Nonna's Spec Ad

Overview This cinematic short was created as a spec ad for one of my favorite Chicago restaurants, Nonna’s. Filmed on a summer afternoon, the video blends food, lifestyle, and city storytelling—showcasing both the charm of Nonna’s and the spirit of Chicago.

My Role I handled the entire production from concept and cinematography to editing and color grading. The video opens with warm, sunlit exterior shots of Nonna’s and its signature wall logo, capturing the feel of its outdoor seating and cozy interior environment. After receiving my signature meatball sub, the story continues with cinematic driving scenes down Lake Shore Drive, including a creative action-cam mount on the car’s side mirror to frame the Chicago skyline and Hancock Building in the background. The video closes at the lakefront, where I enjoy the sandwich against the calm summer backdrop—tying the experience back to the city’s lifestyle.

Deliverables • 1 short-form cinematic video (20 seconds) optimized for Instagram and TikTok • Visual storytelling combining food, city, and lifestyle aesthetics • Creative in-car and environmental shots to emphasize location and brand personality

Results / Impact Though a personal project, this piece demonstrates my ability to merge product storytelling with location-based cinematography. The video resonated with viewers for its warmth, authenticity, and creative shot design, serving as a showcase of my skills in directing, editing, and capturing a brand’s atmosphere through visuals.