Stories

Made another trip up to (a frigid) Watertown, NY recently with the A-team & our friends from The Martin Group for a few days of fun with talent, locations, crew, & cameras. We managed (again) to make a not quite finished facility shine in a new commercial for Samaritan Health with Eric Frick at the helm. Once again, we provided everything from pre-production to post production & Eric even managed to squeeze amazing stills in, woah.

A spot I served as DP on last summer has been selected as a finalist in the 2019 Capital Region MARCOM Awards to take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. The joint awards program recognizes excellence in marketing and communications through outstanding work in a number of categories.

November has been a busy month so far. Started an Indie pilot with a group of actual comedians, worked with a major manufacturer/retailer who tapped my expert camera skills for an exploration into virtual reality merchandising, and revisited both a major multinational tech company and manufacturer to shoot footage with my friends, including Josselyn Scott, makeup artist extraordinaire.

Spent a day last week filming with Baby Volcano Films on SS Columbia, the last remaining of two twin steam ships that used to ferry Detroit residents out to Boblo Island Amusement Park for most of the 20th century. The ship is currently docked in Buffalo, NY for super structure and engine restoration and hopefully the multi-million dollar restoration effort sees the process through to the ships ultimate service in the Hudson River.

Got to spend a day out at Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply recently to learn all about their unique enterprise and a bit about growing hemp and cannabis sativa, cash crops for the coming new age of enlightenment. Hemp expert and proprietor Michael Yocina gave us the lowdown and even showed us his BMW made out of hemp.

Photos: Joe Bunce

Ever wonder what was running through the big power lines on those huge towers? Well, I found out yesterday. It’s 115,000 volts! Woah. One other thing I learned while filming for National Grid yesterday is they take extraordinary measures to deliver uninterrupted electrical energy to their customers.

Back in late 2011, I joined forces with Biff Henrich & IMG_INK to produce a capital campaign video for the ongoing Darwin Martin House restoration project. As a long time fan of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, it was a real treat to spend time filming on the grounds. Public dollars accounted for about $31 of the $52 million it took to restore the landmark and knowing our efforts helped achieve ultimate restoration is an honor of a lifetime.

Spent some time recently overseeing two camera cinematography, and photography, for ProBar Mobility. Got to work with amazing former Olympic volleyball silver medalist, and model, Kim Glass. Luckily, Josselyn Scott was on hand to oversee hair and makeup. Oh, and I won the crew chin-up challenge, ha!

Just recently visited beautiful summertime Watertown, NY with director Eric Frick to produce a 3rd spot for Samaritan Medical Center, featuring their cutting edge robotic surgery capability. We danced the weather dance, made our mandatory trip back to Coleman’s Corner, and even discovered an amazing Thai restaurant in Syracuse. Not bad.

Smaller incisions, less trauma, faster healing time – that’s what it’s about.

Wrenching on “The Frazer.”

One day out of two with full sun – not bad.

Joe stands by while I touch the camera a lot.

A lone camera awaits (shot one on day one).

A study in two distinctly different gaits.

Eric knows what he wants and we’re there to get it.

Our fishing man (he didn’t catch anything).

My least favorite operating position but Joe makes it bearable.

Director Eric contemplates greatness.

Eric squeezes coal into diamond right before our very eyes.

I just can’t function in the morning without my juice bag.

The driving creative force behind the whole effort, Eric and Dave. Also, a kick-ass acid jazz music duo :-p

Photos: Stephen Gabris

Director Eric Frick and I recently spent a day at dStudio‘s sprawling state of the art production complex crafting these luxurious spots for Wegmans. Mmmm mmm. It’s (almost) summer! Get out there and grill!