We tested Google’s Veo 3, the next-gen AI video generator, using just a text prompt to generate cinematic advert samples. Our goal was to answer a critical question for modern brands: can AI move beyond novelty clips and become a serious tool for creating strategic, high-impact marketing content?
With AI looking here to stay, the likelihood of us seeing AI in our daily lives is inevitable, as creatives ourselves, it is something which we have had to adapt. Being a videographer and brand designer myself, I have my own style and love to bring brands and ideas to life. Sometimes there are limitations a client has which means budget plays a part in what we can deliver. Having access to tools such as Veo 3 is looking likely that in the near future we will be able to use this for certain shots.
For example, we have a client we produce Christmas advertisements for, we know already we will be able to blend a mix of b roll and cinematic shots form here which we would’ve never had the budget to produce nor hire a dedicated animation house. We often associate AI with the lack of creativity, however with the right prompt by a creative and basic technical understanding of cinema, cameras and the product, you can produce something which would work for social media or a digital ad.
For fast moving trends, social media which seems like it never lets up, having access to a tool like this which can fill gaps between your footage, generate B Roll for your clips, or you can animate the whole thing if you have the prompt patience, you are in control.
Anyway, to find out, we challenged the model to create videos that capture the distinct brand essence of household names like John Lewis, IKEA, and LEGO. This article shares the results of our experiment, deconstructs the methods used, and explores whether AI like Veo 3 is the key to unlocking the holy grail of digital marketing: a reliable formula for going viral.
The John Lewis Sample
Our John Lewis prompt focused on the brand’s core values of quality, style, and effortless calm. The resulting video shows a sealed John Lewis box which elegantly opens, with furniture and soft furnishings assembling themselves precisely into a serene, sunlit bedroom. The final shot is a perfectly styled, tranquil space that feels both aspirational and welcoming.
The Prompt:
{
“description”: “Cinematic shot of a sunlit bedroom. A sealed John Lewis box trembles, opens, and furniture assembles rapidly with soft furnishings into a serene, styled room highlighted by a throw on the bed. No text.”,
“style”: “cinematic”,
“camera”: “fixed wide angle”,
“motion”: “box opens, furniture assembles precisely and rapidly”,
“ending”: “calm, modern space with ochre accent”
}
2. The Dunelm Sample
For Dunelm, we aimed for a feeling of cozy, accessible comfort. The AI generated a scene where a family living room transforms in fast-motion. Cushions fluff themselves, a rug rolls out, and warm lighting from a new lamp post fills the space, showcasing a complete, value-rich room makeover that is ready for everyday life.
The prompt:
{
“description”: “Cinematic shot of a completely empty but cosy family lounge. A sealed Dunelm box trembles, opens, and furniture assembles rapidly with soft furnishings into a serene, styled room highlighted by a yellow throw on the sofa. No text.”,
“style”: “cinematic”,
“camera”: “fixed wide angle”,
“lighting”: “natural warm with cool accents”,
“room”: “Sunlit Lounge”,
“elements”: [“Dunelm box (logo visible)”, “sofa with yellow throw”, “lamps”, “sideboard”, “shelves”, “mirror”, “art”, “rug”, “curtains”, “reading chair”, “plants”],
“motion”: “box opens, furniture assembles precisely and rapidly”,
“ending”: “calm, modern space with Green Dunelm accent”,
“text”: “none”,
“keywords”: [“19:6”, “Dunelm”, “Cosy”, “fast assembly”, “no text”, “warm & cool tones”]
}
3. The IKEA Sample
Embodying the iconic IKEA experience, this video shows a classic flat-pack box bursting open. With playful energy, the pieces click together in a clean, satisfying animation, forming a minimalist Scandinavian desk and chair. The video captures the brand’s ethos of smart design and the simple joy of building your own space.
The prompt:
{
“description”: “Cinematic shot of a sunlit Scandinavian bedroom. A sealed IKEA box trembles, opens, and flat pack furniture assembles rapidly into a serene, styled room highlighted by a yellow IKEA throw on the bed. No text.”,
“style”: “cinematic”,
“camera”: “fixed wide angle”,
“lighting”: “natural warm with cool accents”,
“room”: “Scandinavian bedroom”,
“elements”: [“IKEA box (logo visible)”, “bed with yellow throw”, “bedside tables”, “lamps”, “wardrobe”, “shelves”, “mirror”, “art”, “rug”, “curtains”, “reading chair”, “plants”],
“motion”: “box opens, furniture assembles precisely and rapidly”,
“ending”: “calm, modern space with yellow IKEA accent”,
“text”: “none”,
“keywords”: [“16:9”, “IKEA”, “Scandinavian”, “fast assembly”, “no text”, “warm & cool tones”]
}
4. The LEGO Sample
To test creativity, our LEGO prompt was all about imagination. The video features a pile of colourful bricks which swirl and click together, rapidly constructing a detailed, fantastical castle. The camera swoops around the finished creation, highlighting the magic of building block by block, turning a simple concept into a dynamic, imaginative world.
The prompt:
{
“description”: “Cinematic shot of a warm, lived-in family dining room with toys on the sideboard. A LEGO box slides into view on the table. It rumbles, bursts open, and thousands of bricks spill out in choreographed chaos. Bricks clatter and whirl mid-air, assembling from the ground up into a majestic medieval LEGO castle on the tabletop. No text.”,
“style”: “cinematic wonder and imagination”,
“camera”: “tracking dolly with occasional top-downs and macro close-ups”,
“lighting”: “natural warm daylight from a window with gentle interior fill”,
“room”: “family dining room with soft clutter, art, houseplants, wood table”,
“elements”: [“LEGO box”, “bricks”, “castle”, “mini-figures”, “chairs”, “family touches”, “sunlight”],
“motion”: “bricks spill out, assemble piece-by-piece into castle, figures animate”,
“ending”: “castle complete, mini-figures waving, a child enters frame in awe”,
“text”: “none”,
“keywords”: [“LEGO”, “family”, “play”, “cinematic”, “imagination”, “assembly”]
}
We hope you found this insightful and informative, if so make sure you bookmark this page, send it to your team or give it a go yourself, remember, this is the worst it is going to get, which as always with AI is crazy. Veo 3 can be found here.
Disclaimer: This video is an independent tech demonstration produced by Design for Online® to explore the capabilities of AI video generation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Dunelm, Lego, John Lewis or IKEA. All trademarks and brand identities are the property of their respective owners.
We are a Suffolk based digital marketing agency in Bury St Edmunds. We specialise in all things marketing, including brand, video and AI Automation for business. If you are considering hiring external partners we would love to here from you, contact us today.
