What is a Brand Film? The Ultimate Guide for Hotels, Restaurants and Lifestyle Brands in 2025
In an age where audiences scroll in seconds and judge brands instantly, video has become the most powerful tool in brand marketing. For hotels, restaurants, sustainable fashion labels, and lifestyle brands, a brand film — also known as a hero video or brand story video — is no longer optional. It’s an essential asset for building trust, attracting attention, and turning viewers into loyal customers.
What is a Brand Film?
A brand film is a short (usually 1–3 minutes), story-driven video that captures the essence of who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Unlike a promotional advert, a brand film is about values, atmosphere, and story — not just sales.
Think of it as your visual identity in motion. A piece of content that sums up your philosophy, your people, your place, and your purpose in a way that’s cinematic, memorable, and shareable.
Why Hotels and Restaurants Need Brand Films
For hotels and hospitality, brand films are proven to:
Increase bookings. Expedia reports that professional video can boost hotel booking rates by up to 67%.
Build trust. Guests are more likely to book when they see authentic storytelling that reflects real experiences.
Differentiate. In a crowded travel market, a well-crafted film highlights design, community, and atmosphere — not just room rates.
For restaurants, cafés, and bars, a brand film showcases:
The energy of your space (people, food, atmosphere).
The passion of your founders and chefs.
Why your place is worth visiting over competitors.
Why Sustainable and Lifestyle Brands Benefit
For ethical fashion, wellness spaces, and sustainable products, brand films:
Show the human stories behind the brand (craftsmanship, community, values).
Communicate responsibility and authenticity in ways photography alone can’t.
Create a powerful tool for retail, e-commerce, and social media campaigns.
Where to Use a Brand Film
Homepage hero section (your first impression).
About page (humanising your story).
Instagram / LinkedIn pinned post.
YouTube channel and Shorts (search visibility).
PR campaigns and press kits.
In-venue screens (hotels, lobbies, festivals, retail).
How Long Should a Brand Film Be?
The sweet spot is 60–120 seconds. Long enough to convey depth, short enough to hold attention. For social-first cutdowns, 15–30 seconds is ideal for TikTok and Instagram Reels.
The ROI of Brand Films
93% of marketers say video increases brand awareness.
84% say video directly increases sales.
Short-form video is ranked as the highest ROI content format across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
For hotels and lifestyle brands, that means brand films pay for themselves quickly through increased bookings, sales, and visibility.
FAQ: Brand Films for Hospitality and Lifestyle Brands
What’s the difference between a brand film and a promo video?
A promo video pushes a product. A brand film tells a story. It builds long-term affinity, not just short-term sales.
Do we need both film and photography?
Yes — they work hand-in-hand. Film shows movement, atmosphere, and emotion. Photography provides the stills for websites, press, and print. Together, they create a complete brand toolkit.
Do you create cutdowns for social media?
Absolutely. We provide vertical edits optimised for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, complete with captions and trending audio if needed.
How much does a brand film cost?
Budgets vary based on scale, but our brand film packages start at £2,000 and scale up depending on locations, talent, and deliverables.
Do brand films work for small independent brands?
Yes — some of the most powerful films are made for independent cafés, makers, and wellness spaces. A strong story is often more powerful than a big budget.
Final Thoughts
A brand film is not just a video. It’s an investment in your identity. For hotels, restaurants, and lifestyle brands, it’s the single most effective way to capture your essence, connect with your audience, and stand out in a crowded market.
At Co Studio, we create brand films that are cinematic, authentic, and responsible — designed for both high-impact campaigns and everyday social use.