Rome is not just a city. It is a living postcard, where every corner breathes the past, and the aroma of roasted beans and freshly baked croissants hovers in the air, like part of an architectural ensemble. In this city, where history coexists with the ease of life, we have been operating a small but beloved coffee shop for several years. We have always strived to focus not only on the taste, but also on the atmosphere - on the fact that a cup of coffee in Rome is not a rush, but a small journey. Therefore, when we decided to shoot a commercial, it was important for us that it was something special. We did not want to just show the interior or the process of making drinks - we dreamed of telling a story. A story about love for coffee, the city and moments. A video production company in Italy - ORBIS Production helped us with this, and the result exceeded all expectations.
Cinema Inspiration: Roman Holiday as the Basis for Advertising Aesthetics
At our first meeting with ORBIS, we were struck by their approach: no banality, no template script. Instead, they suggested building the entire video around the aesthetics of the cult film Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. We immediately realized that this was a hit. This format would perfectly convey not only the spirit of Rome, but also the feelings that we want to give to everyone who comes to us for a cup of espresso.
The script was built as a small romantic journey around Rome. The frame shows a girl in a light dress and a guy on a vintage Vespa, who ride along the cobbled streets of Trastevere, make stops at the Trevi Fountain, drink coffee in old cafes and laugh, catching the sun glare in Piazza Navona. The entire video was built on lively, spontaneous moments, with a slight touch of nostalgia and an incredibly stylish visual presentation.
How it was filmed: the magic behind the scenes
The filming process itself was an unforgettable experience. ORBIS organized everything from obtaining permits to film in historical areas to selecting costumes that matched the aesthetics of the 50s. Talented camera operators, stylists, motion coordinators and even a consultant on cinematic angles worked on the set. Everything was filmed at a lively pace - morning light, soft shadows, squares untouched by tourists. Thanks to this, the picture turned out to be as authentic as possible: as if it were a scene from a real film, and not an advertisement.
The musical score deserves special mention: Italian retro melodies emphasized the atmosphere of lightness, warmth and romance. The soundtrack perfectly wove into the rhythm of the frame, making the viewer literally feel the taste of coffee and the warmth of a sunny morning.
Impact: From Local Success to International Attention
When we posted the video on our page, we expected that regular customers would like it and that it would attract the attention of the local audience. But we couldn’t imagine that the video would literally “blow up” Instagram and TikTok. Tens of thousands of people watched it in the first two days, and later it was reposted by famous food bloggers from the US, Italy, and even Japan. They noted that it wasn’t just an advertisement, but “a real little movie that you want to be in.”
Thanks to this video, our coffee shop became famous far beyond Rome. Tourists, planning a trip, began to add us to their routes. People come not only for coffee, but also to take a photo in "that very coffee shop from the video." We became part of their "Roman holidays," and this is priceless.
Advertising as part of the brand and emotional experience
This video changed our approach to branding. We realized that advertising can be art. That it is not aggressive promotion that works best, but a sincere story - visual, emotional, beautiful. Now the video is shown on the screen in the coffee shop, accompanies our presentations, is used at events and is simply pleasing to the eye.
What's more important is that it has become a part of us. It contains not only the beautiful views of Rome, but also the philosophy of our coffee shop: to give people a moment of joy, warmth, aesthetics. Everything for which we love this city and our business.
Thanks to ORBIS Production
We are sincerely grateful to ORBIS Production for their incredible work. For not just filming, but for inspiring, feeling and helping to reveal our idea in its fullest and most subtle form. This was not a “box-ticking project” — it was a real collaboration, a creative union that brought an amazing result.
If you are looking for a team that can turn even a simple idea into an emotional visual work, ORBIS is your choice. They know how to see the essence, feel the atmosphere and convey it through the lens in a way that only true masters can.
Comments (0)