The brief was clear: create two short animations (one 16:9 and one 9:16) that would:
- Stop passers-by in their tracks within 10 seconds
- Educate them on the product’s unique selling points
- Make WTF stand out visually and memorably
Who is WTF?
WTF is shaking up the wine industry with a refreshingly unconventional proposition: wine made from fruit other than grapes. With bold branding and a playful name, they’re appealing to a new generation of drinkers who value flavour experimentation and a break from the traditions of wine culture. Their range offers bright, fruity profiles that feel more like a modern lifestyle choice than a stuffy drink on a shelf, making them the perfect match for vending machine impulse buys.
The creative spark
Our concept was simple but visually bold: the screen would fill with wine, revealing a key message. The trouble? There were no stock assets that matched the vision and shooting it from scratch would have been costly and time-consuming for such short, high-impact content.
This is where AI came in. Not as a shortcut, but as part of a carefully crafted creative process.
The AI & production workflow
Contrary to the myth that AI is a “one click” solution, our process involved multiple stages, each building on the last to achieve the exact look and movement we wanted.
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Mood-setting references – We sourced reference images to lock in the look and feel of the wine texture and motion.
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AI style frame – Using ChatGPT, a detailed prompt, and our reference images, we created a style frame to match our creative direction.
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Video generation – The style frame was taken into Google’s Veo3 to create the initial motion sequence.
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Upscaling & frame rate boost – Topaz was used to enhance resolution and smoothness.
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Length extension – Adobe Premiere Firefly helped extend the sequence to fit timing requirements.
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Final polish – Colour grading and rotoscoping in After Effects gave the sequence a professional finish and seamless integration with the rest of the animation.
Adding dimension with 3D
While the AI-generated wine pour was the most experimental element, the project also included 3D work to bring WTF’s cans to life. Using detailed 3D models, we animated rolling cans that added movement, realism, and product focus to the sequence. This not only enhanced the storytelling but also demonstrated how multiple techniques, from cutting-edge AI to traditional 3D animation, can work together in a single project.
Why this matters
This project demonstrates that AI is most powerful when it’s woven into a traditional production pipeline. By combining AI-generated elements with established editing, 3D, and animation tools, we created something unique in a fraction of the time, without compromising on quality.
AI didn’t replace the creative process; it expanded it. And for short-form, attention-grabbing content like the WTF animations, that blend of speed, originality, and craft made all the difference.
“Working with Simon and Joe at tothepoint was an absolute pleasure. They were incredibly easy to work with from the outset, guiding us through the process with clarity and professionalism. Despite the challenge of a tight 10-second timeframe, they explained exactly what was achievable and advised us on how to make the most impact in such a short space of time. They took the time to understand our brand and vision, and it showed – not only did they incorporate as many of our ideas as possible, but the final video exceeded all our expectations. It captured our brand image beautifully and was far better than anything we could have imagined. We couldn’t be happier with the result and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.” Rachel Allen, Sales and Marketing Manager, Wine That’s Fruit