From Fairway to Premiere: Creating a Lean Product Video for Birdie Polish
🎥 Watch the final one-minute video we created for Birdie Polish — a Rhode Island-based company launching their new golf-inspired product.
Also, watch this video on YouTube and subscribe to see more of our corporate and small business productions.
When Birdie Polish, a Rhode Island-based company, reached out about producing a short video to introduce their new golf-inspired product, premium golf shoe wipes, and I knew it would be a fun challenge. Unlike most of my work in the corporate and B2B (business-to-business) space, this was a true B2C (business-to-consumer) project, a consumer product designed for everyday golfers. Our goal: create a one-minute video that felt lighthearted, authentic, and effective for digital marketing.
Choosing the Right Tools for the Job
We started planning a traditional production with a full crew and Canon mirrorless cameras. But after further discussions and outreach to potential golf courses, we realized how active the course could be and made a strategic pivot, moving to an iPhone setup.
This decision was about respect for the environment we were working in. We wanted to minimize our impact, move quickly, and avoid interrupting golfers’ play. The iPhone setup allowed us to be nimble and efficient, capturing the scenes we needed in just a two-hour window.
The iPhone has officially earned a place in my production kit. It’s not a replacement for my professional cameras, but rather another tool that can deliver outstanding results when used with experience and intention. It’s my understanding of lighting, composition, and storytelling that transforms that compact device into a high-production tool.
Lean Production, Same High Standards
Pre-production is everything. For Birdie Polish, the team provided a thoughtful script and shot list that outlined the tone and message they wanted to convey. We collaborated to discuss the visual flow before arriving at the course — preparation that made all the difference, allowing us to move quickly without compromising quality. And as always, I’m ready for any pivots or changes once we’re on set.
Each setup took about two to four takes, which gave us plenty of options while keeping things efficient. I used a gimbal for smooth motion, a wireless mic on our actor to capture his subtle “grunts” of frustration, and a handheld recorder for environmental sound bites. Later, in post-production, we mixed in the sounds of the golf course with a soundtrack that added a hint of humor — all working together to create a cohesive and polished final product.
Finding the Right Voice
We initially tested an AI-generated voiceover for speed and flexibility, but it quickly became clear that a professional voice actor could add more emotion and nuance. The AI version was a great proof of concept and even helped us refine the script. But the human voice ultimately gave the spot its personality, making it confident, relatable, and in tune with the brand.
To bring this project to life, we first tested an AI-generated voiceover as a proof of concept. It helped us refine the pacing and tone before recording the final narration with a professional voice actor.
🎧 Listen below to hear the difference — technology vs. human touch.
Lessons for Small Businesses
Tip for Small Business Owners: When launching a new product, don’t assume you need a big crew or a large production to create something impactful. Focus on your story, your audience, and the experience you want viewers to have. A well-planned, one-minute video can drive engagement and connect emotionally, even on a lean setup.
Whether it’s a corporate campaign or a consumer launch, the storytelling principles remain the same: clarity, emotion, and authenticity win every time.
Want to see more examples of our corporate and small business video storytelling? Explore our video production portfolio to learn how we create engaging, goal-driven content.
A Soundtrack of Success
The Birdie Polish team was wonderful to work with. They were collaborative, prepared, and open to creative solutions. We shot just across the Rhode Island–Massachusetts line, blending the charm of a local course with a national-level message. The final video, along with shorter reels for social media, part of our short-form video services designed to make quick, authentic storytelling and easy for small businesses.
I’m excited to see their success on and off the course, and to continue exploring creative, lean production techniques that help businesses tell their stories beautifully.
Reflection Point
Sometimes the best productions aren’t about the biggest cameras or the largest crews. They’re about the right plan, the right story, and the right intention. Knowing how to make the most of every minute on set. Also, having a client that is fantastic to work with is always icing on the cake.
