When you combine a model, trampoline, and fashion accessories with a high-speed camera, it makes for some slick footage. We had a wonderful time filming this Sole Society commercial in the mountains of La Crescenta, California. Keep your eyes peeled for the final product!
Independence Day
As a salute to our great nation, here is a portrait of a true American craftsman. Take pride in the country you live in and the great people within it. Frank Clegg is a unique man with incredible talent and taste. He takes great pride in his leatherwork and I feel that he is a great example of what America needs to take back; our craftsmanship.
Happy Fourth of July!
Alexander Wang - Bon Qui Qui
Who says fashion videos can't bring some laughs? This is an extremely well put together sketch that had me hooked from the beginning. The Spring 2013 Alexander Wang video features comedian Anjelah Johnson as Bon Qui Qui, as the newest employee at the Alexander Wang NYC flagship store.
Cameos by Alessandra Ambrosio, A$AP Rocky, Shannan Click, Simon Doonan & Natasha Lyonne.
DJ Webisodes - Moguai
Here's another Electronic Spotlight episode I filmed. Moguai was great to work with and even taught me some German. Check him out in the upcoming episode!
Meals Per Hour - Toyota Ad
Through an array of social media networking, Toyota launched a successful ad campaign to help those affected by Sandy through their mini-doc titled, 'Meals Per Hour'.
The challenge: How can a non-profit implement Toyota's legendary production system (TPS) to increase the number of meals distributed to people who are still affected by Superstorm Sandy?
Check it out!
Western Bushido
I spent a day interviewing Stanton Lee, the owner of St. Crispians Firearm Training School at the recording studio. It was great to pick his brain and ask questions that pulled us closer to the core of what St. Crispians School really represents. Below is the completed video.
Heather Fashion & Style Spec
I went to a fantastically run-down Los Angeles location with esteemed actress, Ariana Estelle and set designer Eric Heister. Employing the Sony FS700 camera, we filmed at the downtown location for 20 minutes and put together a short style piece. The video can be seen below.
Ford Commercial - En Español
I had the pleasure of filming a Ford commercial for LATV, the American Latino Syndication Network. The shoot went smooth, looks great, and I'm excited to see the final product on the air.
A component about this shoot that I really enjoyed was the fact that the entire advertisement was spoken in Spanish. Having lived in Mazatlan, Mexico when I was a younger guy, I really enjoyed brushing up on the language and being surrounded by it for the entire day. Looking forward to being immersed in an all-Spanish speaking work environment again in the future.
The BTS in-studio look meant that we decorated the set with mock lighting setups and cameras to be filmed on screen.
We shot both exterior and interior during the course of the day.
Location Scout - Upcoming Shoot
It's been a busy summer and there are a lot of fun projects in the pipeline. Here is a sneak peak teaser for an upcoming shoots location. Keep your eyes peeled!
Top Secret Location
Memorial Day 2013
Below is the trailer to Sebastian Junger's film “Restrepo,” which tell the story of a platoon of U.S. soldiers in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. The film is as real as they come and gives a true sense of what these men go through on a day to day basis.
To all those that have served, are serving, or will be serving, Thank you.
Split Of A Second - Short Film
Like so many things worth pursuing in life, the dedication to prepare is much of the battle.
Wingsuit World Champion, Espen Fadnes says at the end of this film, "For seven minutes of flight time, there's the traveling, the packing, and preparations, the hike. In this sport, you spend 99.9 percent of your time making preparations. The actual exercise is just a split of a second."
Directing EDM - DJ Webisodes
I was invited to direct an Electronic Spotlight Webisode featuring the well known Italian DJ, Crookers.
The EDM scene has been blowing up in America and brands have been quickly following to catch up with the bandwagon. Who doesn't like selling their products to the young and highly influential millennial crowd?
Here's a Budweiser ad thats buzzing around Facebook. The EDM scene is hot right now and it's a important to be present as a brand.
Swedishness - A Satire on Swedish Culture
This hilarious satire takes a look at Swedish culture. The brilliantly simple idea is so well executed that I had to go back for a second look. The skit features Swedish Prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, who is apparently unexempt from dishwasher chores.
The video was aired during last weekend’s for 2013 Eurovision Song Contest that took place in Malmö, Sweden last Saturday. Bravo!
Overnight, The Documentary
Overnight is the "rise and fall" story of Troy Duffy, a Boston bartender and aspiring screenwriter. For 81 minutes the film takes us on a roller-coaster ride as Duffy's career unfolds. From selling his script, The Boondock Saints to Miramax to getting picked up by William Morris Agency, he had a larger than life opportunity. However the story quickly turns sour as Duffy's success and arrogant behavior begins to create big problems. This film makes for a fascinating and educational movie on what not to do when you go big.
