Client - Golden Peak Media
Project Proposal -
Jared Maher of F&W Media contacted me about creating a series a lot like the one I was already creating with Just Basl Productions called, The Artist Series. F&W Media was very intrigued by how these short docu-style pieces could really tell a story in such a short consumable format.
Pre-Production Planning
F&W Media had proposed a series of three videos to be released over a six-month period. As a result, we knew we had to work quickly once the videos were filmed. The first step was to find suitable artists and gather information about their approach and background. We were fortunate that our first two artists were based in Denver, which made planning easier. However, we faced an unexpected challenge during the shoot of our first artist. His studio was located in the attic of his home, and on the day of filming, the roof of his house was being torn off! Fortunately, most of the shoot did not require on-site audio capture. We had to wait for a break in the roofing work before conducting the on-camera interview. The plan was to use natural light for the majority of each shoot. This posed a problem when the roofing crew didn't take a break as scheduled. However, we were able to ask them to stop for at least twenty minutes so we could conduct the interview.
Technical Production
For the first two productions, I chose to use the Sony FS7 camera with Xeen Primes lenses. The camera's excellent dynamic range and built-in ND filters made it an ideal choice, given the quick location changes and varying light conditions. Additionally, the camera's pre-amps provided high-quality audio, making the overall workflow much smoother.
When it came to filming the third video in Seattle, featuring Carrie Schmidtt, I knew we needed to take the visual elements to the next level. To achieve this, I decided to use the Red Scarlet camera, which has exceptional dynamic range and produces vivid colors. Although we had to shoot in four locations in a single day, I was confident that the .r3d codec provided by the Red Scarlet would allow us to stretch the image further than we could have with the FS7.
Video Samples
Post Production
In addition to my role as a cinematographer, F&W Media also hired me as an editor for the video series. This gave me an advantage, as I had already visualized the editing process while filming. Jared Maher and I worked efficiently to capture the necessary footage and determine how much of each scenario was required for the final product. It was an honor to edit my own footage, as it allowed me to fully utilize the dynamic footage I had captured.
To facilitate the editing process for this series, we used a service called Frame.io, which enabled real-time notes on the edits. My first step was to upload the entire interview footage, so that Jared could select the best moments to help shape each story. Then, I further refined the selects and used them to sculpt the entire piece with dialogue.
Selecting the right music was a collaborative effort between Jared and me. We searched for tracks that would help carry the story forward and evoke the intended emotions. I believe music is one of the most crucial elements in an edit, and I spent hours searching for the right tracks.
Once the edit was close to completion, Jared would submit it to a larger group within the company to get additional feedback before the final edit was completed.
Once the final edit was agreed upon, the final export would be submitted so that F&W Media could carry on with their marketing strategy for releasing.
Series Sponsor
Behind the scenes
Client Feedback
“The #ArtLife series was a pretty high-profile project for F+W Media and it was clear we needed to find the right DP and cinematographer to pull it off. I reached out to Just Basl Productions and Jarrod because I knew he could assemble the right equipment and operate within a tight timeline. Most importantly he had the right aesthetic and creative style we were looking for to capture artists in a manner that was both active and intimate. In post-production we worked closely to craft a narrative and pacing that would create an emotional connection with viewers. In the end, the series was super successful and the sponsor was very happy. Couldn’t ask for anything more!”
“Have you ever had an idea for a project, handed it off to someone to develop, and had it come back to you 10X better than you imagined? This is what happens every time I work with Jarrod. He’s an amazing team player, supporting the project and making it better every step along the way. My favorite part of the process is taking that first look at the final video, seeing each beautifully captured shot, precise editing, and a story that strikes just the right emotional chord. Working with Jarrod, I never have to worry about missing a shot or a deadline, and I know he’ll do what it takes to exceed all expectations.”