IHG: Dinner in the Clocktower

Key Points

Client: IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group)
Job Title: Event Video and Photography Production
Job Type: Corporate Event Coverage
Location: Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester
Time Frame: Single evening event, 3-hour shoot

The Challenge

IHG hosted an exclusive dinner at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, designed to inspire and persuade hotel owners and investors to allow IHG to manage their properties. The evening began with a sophisticated cocktail reception in the Winter Garden and transitioned to a five-course dinner in the Director’s Suite. Each course was prepared by head chefs and executive chefs from different IHG hotels, highlighting the group’s culinary diversity and passion for excellence.

The video needed to encapsulate the event’s luxurious yet cool vibe while showcasing the positive energy and passion of the chefs. Additionally, the film had to include stylish elements such as on-screen text to introduce each course, enhancing the narrative flow and aligning with IHG’s premium image. All this had to be achieved without disrupting the natural rhythm of the event.

The Plan

To deliver on IHG’s vision, Eight Engines developed a detailed plan that combined cinematic storytelling with seamless execution:

1. Pre-event Planning: A thorough walkthrough of the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel was conducted to identify key angles and moments to capture. This ensured the final film reflected the elegance and vibrancy of the event while accommodating stylish on-screen elements like course titles.
2. Strategic Team Deployment:
   • Cocktail Reception: A crew focused on capturing the sociable, chic atmosphere of the Winter Garden, featuring the sophisticated cocktail service and guest interactions.
   • Dining Room: Footage highlighted the artistic presentation of each dish, the stylish decor, and the genuine reactions of guests, with a focus on storytelling through visuals and dynamic on-screen text.
   • Kitchen Action: Behind-the-scenes coverage of the chefs, showcasing their passion, skill, and teamwork, reinforcing the authentic energy of IHG’s culinary experience.
3. Incorporating Stylish On-screen Text: Each course was introduced with elegant, modern text overlays in the video, seamlessly integrated to enhance the viewer’s experience and highlight the culinary journey.
4. Dual Approach: Alongside the video, professional stills were captured to provide a versatile collection of high-quality imagery for IHG’s future marketing needs.

The Results

Eight Engines delivered a video and photography package that perfectly balanced sophistication, energy, and storytelling.

• Highlight Video: The film captured the essence of the event, blending the refined ambiance of the dinner with the chefs’ passion and enthusiasm. The inclusion of stylish on-screen text for each course added a modern touch, guiding viewers through the culinary journey and enhancing the storytelling.
• Photography: A suite of striking still images showcased key moments, from the vibrant cocktail reception and beautifully plated dishes to the joy and connection among guests.
• Client Feedback: IHG was thrilled with the results, praising the team’s professionalism and ability to reflect the brand’s premium ethos. The final content proved to be a powerful tool for attracting potential partners, positioning IHG as a leader in luxury hospitality.

This project highlighted Eight Engines’ ability to deliver dynamic, premium storytelling with a creative edge, making IHG’s event impossible to ignore.