Taste – Miniseries (2019)
Credits can be found at IMDB.
Project Overview: Taste is a four-episode mini-series written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Erik Wieder, released in 2019. The series explores the evolving culinary landscape of Atlanta, focusing on chefs who are redefining soul food while preserving its cultural roots. Through intimate storytelling and cinematic visuals, Taste captures the artistry, passion, and dedication of chefs and mixologists who push the boundaries of Southern cuisine.
Objective: To document and highlight the innovative chefs and culinary professionals in Atlanta who are blending tradition with modern techniques, bringing fresh perspectives to soul food while staying true to its essence. Additionally, the project aimed to provide audiences with an immersive experience that goes beyond the plate, delving into the personal stories and inspirations behind these chefs’ creations.
Approach: The first three episodes take viewers on a journey through Atlanta, introducing two chefs and a bartender who have made a mark in the city’s food scene. Through candid interviews, behind-the-scenes kitchen footage, and striking visuals of their dishes and cocktails, each episode paints a vivid picture of their unique approaches to Southern cuisine.
The fourth and final episode shifts the focus to a collaborative project: a cookbook spearheaded by host Taria Camerino. This episode documents the journey of compiling the cookbook, featuring not only the chefs from the series but also additional culinary talents. The process of curating the recipes, designing the book, and capturing the essence of Atlanta’s food culture is showcased, tying together the theme of tradition-meets-innovation.
Execution & Challenges:
- Conducting in-depth research to identify chefs and mixologists whose work aligned with the show’s vision.
- Coordinating shoots across multiple locations in Atlanta’s dynamic and fast-paced restaurant industry.
- Balancing visual storytelling with informative content to engage both food enthusiasts and casual viewers.
- Capturing the authenticity of each chef’s journey while maintaining a cohesive narrative across episodes.
- Navigating the complexities of documenting the creation of a cookbook, ensuring the process was engaging and visually compelling.
Outcome & Impact:
- Successfully delivered a visually rich and narratively engaging mini-series that received positive feedback from both audiences and industry professionals.
- Provided a platform for Atlanta’s rising culinary talents to share their stories and showcase their craft to a broader audience.
- Created a meaningful connection between viewers and the evolving world of soul food, fostering appreciation for its cultural and historical significance.
- The final episode’s documentation of the cookbook’s journey added an interactive and educational element, inspiring viewers to engage with the featured chefs beyond the screen.
Conclusion:
Taste stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the culinary world, bringing attention to the innovation within Atlanta’s food scene while preserving the essence of its traditions. By seamlessly blending documentary-style filmmaking with rich, evocative imagery, the mini-series succeeded in capturing the heart and soul of modern Southern cuisine.
For more projects like Taste and additional work by Erik Wieder, visit the Story Launch portfolio.
Taste can be found on streaming platforms where available.