There’s nothing quite like being inside a brand-new space before the world discovers it. That’s exactly where we found ourselves at Celavie Kitchen & Bar in the heart of Connaught Place, Delhi, days before its grand opening — cameras in hand, lights ready, and an empty restaurant full of stories waiting to be told.
Shooting a video before launch meant every moment was filled with possibility. The kitchen was gleaming, the bar stocked but untouched, and every table set perfectly as if waiting for its first guests. It felt almost cinematic: a pristine stage waiting for the curtain to rise.
The biggest challenge — and the most exciting part — was bringing the space to life without any diners. We needed to make sure viewers could feel the energy Celavie was about to unleash on CP’s dining scene. That meant experimenting with fluid camera movements that drifted through the empty dining room, capturing the textures of the stone walls, the sparkle of the cutlery, and the soft glow of pendant lights overhead.
One of our favorite moments came while filming the bar staff rehearsing their signature cocktails. The vibrant colors of freshly cut garnishes, the shimmer of ice, and the precision of each pour created dynamic visuals that hinted at the lively evenings Celavie would soon host.
The entire experience was a masterclass in patience and creativity. Without a bustling crowd, we focused on the small things: the hiss of a pan in the kitchen, the swirl of a drink, the way sunlight filtered through the windows in the afternoon. Each of these details was woven together to build anticipation for what Celavie promised to be — a place full of life, flavors, and memories yet to be made.
More than anything, this shoot reminded us why pre-launch projects are so special. It’s a chance to freeze a moment in time, to show the heart and soul poured into a space before the first guest ever walks through the door. And when the grand opening finally happens, it’s incredible to watch the vision come alive.
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