National Donut Day with Stew Leonard's Reel!

For National Donut Day, Stew Leonard’s needed a short-form video to highlight one of their most beloved seasonal items: the famous Apple Cider Donut. The goal was to capture the donut’s warm, nostalgic appeal while aligning with the brand’s family-friendly tone and encouraging in-store visits.

I took full ownership of this reel as director, videographer, and editor, crafting a visually rich and brand-aligned piece of content tailored for Instagram and Facebook.

CapCut – quick mobile enhancements and export optimization

Premiere Pro – main editing, pacing, and transitions

After Effects – subtle text animation and logo treatments

We filmed a Stew Leonard’s employee making the Apple Cider Donuts fresh in-store, emphasizing the “baked in front of your eyes” experience that customers love. I focused on the rich textures, warm tones, and steamy freshness of the donuts to evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Strategic editing paired with upbeat, cozy music helped draw attention in-feed and hold viewer retention.

Successfully launched on Instagram and Facebook, gaining strong engagement within the first 24 hours

Helped boost awareness for the National Donut Day in-store promotion

Reinforced brand storytelling through a nostalgic, visually appetizing piece

Showcased Stew Leonard’s commitment to freshness and customer experience