Assignment for the Wall Street Journal: University Chemistry departments are re-tooling the major.
Kyle Dietz was a professional MMA fighter for 7 years. When he burned out on the scene, he sort-of found his way to competitive mountain trail running. My film tells his story.
My first car I owned and drove was a 1966 Ford Mustang. Here's the story of how we were reunited after nearly 20 years.
See video here: Hiatus: 612
Bare Knuckle Brigade (BKB) is more than just a clothing brand. It is a mindset. If you value working till you have blisters, taking the difficult route, and tireless drive in all you do, then you can identify with this company.
We created this piece as an action-packed "lookbook" to showcase some of the clothing offerings of the brand.
To see more of the provisions and ethic, go here: BKB
For more info on music artist, go here: Charlie Parr
Big thanks as always to my talented and hardworking crew!
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
Haiti_Soccer_01_Lo
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".
Classroom_haiti
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!