Motivation For Beginners & Pro's Alike
I have a lot of respect for Ira Glass and his ability to clearly define and encourage those who are woking through their creative process to grow as artists.
Taco Bell - Experiential Marketing
Gotta love 21st Century Tech. We are synching our GoPro Cameras to iphones/ ipads and live streaming video for our Taco Bell commercial. The concept is based in the experiential marketing spectrum. Passerby's will walk by the above mural but it will be covered in hundreds of $1 bills. Naturally they will flip out, grab the bills and slowly uncover the ad.
The wall that will eventually be covered with hundreds of $1 bills. Bling-bling!
These are the camera angles we have setup for the shoot. An array of GoPro's, 5D III DSLR's, and our new FS700.
I'm holding the GoPro pointed at John who's taking our photo.
Colleague Memorandum - Richie Trimble
Richie Trimble is a guy that I started looking into because of a recent stunt that he pulled at a CicLAvia ride in LA, where he rode a 14 foot tall bike. After one of my mutual friends on Facebook mentioned that he knew this cat and that he was a DP, I was curious enough to search for him on the net.
Soon after I found his work and I've been glued to my computer screen. He has an excellent eye for capturing the simple moments that carry the weight and truth of the moment.
iCombat Video (More Animals Should Be On Set.)
We had a great time on set today shooting the rules video for the soon-to-open iCombat facility in Waukesha Wisconsin.
As usual, Kevan looks kick-ass.
I show Kevan how to properly wear the sling on the irM4 laser-tag rifle.
A really nice change of pace was having a K-9 companion on set with us today. I assigned him the job of script sup. but he had horrible handwriting and kept on falling asleep. Regardless his snoring emanated a really chill atmosphere that made work feel relaxing and it went like a breeze. I'm thinking relaxed animals should be on set all the time. How about giraffes? They seem to really like hanging around and eating leaves... right?
We throw the marker down and the location managers dog walks right up and hits the mark. Good boy!
He didn't last too long sitting there surrounded by all the hot 1 K Arri Light globes.
NOTE: Giraffe's are amiable, especially when an ice cubes filled with delicious flavors are hung in front of their faces.
We did a great job filming today, all the while enjoying the process. I'm really excited to check out the state of the art facility in Wisconsin once it opens! Till then!
Every actor needs encouragement and that does include high-5's on set.
Regular banana break's allows the DP, Wes Gathright to thoroughly consider the shot list and the meaning of life. Potassium on set is THE key to a good day.
Pure Will Clothing Ad
The New Sony FS700 filming at 240 FPS.
It's been an adventure filming our Pure Will commercial. We are traveling all over Los Angeles and San Diego to get the best shots possible. The first half of the day we are filming volleyball and later on we will be featuring Brazilian Jujitsu.
Blocking out before we film a takedown. Which by the way looks rad.
We have employed our brand new Sony FS700 camera and are utilizing every feature including the 240 FPS high speed capabilities. I love all this great high-end tech!
1930's Movies... Will They Kill You?
Does this film suck because it's in black and white? ...wait... who's Alfred Hitchcock?
Q:Why do black and white films make most people cringe?
A:Because there is no extreme violence, no nudity, no vfx, and no 5.1 surround sound.
Q:Whats wrong with a master shot that holds for 5 minutes to show the raw talent of a brilliant actor?
A: ADHD
Q:What makes a film fall off of America's cultural-radar?
A: ...good question.
Have you ever seen Frank Capra's, 'You Can't Take It With You'? No? Well, I hadn't either. If you have, then you know. It's an awesome film!
The American romantic comedies story is about a conservative banker's son who falls for a girl that's from a family of freethinkers. It's soaking wet with witty dialogue, a well-written plot, and a lot of spicy characters. The overall message of the film is fantastic and was thoroughly entertaining to see.
'You Can't Take It With You' was originally a three act stage comedy written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart that opened in 1936. The play won a Pulitzer prize for drama so naturally it blew up big.
Is this poster cheesy? Yes... Actually Cheez-Wiz was actually the sponsor of this film.
Frank Capra is the man and so is the young James Stewart depicting the bankers son.
The film was awarded the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director of 1938. A strong indicator that the 1930's film did and still does kick ass even though it is dated.
My writing partner Chris introduced this to me with the emphasis that his family watched the film on a weekly basis as he grew up. If you watch the film I think you'll understand. The title, 'You Can't Take It With You' refers to money. This comedy radiates the message that 'life is too short' and 'pursue the truth no matter what the cost'.
It's hard to find this film nowadays but if you get the chance, check it out! It is definitely worth a look.