BOTTLE CONDITIONED
Cultural Resilience & Documentary
Bottle Conditioned is a documentary feature film that explores the human journeys of resilience, determination and perseverance within a niche community of lambic blenders.
From near extinction in the late 1940s due to the global impact of Coca-Cola to a sudden resurgence within the last decade, Lambic has become recognized worldwide as an integral part of Belgian cultural heritage.
Areas of Focus
Investigative Research, Cross-Cultural Research, Executive Production, Ethnography, Market Strategy
Methods
Field Studies
Contextual Inquiry
Participatory Research
Qualitative Research
Market Research
Attitudinal Method
Behavioral Method
Year
2022
Crew
Jerry Frank
Courtney Marsh
Mario Contini
Jean Van Roy
Armand Debelder
Werner Van Obberghen
Michaël Blancquaert
FILM SCOPE
Serving as both a User Researcher and Executive Producer, I examined the traditions and practices of lambic blending and the necessity in preserving its cultural heritage.
After extensive formative research conducted with one of the main breweries featured in the film, I developed personas to more effectively assess not only the film’s target audience but additionally consider fringe audiences to widen its market reach.
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Armand Debelder
Co-Owner + Blender, Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen
Werner Van Obberghen
Co-Owner + Managing Director, Brouwerij 3 FonteinenMichaël Blanquaert
Role: Co-Owner + Blender + Brewer, Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen -
Defining Story Arcs: Identifying core story arcs that align with the film’s message—such as the cultural and technical journey of beer brewing, and the personal stories of those involved.
Audience Insight & Engagement: Considering what will engage different audience demographics, crafting the narrative to speak to various interests, like beer enthusiasts, cultural historians, or people interested in craft industries.
Theme Reinforcement: Emphasizing recurring themes (craftsmanship, tradition, innovation) through story structure, pacing, and emphasis to build emotional and intellectual engagement.
Strategic Storytelling: Helping decide which scenes, interviews, or historical context should be highlighted or trimmed, shaping the documentary's arc for clarity and emotional resonance.
Collaborative Shaping: Working closely with the director, editor, and producers to align the film’s story structure with the director’s vision and intended audience impact.
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Niche Appeal: Attracts global craft beer enthusiasts and younger audiences.
Cultural Storytelling: Appeals to viewers interested in Belgian heritage and food culture.
Festival & Streaming: Suited for culinary and cultural festivals and streaming platforms.
Brand Partnerships: Potential for collaborations with breweries and beer festivals.
Educational Use: Relevant to programs in culinary arts and cultural studies.
Community Screenings: Ideal for events at breweries or cultural venues, leveraging local beer communities.
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Lambic Drinkers
Target Audience [1st Tier]
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Female, Male, Non-binary
Age Range: 20s-60s
International (higher likelihood)
Domestic (less likelihood)
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Collectors
Loyal
Strong Palettes
Educated in Brewing/Blending styles
Uniqueness
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Authenticity
Quality
Backstory
Innovation
Rarity
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Access to Rare beers
Expensive to travel to purchase
Lack of Awareness/Knowledge of Lambic
Foodies
Fringe Target Audience [3rd Tier]
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Female, Male, Non-binary
Age Range: mid 20s-50s
International
Domestic
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World Traveler
Researcher
Cultural Connoisseur
Adventurous
Omnibibulous
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Michelin Star status
Exclusivity & Creativity
Appreciation for local ingredients
Strives for finer things
Prioritize Income on Food
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Perception of Beer
Lack of Awareness/Knowledge of Lambic
Acquired Taste
Craft Beer Drinkers
Sub-target Audience [2nd Tier]
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Female, Male, Non-binary
Age Range: 25-60
Majority Domestic (due to variety + access)
Fewer International (higher % in EU/slowly emerging elsewhere)
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Sociality
Local Connoisseur
Hand Crafted vs. Mass Produced
Connection to Brewery/Brand
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Support Local
Anti-Corporate
Strong Flavor Profiles
Community Developers
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Lack of Awareness/Knowledge of Lambic
Acquired Taste
Oversaturation
Culture Travelers
Fringe Target Audience [4th Tier]
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Female, Male, Non-binary
Age Range 18-65
International
Domestic
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Curious
Observers
Researchers
Vested interest in other cultures
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Desire to Discover Newness
Visit diverse cultures and regions
Bucket List Goals
Variety as the “Spice of Life”
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Time Consuming (Planning & Research)
Schedule Availability
Finances
Trip Delays/Cancellations
PREMIERE & STREAMING
Docville International Documentary Film Festival
Leuven, Belgium
Sonoma International Film Festival
Sonoma, California
American Documentary and Animation Film Festival
Palm Springs, California
Florida Film Festival
Maitland, Florida
Seattle International Film Festival
Seattle, Washington
Available Streaming:
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