Behind the Scenes: The Long Game of Product Launches

Discover the intricate journey of bringing Athens Phyllo Bites to market. From packaging photography to commercial production, explore how Simone’s expertise in visual storytelling transforms product launches into compelling brand experiences.
In the realm of commercial photography and video production, not every project is a rapid-fire endeavor. Some projects materialize swiftly—an inquiry one week, a shoot the next. More often, though, we’re in it for the long haul. Product launches, in particular, require patience, precision, and a keen strategic vision.
One of our recent collaborations exemplifies this long-form creative process: Athens Phyllo Bites. This project, executed in partnership with our longtime collaborators at Allebach, showcases the meticulous, multi-stage evolution of a campaign—from packaging photography to full-scale commercial production.

Phase One: Packaging Photography & Culinary Artistry
Our journey began in the studio with a fundamental but crucial task—capturing mouth-watering images for packaging. But before we could even pick up the camera, we had to ensure authenticity in our visual storytelling. That meant taste-testing. (A rigorous process, but someone had to do it!)
With food stylist Amy Wardle, each Phyllo Bite was meticulously arranged, ensuring every crisp edge and flaky layer translated into an irresistible visual. Beyond mere aesthetics, we worked closely with the design team to ensure the imagery seamlessly integrated with the packaging’s typography and layout. The goal? To create a cohesive, appetite-inducing presentation that would stand out on shelves.

Phase Two: Appetite Appeal Video Production
Two months later, we were back in the studio, this time shifting our focus to appetite appeal footage. If you’ve ever seen a commercial that made you crave a product instantly, you’ve witnessed the power of this technique. Utilizing a probe lens, we captured intricate, close-up visuals—golden layers cracking open, vibrant fillings bursting with flavor—all designed to evoke sensory appeal and highlight the product’s irresistible texture.
These high-impact shots would later become the foundation of social media ads, promotional campaigns, and digital activations, ensuring Athens Phyllo Bites made a memorable first impression.
Phase Three: Full-Scale Commercial Production
Fast forward, and we found ourselves on location at a picturesque farmhouse in Maryland. With finalized packaging and appetite appeal footage in place, it was time to craft the full commercial campaign.
Equipped with our seasoned production crew, dynamic storyboards, and a roster of talented actors, we embarked on three days of intensive filming. The synergy on set was palpable—each scene was executed with precision, balancing efficiency with artistry to bring the brand’s vision to life. Though the shoot wrapped successfully, the project was far from complete.
The Waiting Game: Post-Production & Client Embargo
If there’s one phase that truly tests our patience, it’s post-production. While our hands were no longer on the edit, the anticipation was real. Months passed as the final cut took shape, fine-tuned to align seamlessly with the campaign’s overarching strategy. Until the client gave the green light, we remained in quiet anticipation, eager to share our work with the world.
The Big Reveal: AJourney Comes to Life
At last, the moment arrived—the campaign launched. Athens Phyllo Bites officially hit the market, and we could finally unveil the culmination of months of effort, creativity, and collaboration.
The commercials embodied the essence of the product—lighthearted, fun, and undeniably crave-worthy. Seeing the final campaign in action was immensely rewarding, reaffirming our commitment to the craft and our passion for bringing brands’ visions to life.
Final Thoughts: Why Long-Term Projects Matter
The Athens Phyllo Bites campaign stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, strategic creative execution. While some projects demand agility and quick turnarounds, others require patience, foresight, and a deep understanding of brand storytelling. At Simone, we thrive in both worlds.
If you’re launching a new product and need a team that can seamlessly navigate the entire creative process—from concept to commercial production—we’re here to help. Let’s create something extraordinary together.