Behind the Scenes of Kids Vs Vintage: Episode 1
Laura Clark
Vintage Cash Cow had a clear creative brief in mind when this project came to us. Their new web series on YouTube was aimed at a specific demographic of potential customers to foster engagement with the brand through an entertaining format. At the heart of the videos were the children’s reactions to an exciting collection of vintage items, paired with the informative guidance of the ‘Grandma’ character, which brought an intergenerational theme to the client’s vision.
Pre-Production
We wanted authentic reactions from the children, so casting was crucial. We auditioned children to assemble a diverse group with strong personalities that worked well together on screen.
To bring the creative vision to life, we designed and built the entire set in-house to mimic a curated yet cluttered antique shop filled with vintage treasures. The aim was to create an inviting, nostalgic atmosphere combining a sense of wonder and familiarity. This was a true team effort, from the woodworkers who built the flats to the stylist who carefully curated the props and dressed the set. Every detail was chosen to enhance the storytelling and authenticity.
Production
Filming took place in our studio, giving us complete control over lighting, sound, and set blocking. Working with children presented its challenges and rewards. Their natural energy and spontaneity brought undeniable magic to the production but also required flexibility and patience. We worked in short, engaging bursts to keep the children focused and comfortable, ensuring their reactions remained authentic and unscripted.
The structure of the episode closely followed the creative brief. We began with an opening hook, capturing the children’s curiosity before seeing the vintage object. From there, we filmed their initial reactions, introduced the ‘Grandma’ character to contextualise the item, and concluded with a moment of reflection as the children explored the history and significance of what they had seen.
Post-Production
In editing, the focus was on pacing and storytelling. The client’s brief emphasised the importance of creating an emotional arc, so we carefully selected moments that showcased the children’s wonder, humour, and thoughtful observations. Music played a key role in setting the tone, alternating between playful and nostalgic to reflect the transitions in the narrative—a tone that felt quintessentially British. Our graphic designer, Charlotte, created unique graphics that complemented the theme of the videos.
We also crafted shorter cut-downs for social media, optimising them to capture attention within the first few seconds. These edits retained the heart of the episode while catering to a fast-paced online audience.
Final Thoughts
Filming in-house allowed us to keep the process collaborative and efficient while ensuring that every detail aligned with the client’s vision. The children’s authentic reactions and the timeless charm of the vintage items combined to create a series that resonates across generations. Watch out for Episode 2—coming soon!
Manto is a video production agency based in Leeds. We make boundless videos for bold brands. If you have a video project, get in touch. We’d love to help.