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Why many commercials miss the mark
A lot of commercials aren’t liked simply because they feel uninspired. You know that feeling: the content doesn’t say anything new, and the delivery comes across as insincere. Those ads seem to assume viewers aren’t paying attention - and that’s a mistake.
A study conducted by Wyzowl noted that 66% of consumers find short adverts more memorable than longer ones, especially if the narrative strikes a personal chord. This finding underscores why mini-stories can outperform traditional, direct pitches. Our team observed a similar pattern during the Parimatch x Chelsea FC production: short social clips featuring genuine fan reactions received significantly higher engagement than extended highlight reels.
To us, adverts should feel like mini-stories. Take our work with Priyanka Chopra for Max Factor: it wasn’t about throwing makeup into the spotlight; it was about highlighting confidence. We zoomed in on that spark - her ability to communicate authenticity with a single smile. It wasn’t forced; it was real. That’s what left people talking.
The heart of great ads: story
An engaging commercial revolves around a story that resonates. It’s not about ticking boxes or adding random buzzwords. It’s about capturing emotions, struggles, or dreams that viewers relate to.
Many brands miss the mark by overlooking the power of research-based insights. According to data from Animoto, businesses that use video in their marketing strategies report nearly double the increase in brand awareness compared to those that rely on static posts alone. We’ve harnessed such insights in campaigns for clients like Luxoft, where data-informed creative decisions helped amplify the project’s message without losing the human aspect.
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Real moments can make all the difference, regardless of the industry or scale of the event. Some of our smaller assignments - like a local videography arts showcase - yielded unexpected success when candid clips were featured. That sense of authenticity is comparable to large-scale efforts, such as the charity match for Team Shevchenko vs Team Zinchenko, where on-the-spot reactions from players and supporters lent credibility to the campaign, leading to wider public interest. When we helped produce the campaign for the United24 charity match, the story wasn’t just about sport. It was about unity and a bigger cause. The sports filming footage showed players giving everything, supporters cheering in the stands, and a sense of shared purpose that spoke louder than any tagline.
Our approach: personal, hands-on, and all-In
Some brands approach video production like an assembly line: drop off a brief, pick up a final product, end of story. We find that approach stale. Great commercials need genuine collaboration, energy, and a willingness to experiment.
At We Stream, we don’t hand your project to a random crew. We form a group of creatives who truly understand the brand’s core. When we worked on the Tommy Hilfiger shoot, we knew we had to keep that classic yet modern feel. We meticulously tested angles, lighting configurations, and pacing before landing on a finished product that could be described as chic, yet classically Tommy.
Behind the scenes: the real work
Filming a commercial isn’t glitz and glamour all day long. It’s early alarms, heavy gear, and more coffee than you’d think possible. The payoff arrives when you see the raw material and realise you’ve captured something special.
During the Lord Mayor Show 2022, our team arrived before dawn with a mountain of equipment. We set up multiple cameras to make sure every regal flourish and passing smile was on film. By day’s end, we had hours of footage. Then came the marathon editing sessions, where we shaped the material into something that told the story of that momentous day - lively, celebratory, and loaded with tradition. No corner was overlooked.
Collaboration with Bitpace exemplified how a fresh event in the fintech sector can be turned into compelling footage. The scheduling involved interviews with key figures in blockchain innovation, plus snippets of on-stage product demos that gave viewers a glimpse into emerging tech. The final edit combined straight-to-the-point explanations with swift transitions, illustrating the energy behind a forward-thinking organisation.
Why work with We Stream?
Those after a standard formula might not find us ideal. On the other hand, anyone looking for a team that pours its heart into every single detail to create a standout final piece is always welcome to reach out.
Part of why we stand out is how much we love the entire process. It’s never about ticking boxes - it’s about going all in at each stage: developing the concept, finding that perfect shot, and piecing everything together into a story that really lands. We’ve teamed up with names like Nas Daily and Luxoft, but our passion is the same for smaller brands that trust us with their vision.
Another memorable session took place while capturing a live performance at Maida Vale featuring an up-and-coming artist. The production set-up included multiple camera angles and crisp on-site sound recording. That contrast - between vibrant on-stage lights and the intimate vibe of a smaller venue - resulted in content that showcased genuine passion, from the artist’s raw vocals to the audience’s appreciation, all wrapped up in a cohesive film.
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Moving ahead: the future of commercials
The best ads will always be the ones that make you think or smile, or that stir something deep inside. Emerging technology might give us new tools - like immersive video or interactive features - but the underlying principles won’t change. Tap into real emotions. Understand your audience. And tell a story that matters.
So if you’re ready to step away from boring scripts and generic pitches, we’re here to help you create something that sticks in people’s minds long after they’ve scrolled past it. We Stream isn’t here just to produce a commercial; we’re here to work with you on something memorable - something that, quite honestly, might make viewers forget they’re watching an ad at all. Let’s make a splash together.
FAQs
Why do so many ads feel boring or fake?
Ads often feel boring or fake when they rely too much on clichés, forced dialogue, or unrealistic scenarios. Audiences today value authenticity, and content that feels too scripted or overly polished can fail to resonate.
What makes an ad annoying or forgettable?
Repetitive messaging, intrusive placement, and poor production quality can make an ad annoying. Ads that lack a clear message or memorable visuals are often forgotten quickly.
What makes a commercial stick in your mind?
A memorable commercial usually has a strong emotional pull, unique storytelling, or striking visuals. Ads that connect with viewers through humour, relatable experiences, or bold creativity tend to leave a lasting impression.
What makes an ad relatable?
Relatable ads reflect real-life situations, genuine emotions, or shared experiences. Using familiar settings, authentic language, and diverse representation helps audiences see themselves in the story.
How much does it cost to make a commercial?
The cost varies depending on factors like the complexity of the shoot, location, equipment, crew size, and post-production needs. A professional commercial can range from a few thousand pounds for a simple project to tens of thousands for a large-scale production with high-end visuals and multiple filming days.
Ads often feel boring or fake when they rely too much on clichés, forced dialogue, or unrealistic scenarios. Audiences today value authenticity, and content that feels too scripted or overly polished can fail to resonate.
What makes an ad annoying or forgettable?
Repetitive messaging, intrusive placement, and poor production quality can make an ad annoying. Ads that lack a clear message or memorable visuals are often forgotten quickly.
What makes a commercial stick in your mind?
A memorable commercial usually has a strong emotional pull, unique storytelling, or striking visuals. Ads that connect with viewers through humour, relatable experiences, or bold creativity tend to leave a lasting impression.
What makes an ad relatable?
Relatable ads reflect real-life situations, genuine emotions, or shared experiences. Using familiar settings, authentic language, and diverse representation helps audiences see themselves in the story.
How much does it cost to make a commercial?
The cost varies depending on factors like the complexity of the shoot, location, equipment, crew size, and post-production needs. A professional commercial can range from a few thousand pounds for a simple project to tens of thousands for a large-scale production with high-end visuals and multiple filming days.
