Behind the scenes: how we bring our brand films to life

Brand films always bring a certain creative buzz to the MOO studio. It’s an opportunity to do what we love – tell a story through beautiful design. 

In 2025, that story took shape in the form of a playful, character-driven film that celebrates creativity, connection and, of course, creating premium products you’re proud to hand out. In 2026, our film pushed that idea even further: What if the print and merch we help people create is so beautiful, they literally can’t bear to hand it out?

Beyond the camera lights and directors’ chairs (joking, we don’t actually have those), our brand films tell a bigger story – why video is such a powerful tool for brands, and what it takes to make them work hard and look amazing. 

To give you a true BTS look, we asked MOO’s Creative and Marketing teams what it takes to produce a standout brand film. From strategic storytelling and ideation, to production and cross-team collaboration, they share what goes into turning a fun idea into a performance-driven campaign.

The power of brand films

In a digital world where audiences are bombarded with products and offers, brand films help us connect emotionally. It’s not just another post in a feed – it’s a moment. A feeling. A glimpse into what makes a brand human.

Thomas Smith, MOO’s Senior Videographer, says: “Video can communicate in ways other formats simply can’t. With audio, pacing, camerawork, and expression, we can tell stories that feel alive. That’s how you cut through the digital noise.”

Making it more of a story helps it feel less ‘salesy.’ – Adi Porat

Or as Adi Porat, MOO’s Senior Paid Marketing Manager, puts it: “A well-produced film gives us the opportunity to get MOO out there, talk about USPs, and give our brand a relatable persona. Making it more of a story helps it feel less ‘salesy.’”

Finding the spark

So, where exactly does the ‘big idea’ come from?

Jonathan Davies, MOO’s Lead Designer, explains: “The spark for 2025’s film came from MOO’s newly expanded range. We needed to showcase a variety of products in 60 seconds (or less) without overwhelming the viewer. So, we created a cast of playful corporate characters to reflect the diversity of our customers: businesses, brands, and individuals alike.”

Set in a retro-inspired office holiday party, the video reimagines corporate gifting with a wink. 

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“We paired classic tailoring with modern cuts, pinstripe suits with chunky sneakers, fax machines with MacBook Pros,” adds Jonathan. “It’s an unexpected take on retro corporate culture – a time before our super-digital age.”

Phillip Bailey, Head of Art Direction, says: “We had a lot of fun amplifying ‘main character energy’ across every aspect. Confidence is shown in the costume details just as much as the acting and movement. From an art direction perspective, this project was all about creating a universe where those details could sit comfortably together and feel unmistakably MOO, all while keeping the focus on our product.”

In 2026, that spark was rooted in an idea that felt rebellious for the category: businesses make print and merch to give away, make fresh connections, and get their brand out into the world. But what if it was so beautifully designed, they actually couldn’t let it go?

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“We started with the human truth that we help people create products they’re super proud of, and that they know people will genuinely hold onto,” says Jim Reader, MOO’s Senior Writer. “We then pushed that very-real sense of pride to the extreme. Our lead character, Maya, loves her MOO merch so much, she literally tackles someone to take it back. That’s where the creative spark lies: find a truth about your brand, category, and customers, then take it to totally unexpected places.”

That’s where the creative spark lies: find a truth about your brand, category, and customers, then take it to totally unexpected places. – Jim Reader

Humor, heart, and design-led storytelling all come together to create something that feels distinctly MOO: premium, personable, and brimming with personality.

The power of storytelling

If there’s one thread that ties MOO brand films together, it’s storytelling.

“Good storytelling starts with that human truth,” explains Thomas. “Then we get to have fun bringing it to life in relatable and unexpected ways. It’s the best way of connecting with viewers and engaging our emotions.”

But if you want that story to really travel, it’s important to think even bigger than your brand film.

Steve Turner, MOO’s Senior Designer, adds: “Storytelling doesn’t just live in your brand film – it runs through every touchpoint that surrounds it. That’s why you want people engaging with it to feel like they’re entering the same world, whether they’re on your site, in their inbox, or going BTS on social,” he says. “Our mission was to continue the film’s impact, and reaffirm its message.”

That consistency across video, photography, and design ensures every campaign feels cohesive and considered. A truly immersive MOO experience.

The creative challenge

Behind the camera, things move fast. REALLY fast.

“In 2025, after months of ideating and scriptwriting, we had just 10 days to go from loose storyboards to 60 finished assets,” recalls Jonathan. “We were scouting locations five days before the shoot. No sets, no props, no clothing, no product. But the energy and collaboration make it all worthwhile.”

In 2026, we gave ourselves more breathing space.

“As a team, we learned a great deal from previous productions,” he explains. “While we still had challenges, casting, prop sourcing, and styling was far more organised and efficient, giving us more time to focus on other creative and practical needs.”

From Steve’s side, whatever the process, ensuring consistency across hundreds of assets requires constant communication: “There are so many moving parts. But daily team stand-ups and an open creative process meant we could keep our work visually aligned.”

Balancing beauty and performance

Of course, beautiful storytelling means little if it doesn’t deliver results.

As Adi explains: “This is always the secret tug-of-war between creative and marketing. We want sales, but we also want our creative to feel distinctly ‘MOO’. That’s where collaboration is essential – finding common ground where we can stay on-brand but still make it clear we sell products that are genuinely useful, and beautifully designed.”

Collaboration between creatives and stakeholders ensures the brief meets business needs and delivers a visually strong answer. – Thomas Smith

Thomas agrees: “We could produce amazing videos, but without aligning with what makes MOO ‘MOO’, they won’t serve their purpose. Collaboration between creatives and stakeholders ensures the brief meets business needs and delivers a visually strong answer.”

Lessons for brands

So, what can other brands learn from our filmmaking experience?

Adi’s top tip: “Keep the platform in mind from day one. No video is one-size-fits-all. And remember: the beginning is everything. You need your brand front and center, but you also need a hook to keep people watching.”

Thomas’s top tip: “Define clear goals and plan thoroughly. Efficiency is key – balancing speed, cost, and quality.”

Steve’s top tip: “Don’t be afraid to show your brand’s personality. Be bold, playful, and human.”

Phil’s top tip: “Having a solid creative vision helps keep everyone aligned while decisions are being made at a fast pace.”

Jim’s top tip: “When a relatable human truth sits at the center of your story, everything else falls into place – even the things you change along the way.”

At MOO, we believe a great film is more than motion – it’s emotion. It’s how we bring our brand to life, one story at a time.

Print and merch that tells your story

The care and creativity we put into every MOO video campaign is the same we put into our products. And with a little help from MOO’s Business Services team, you can create beautifully branded gifts that are thoughtful, hard to forget, and fizzing with your brand’s unique personality.

Just fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.