A Brand Film Rooted in Expertise and Authenticity
CIBC Wood Gundy
The Challenge
CIBC Wood Gundy Wealth Advisors wanted a brand story video to showcase the values, expertise, and personal approach of their senior advisor, Mike Watkins, and his team. The content needed to feel both professional and human, reinforcing credibility while also giving clients a window into the people behind the business.
The challenge was to balance corporate messaging with storytelling that felt approachable, incorporating multiple filming locations to capture client interactions, personal passions, and family life alongside professional expertise.
The Solution
Alpenglow Media developed a script in collaboration with Mike and his team to clearly articulate their philosophy and approach to wealth management. The focus was on building trust through clarity, emphasizing long-term thinking, personal relationships, and a values-driven approach to advising clients.
Production took place across multiple indoor and outdoor locations, giving the film variety and visual richness while keeping the tone cohesive and professional.
The brand film combined two styles of content:
- Scripted delivery on camera, with Mike Watkins sharing his story and professional values directly with the audience
- B-roll sequences of the team at work and in life, capturing client meetings, family moments, and lifestyle visuals that reflected their values and approach outside the office
Deliverables
1x Brand Story Video featuring Mike Watkins and the Wood Gundy team
Script development and consulting to refine messaging
A library of b-roll content for potential future use
Our Process
1. Discovery & Planning
We worked closely with Mike and his team to develop a script that clearly reflected their philosophy and approach to wealth management. The goal was to communicate expertise without relying on jargon, keeping the language approachable and confident. During this phase, we aligned on tone, key messages, and audience, then created detailed storyboards and shot lists to balance client interactions, lifestyle moments, and professional environments in a way that felt intentional and cohesive.
2. Production
Filming focused on capturing Mike’s scripted delivery in a clean, polished setting that reinforced trust and credibility. This was paired with b-roll filmed across multiple locations, including office interiors and personal environments. These scenes were designed to show the team in context, highlighting relationships, family life, and everyday moments that reflect their values beyond the office.
3. Post-Production
In post-production, scripted interviews and lifestyle footage were carefully edited into a cohesive narrative. Sound design and color grading were used to create a consistent visual tone that felt refined and approachable. The final brand story video delivers a clear message while maintaining a cinematic look that communicates both expertise and authenticity.
The Outcomes
The brand story video provided CIBC Wood Gundy Wealth Advisors with a compelling tool for both client acquisition and retention.
Mike Watkins’ on-camera delivery established trust and credibility with new audiences. Lifestyle and b-roll sequences highlighted the values and personalities of the team beyond their professional roles. The final film reinforced the brand’s identity, showcasing wealth management not just as financial planning but as a relationship built on trust, care, and balance.
By delivering a cinematic branded content video, Alpenglow Media helped position the Wood Gundy team as approachable, professional, and deeply committed to their clients’ success.
