Midwest-based cycling clothier BKB (Bare Knuckle Brigade) came to me with a film idea that I could not refuse. This fall, we took to the woods to get the assets we needed to make the first of what we hope to be a series of films on the topic of passionate bicycle riding.
The cat is not quite ready to be loosed from the bag, but I'll leave you with these screen grabs as a teaser. Look for an early Spring 2014 release.
For several years I've had the honor of shooting images for FITSOK. They are a small company based here in MN that make exceptional socks for active people. This may sound like contractor-to-client butt-kissing, but I promise it's not! Ask me to pull up a pant leg sometime and show you what socks I'm wearing. Bet you a dollar they are FITSOK brand. I'm a believer.
Anyway, this job is always one of my favorites of the year. Combine outdoor activities and beautiful spaces and I'm all kinds of excited to shoot it. We had a great time as usual and gathered some beautiful shots for 2014. Check them out if you never have: FITSOK
Fairly often I get asked to do "free" work. We call it "Spec" in the business. Sometimes it's another industry member wanting to combine skills and make something purely for fun, and other times it's someone wanting for free what they cannot afford. So, obviously, my reactions will vary.
A local company (MicroGigantic) called one day asking me to make a free film for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. My first thought was - wow, both of these companies have way more money than me--why am I being asked to work for free?! But I decided to at least hear them out. After a short conversation, I was hooked so hard that I was instantly excited and ready to start shooting. Turns out I have a soft spot for little boys in need, and the MDA had a real charmer for me to film.
Link: Bryce's Story
Watch the film and you'll know why I HAD to shoot this piece. Little did I know that a phone call asking me to give a small chunk of my time would end up blessing me so richly with the chance to spend an entire day with an amazing little boy.
This summer I teamed with local agency Periscope, Director Jeremy Ryan Carr and a bunch of talented folks to create several short, humorous spots for United Health Group. Below is a link to the first of the two.
Working with child talent is always interesting -- in the best way. The things that come out of their mouths are simply hilarious! I hope you'll get a kick out of these. We certainly had a lot of fun making them.
Link to Film: "Bedtime"
CREW: Produced by: PERISCOPE - Stacy Kelly Directed by: Jeremy Ryan Carr DP: T.C. Worley Gaffer: Tasty Lighting Audio: Nick Liesenheimer Camera Assist: Joshua Morris Styling: Jana Chin
Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with Danielle Evans of "Marmalade Bleue". Danielle is a Columbus, Ohio-based designer and letterer, and one who has a special niche' of working with food. Target brought her to Minneapolis to create several pieces of work to promote grocery sales in their Canadian stores. I was hired to film her processes for this short documentary-style piece: Danielle Evans and Food For Thought
3 Things I was most impressed about while filming Danielle: 1) She uses her hands almost exclusively - no tool kits, measuring devices, etc. 2) She does not sketch the piece first, she just pours out some food and jumps into creating it 3) She is as humble and nice as she is talented. I wish all my subjects were as great as Danielle!
Art Direction: John Nemec and Allan Peters Director of Photography: T.C. Worley Editor: Gina Reis
The poorest country, the worst slums, and most hopeless situation are just a few "mosts" that characterize the country of Haiti. I visited the country recently on assignment with Minneapolis-based "Latitude". Latitude is a design firm that works with brands like Adidas, Chobani, Ann Taylor and Foot Locker. They know what's up. But as cool and purposeful as design is to our culture, it rarely makes lives truly better. So, Latitude decided to use their skills to not only make happy clients, but change lives as well.
Here's how: Latitude gives a WHOPPING 50% of their profits to efforts in Haiti. You read correct - HALF of their profit. Let that sink in a minute. It seems impossible, but impossible is not in the Latitude dictionary. They constantly use terms like "elevate" "opportunity", and "serve".
Above: Haitian schoolchildren. -- A screen grab from a 5d Mkiii video file
That the company is owned by a professing Christian family is not reason to shudder or begin judging. In fact, this is the kind of Christian that I think Christ expects to carry his name. A people who boldly and generously gives of their time and resources to help people that they owe nothing to. I'm proud to have worked with a group of passionate individuals who care deeply about the needy ones of our world.
Chad Hancock serving in the slums of Cite Soleil. -- A screen grab from a 5dmkiii video file
And, Haiti? The people are amazing. So happy and joyful, despite having nothing. I use that term literally. The neediest of Haiti have nothing of value except the clothes on their backs and some basic water and cooking containers. But, they are happier and more enjoyable to be around than most Americans I know. You cannot go anywhere in Haiti without seeing or hearing people thank Jesus for being so good to them--What?! I was blessed by the experience and cannot wait to get back there to the bright, smiling faces of the Haitian people--especially those beautiful kids!
I spent an enlightening morning with a welfare mom a few weeks ago. The Wall St. Journal sent me on assignment for a welfare story. This is one of the hidden perks of being a journalist --to see the world through another lens. I had a comparatively charmed upbringing where both parents worked together to love, provide and raise me. Sadly this is not the norm for a lot of kids. Single-mother, Latisha Cunningham is working very hard to get an education and a job. Both will allow her to get off of welfare, and provide for her young daughter. I know welfare has quite a nasty stigma attached, and I have misgivings myself. However, let's not forget the ones who are trying and just need a little boost. I'm wishing her all the best in her challenge.
The Article can be read here: "Putting a Face on Welfare Spat"
A few weeks ago I shot what might be the most moving assignment of my life so far. I was assigned to accompany New York Times writer and 2x Pulitzer prize winner, Kevin Sack on a story about organ donation. I had no idea that during the week, I'd end up sitting with a family who's loved one had just died, or that even later in the week, I'd be in the operating room when this person's organs were claimed.
The whole topic of organ donation is we I wish more people could spend time thinking about. I decided to be a donor years ago and this assignment cemented my decision. If I am dead, why not pass my working parts to someone who is struggling with life. One cadaver might give life to half a dozen people?! It is an amazing gift to mankind and I hope you will all consider donating when the time comes that you don't need them anymore.
As you might have noticed, I am pretty passionate about cycling. This film story was something that my partner at Royal Antler (Tony Franklin) and I knew that we had to tell. So months of work and collaborations with other talented industry friends eventually resulted in the film you see here. For more information on the race go here: Almanzo100 And go here: for more films by Royal Antler.
Almanzo100 from Royal Antler on Vimeo.
Here's a quick sample of the upcoming ARTCRANK film that I produced with Tony Franklin and our Royal Antler Production Co. We're excited to finally allow people to see this project that we've been working on for over 5 months. Join us if you can this Thursday at a FREE premier and film fest featuring 4 bike-related films. Go here for more details: ARTCRANK premier party.
