Flavor of the Century

Client: Torani

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Torani introduced its Flavor of the Century: Diamond. This milestone campaign honored the company’s rich history through four distinct eras: Taste of the Homeland, Café Era, Consumer Era, and People & Partners. Our goal was to create a series of social videos that would build excitement leading up to the flavor’s release, taking viewers on a journey through Torani’s past and present.

Role: CREATIVE LEAD, Director of photography, Video Editor

Creative Approach

We produced four teaser social videos, each highlighting a different era of Torani’s history leading up to the present, and an animated product video to for the reveal of the Flavor of the Century. The biggest challenge? Condensing 100 years of heritage into engaging, short-form content for social. Collaborating closely with our client and my copywriter partner, we crafted a script that encompassed their brand’s key moments for concise and effective storytelling.

I led the art direction, assembling mood boards and storyboards using sketches and generative AI to guide production. Once the script and storyboards were approved, I moved into pre-production, planning video equipment, lighting setups, and testing practical lighting effects. To ensure a smooth production process, I also generated and edited placeholder voiceover audio, refining its tone, pace, and delivery for client approval, use early video drafts, and as a reference for our voiceover talent.

Production Execution

Our producer assembled and scheduled a talented team of stylists, crew, and on-screen talent—including a special cameo by Lisa, the granddaughter of Torani’s founder and current Chair of Staff. She portrayed Ezilda Torre, wearing her grandmother’s jewelry and wardrobe.

Our prop stylist, Kelly, generously provided family heirlooms from the 1920s–1960s, including handwritten letters and stationery from her grandparents, for use on set.

Meanwhile, our client Matt, Torani’s Creative Services Manager, reworked vintage labels to recreate the brand’s first five syrup bottles.

It was a true team effort, blending creativity and care to thoughtfully honor Torani’s rich history with authentic details and storytelling.

Our two-day studio shoot included:

  • 12 set changes

  • 7 on-screen talent and hand models

  • 11 styled drinks

  • Lots of coffee

For the video highlighting People & Partners, we gathered UGC-style content from Torani’s partners and scheduled an additional shoot day to capture b-roll footage of team members at multiple locations throughout their office.

Results

This campaign not only built anticipation for the Flavor of the Century but also reinforced Torani’s deep-rooted history and commitment to its community. On the reveal launch date, Torani announced that 100% of profits from this flavor would go to non-profits creating work readiness and first job opportunities for: Opportunity Youth, Adults with Developmental Disabilities, and Justice-Impacted Individuals.

By blending archival inspiration with contemporary storytelling, we created a visual journey that honored the past while celebrating the brand’s next chapter. It was an incredible experience and privilege to dive into 100 years of history as inspiration guiding creative decisions, art direction, and production.

Social numbers

110K+ Views

Across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

520+ Shares

Across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

79K+ Reach

Across Facebook and Instagram,
TikTok reach data unavailable.

4,716+ Minutes Watch time

Across Facebook and Instagram,
TikTok reach data unavailable.

215+ Comments

Across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

150+ Saves

Across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

2.5K+ Likes and reactions

Across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Team

Agency: Ready State
Talent: Torani
Creative Director: Jodi Wing
Creative Lead: David Wong
Director of Photography: David Wong
Video Editor: David Wong
Producer: Kelly Fooy
Food styling: Amanda Anselmino
Prop styling: Kelly Allen
Copy & Script: Clay Klusas
Studio: Flash Studio
Animation: Arturo Lindbergh

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