist will always lead on this and will always be on stand by if someone else is cooking on the camera, ready to give tips or jump in to get that perfect drizzle or slice. This is of course between them prepping for the next recipe, they are always a few steps ahead of us - something that is essential to keep to schedule.
Directing: Kieran takes the lead here, checking we are on track and not missing anything off the shot list and always throwing in more creative ways to mix up a shot rather than a standard wide. He keeps an open flow of communication with our clients to ensure that they are happy and if they want anything hanging whilst always thinking ahead to the next shot.
Post-Production
The video files are handed over to our post-production team, sometimes we manage to get one or two turned around in the same day with our edit suite being just upstairs:
Video Editing: Our skilled editors piece together the footage to create a cohesive, visually appealing, and easy-to-follow cooking guide that is widely accessible to anyone watching at home. Our list of deliverales for each recipe includes:
A 9x16 for instagram
A 16x9 version for Youtube
Plus high resolution thumbnail
Sound and Music: The addition of the music enhances the viewer's experience, setting the mood for a culinary journey. Our editors are always conscious of the themes and backgrounds of each dish to ensure that music choices are relevant to the recipe - the difference between a thoughtful choice in comparison to chucking any soundtrack on makes an unbelievable difference.
Colour Grading: Our editors also work carefully on the colours to ensure that they pop and evoke the taste and texture of the dishes and making sure that the dishes pop against the background as planned when choosing our sets.
Challenges and Solutions
No production is without its challenges:
Logistics: Careful planning keeps everything running smoothly and wrapping at reasonable times, even when we sometimes roll three recipes into one eg. Fried Eggs Three Ways. Managing expectations that these types of recipes won’t be as in depth due to the length of the final deliverable is really important to keep everyone on the same page. It also ensures that we stick to our allotted time frame for each recipe.
Adaptation: Adapting to unforeseen circumstances, such as the dawning realisation that we don’t have a spare baking tray for the next recipe prep, is a skill in itself. However, this is something you expect on a shoot now and again but the important thing is how you overcome it . Which we always do whether that is moving the scheduled recipes around or grabbing the prop from our neighbour ‘Home Sense’, we never let it slow us down.
Visual Elements and Creativity
Our recipe videos are a feast for the eyes:
Close-ups and macro shots: Capturing the details of food textures, colours, and cooking techniques allows viewers to connect with the recipes on a sensory level and make them look even more appealing.
Overhead shots: Showcasing the dishes in all their glory whilst still being super practical and so making them easy to follow as the viewer can see all the ingredients required right off the bat.
Voiceovers: The videos are not just about cooking and VO’s elevate this; they tell a story about the culture, history, and passion behind each dish.
Crafting these recipe videos for the BBC has been an incredible opportunity for the whole of the Dead Pixel team to come together to work on a final output. It's a journey that involves considered planning, collaboration, creativity, and a passion for all things food. With each video, we aim to inspire, educate, and connect with their viewers, offering them a taste of the world's diverse cuisines and the joy of creating delicious meals at home.