Journal

Notes from the studio.

Working notes on cinematic product films, CGI vs live-action, luxury fragrance advertising, and the craft of making a brand feel already established.

Jun 15, 2026

How much does a cinematic product film cost in 2026?

An honest look at what a cinematic product film costs in 2026 — the pricing bands, what drives them up or down, and where founders should expect to spend more than they thought.

6 min read

May 22, 2026

CGI vs live-action product ads — when to use each

A director's framework for the CGI vs live-action decision on product ads — when each wins, when hybrid is the right answer, and the mistake founders make most often.

7 min read

Apr 30, 2026

What makes a luxury fragrance ad feel premium?

The specific habits that separate a luxury fragrance ad from a mid-tier one — light, pacing, typography, restraint — and why celebrity-first advertising is quietly losing ground.

6 min read

Jul 9, 2026

Studio-grade UGC video ads — creator credibility, cinematic finish

Why the highest-converting UGC video ads in 2026 are quietly studio-directed — how to keep creator credibility on the hook while hitting a premium finish on the payoff.

5 min read

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