Launching a brand new 10,000 Sq. Foot location…then the pandemic hits. 

3 Months after opening $4.2 Million Dollar Property, Then A Global Pandemic Hits: The High-Stakes Brand campaign of Charleston Distilling Co. (& How Video Kept Their Doors Open.)

Imagine this: You've just poured $4.2 million into your dream distillery. It's a 10,000-square-foot masterpiece, housing the largest still in North America – a behemoth shipped all the way from Germany. You've barely toasted your grand opening when the world shuts down. A global pandemic throws a wrench in your plans, and suddenly, your survival is on the line.

This was the grim reality facing Charleston Distilling Co. in early 2020. The pandemic restrictions meant no one could tour their impressive new facility, a legal requirement for tasting room sales in South Carolina. Their dream was on the brink of turning into a CEO's worst nightmare.

Enter: The Power of a Virtual Lifeline

In the midst of crisis, Charleston Distilling Co. made a bold move. They partnered with our photo and video production team to create a virtual distillery tour. This wasn't just any tour; it was a dynamic, immersive experience, captured with a steadicam, showcasing the heart and soul of their operation.

The result? A game-changing pivot that kept their doors open. Guests could now "tour" the distillery virtually by scanning a QR code, satisfying legal requirements while offering a captivating brand experience.

Brand Resilience in the Face of Disaster

The Charleston Distilling Co. story is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in the face of adversity. Their virtual tour wasn't just a compliance tool; it was a brand lifeline. It allowed them to:

  • Maintain Sales: Tasting room sales continued, even with in-person tours off the table.

  • Engage Customers: The virtual tour captivated audiences, showcasing the distillery's craftsmanship and commitment to quality.

  • Build Brand Resilience: In a time of crisis, Charleston Distilling Co. adapted and thrived, demonstrating the agility and innovation that defines their brand.

Your Brand Story, Your Lifeline

The Charleston Distilling Co. experience is a wake-up call for every CEO. In today's volatile world, your brand story isn't just marketing; it's a survival tool. A compelling photo and video campaign can:

  • Mitigate Risk: Prepare your brand for the unexpected by creating engaging content that resonates with your audience, even in challenging times.

  • Pivot Quickly: When disaster strikes, a strong brand story can help you adapt and evolve, finding new ways to connect with your customers.

  • Build Customer Loyalty: Captivating visuals and storytelling forge emotional connections, turning customers into loyal brand advocates.

Don't wait for disaster to strike. Invest in your brand story today. Let us help you create a visual narrative that not only showcases your products but also builds resilience, adaptability, and a loyal following.

Remember: In the high-stakes world of business, a compelling brand story can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

This was such a dynamic project to be a part of, and one that truly distilled the sense of make-it-happen entrepreneurialism.

Crafting a Virtual Lifeline: A High-Octane Collaboration with Charleston Distilling Co.

Partnering with Charleston Distilling Co. on this project was a thrill ride from start to finish. Their "make-it-happen" spirit was intoxicating, and we channeled that energy into a virtual tour that captured the essence of their brand.

Our photos and videos weren't just eye candy; they were a strategic weapon, keeping the distillery on the map and driving sales, even with their new location tucked away on Johns Island.

It was a privilege to collaborate with the passionate crew at Charleston Distilling Co. We even got a behind-the-scenes look at their colossal stills and mash towers – a sight that truly embodied their adventurous spirit.

This project was a testament to the power of visual storytelling to overcome obstacles and ignite brand success, even in the face of a global pandemic.

We’re a family owned distillery making handcrafted spirits for people who care about how things are made.
— Stephen Heilman, Founder, Charleston Distilling Co.