Creativity, training, and AI innovation at Ford Media Lab's spec day
Ford Media Lab: Investing in Creativity, Nurturing Talent, and Perfecting the Pour.
At Ford Media Lab, our passion for creating stunning visual content is matched only by our dedication to excellence in every detail. We recently dedicated a day—our "Spec Day"—not for a client project, but for ourselves. This initiative served a dual purpose: to unleash our creativity without external constraints and, crucially, to proactively solve a challenge vital to maintaining the exceptional quality our clients expect, especially in our renowned cocktail imagery.
The Challenge & The Opportunity: Upholding Unrivaled Drink Styling Standards
Ford Media Lab was built on a foundation of deep expertise in styling cocktails, born from years of professional bartending. We don’t just make drinks look good; we make them for the camera with an authenticity and meticulous attention to detail that has become our hallmark. During our time in NYC, we cultivated a strong network within the local bartending community, tapping into skilled individuals whom we could train in the nuances of on-camera styling. Their existing knowledge and passion were the perfect foundation.
Since relocating to Tampa Bay, while we've collaborated with many talented food stylists, we recognized a gap in readily available talent specifically trained in the highly specialized art of drink styling to our exacting standards. We understand that established stylists have their proven methods, but our discerning requirements for drink authenticity often demand a unique approach. This Spec Day presented a golden opportunity: two of our ambitious Production Assistants expressed keen interest in mastering drink styling. We saw the chance to develop our in-house talent and formalize a training program.
The Ford Media Lab Approach: Intentional Creativity & Rigorous Training
Our Spec Day was far from an unstructured playdate. We approached it with the same rigor and professionalism as any client commission:
Strategic Shot List Development: We began by identifying six key trends in current cocktail photography, ensuring our creative exploration would also enrich our portfolio with fresh, relevant aesthetics. We then selected six classic cocktails—a mix of stirred and shaken, long and short serves, featuring a range of essential garnish techniques—perfect for both their evergreen appeal and their utility in a comprehensive training regimen.
Structured Training Program: The core of the day was hands-on training for our Production Assistants, guiding them through our specific techniques for achieving camera-perfect cocktails, from ice handling and precise pours to meticulous garnish placement.
Client-Level Pre-Production: We developed a full pre-production deck, outlining the vision, shot list, and creative direction, treating ourselves as the client to ensure a focused and productive shoot.
Embracing Creative Freedom: While structured, the day also allowed us the freedom to experiment with lighting, composition, and propping to push our creative boundaries.
The Results: Stunning Visuals & Empowered Talent
The Spec Day was a resounding success. Our PAs embraced the training, demonstrating a keen eye and skillful hands. The creative output was a series of beautiful, high-impact still images that truly capture the essence of each cocktail. And, in true Ford Media Lab fashion, we didn’t stop there: we further brought these stills to life using AI technology to create captivating animations, adding another layer of dynamic content to our portfolio.
Why This Matters: The Ford Media Lab Commitment
This Spec Day is more than just an internal project; it’s a reflection of our core values:
Uncompromising Quality: We proactively invest in ensuring our standards remain consistently high, regardless of market challenges.
Authenticity & Detail: Our deep roots in professional bartending mean we understand and execute cocktail styling with an authenticity others can't replicate.
Nurturing Talent: We believe in empowering our team, fostering growth, and developing specialized skills in-house.
Creative Innovation: We continuously explore new techniques and technologies, like AI animation, to deliver compelling and cutting-edge visuals.
By investing in ourselves, our team, and our craft, we ensure that Ford Media Lab continues to be a trusted partner for clients seeking exceptional, authentic, and creatively envisioned content. Our dedication to these internal standards translates directly to the superior quality and innovative solutions we provide for every project.
Project: Spec Day
Location: Ford Media Lab
Photographer: Kyle Ford
Art Direction + Prop Styling: Rachel Ford
Cocktail Styling: Rachel DeBickero and Chelsea Butz
Inspired by our dedication to craft? Explore our portfolio to see more of our work, or contact us to discuss how our high standards and creative vision can elevate your next project.