How to Create Your Own Bartending Videos

That’s Bruce, on YouTube. His site is over at “Bar Talk & Cocktails”, Link:  www.bartalkandcocktails.com 

 
THIS guy’s video crew (a partner) is absolute Spitze (German: Top Notch) – Bruce (about my age and Dale DeGroff’s) is what’s known as a “Past Master.” In Trade Guilds of yore you had Novices (newbies), Journeymen (learning from the most advanced and knowledgeable – known as Masters), and Masters.  Bruce – I don’t know him personally – knows his shit forwards, backwards, upside down, and sideways. Guild Masters of Yore USUALLY become managers and move away from the craft. But Bruce, just like Dale DeGroff (and humbly – I) – refuse management positions because we love the craft too much and will probably die with a muddler in our hands, we love it so much. That said… Bruce has got a SWEET setup – a video bar, someone to do the video and editing production, the “intro” and “outro” (those little introduction video clip add ons and the exit video stuff… ALL time consuming work intensive, and – as far as I’m concerned – often a waste of time when you’re in a hurry to learn to make a drink FAST at work and want to do it good, and do it right. AKA – Down and Dirty – in the trenches – aim and shoot – get it the F*** OVER WITH FAST. Sooo…. Long version:

FIRST let me help you if you have no, or little equipment or experience. There’s a Facebook group called Frugal Filmmakers which I joined about 10 years ago or so that will help you immensely. Plenty off DIY plans for cranes, dollies, run-and-gun rigs, stabilizers, etc. etc., help with lighting, mics and sound recording, video editing, best low cost cameras etc. Definitely give Frugal Filmmakers a look see. 

 

Steps to Create the Video

1. Preparation:
   • Location: Set up a bar environment with good lighting. Ensure the background is clean and has a professional bar setup.
   • Equipment: Use a good quality camera (smartphone cameras can also work if they have good resolution). Ensure you have a tripod for steady shots.
   • Props: Have a Boston shaker, a drink glass, and all necessary bar tools and ingredients for the drink.
     
     

2. Casting:

   • If you’re not going to be using yourself in the video, find someone who is a bartender or who can act the part. Ensure they are comfortable in front of the camera and can portray a friendly, professional bartender.
     
     

3. Script and Direction:

   • Smiling and Interaction: The bartender should smile warmly and engage with the camera or imaginary customer.
   • Shaking the Drink: Show the bartender shaking the drink confidently using a Boston shaker. Ensure they use proper technique to look professional.
     
     

4. Filming:

   • Angles and Shots: Use a combination of wide, medium, and close-up shots. Start with a wide shot showing the bartender behind the bar, then move to medium and close-up shots of the shaking action and the bartender’s facial expressions. I have 4 web cams set up that I can switch back and forth to using my computer. I have one over the bar mounted close to the ceiling for direct downward shots of the bar. I have one wide angle (mounted on the wall facing the bar), I have another on a small tripod that looks across the bar from a side angle, and I have one mounted on my laptop if I ever want to switch to a more closeup talk.
     
     
   • Lighting: Ensure the bartender is well-lit, with soft, even lighting to avoid harsh shadows. I use all matching temperature daylight bulbs so all the lighting is the same color, and have stronger lighting on my right than on my left to give my videos more depth.
     
     

5. Editing:

   • Use video editing software (like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or free options like DaVinci Resolve). I use Final Cut Pro. I like it more than Adobe. Some swear by Adobe though. 
     
     
   • Sequence: Edit the shots into a cohesive sequence. Add background music that complements the bar atmosphere.
     
     
   • Duration: Keep the video short, focusing on the key actions.
     
     

Example Script

 

1. Opening (0-5 seconds):
   • Wide shot of the bartender behind the bar.
   • Bartender smiles and acknowledges the camera.
     
     

2. Middle (5-20 seconds):

   • Medium shot: Bartender reaches for the Boston shaker and ingredients.
   • Close-up: Bartender adds ingredients to the shaker.
   • Medium shot: Bartender shakes the drink with a smile, showing good technique.
     
     

3. Closing (20-30 seconds):

   • Medium shot: Bartender pours the drink into a glass.
   • Wide shot: Bartender presents the drink with a warm smile.
     
     

Additional Tips

• Sound: Ensure the audio quality is good. Use a lapel microphone for clear sound, if possible. I’ve used dozens of mics – shotgun, etc, but found that suspending a SnowBall mic from the ceiling works very well for me.
  
  
• Practice: Have the actor practice his movements and expressions a few times before filming to ensure natural and smooth performance.
  
  
• Consistency: Ensure continuity in shots, especially if you do multiple takes.
  
  

This guide should help you create a professional and engaging video of a smiling bartender shaking a drink with a Boston shaker. Of course the same advice goes for any stirred drink, or any other process happening behind the bar.  

BTW, I break these rules all the time. 

Break those rules at your own risk. 🙂 and… Good luck!