A few weeks ago, I went to the town of Tequila in Mexico to film the new campaign for Casa Noble Tequila. This was one of those projects that reminds me that the best part of filmmaking is meeting people and seeing new places. Here are some images taken from behind the scenes by my wonderful cinematographer, Max Goldman.
Some location scout shots that I snapped from this week’s shoot for Hilton in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Got to finish the project with a fantastic meal at a really unique restaurant, Flora Farms.
Some stunning photos from Ben Roberts’ series Amazon Unpacked - a look inside Amazon’s new UK warehouse.
Regardless of if you’re a fan of the recently launched NYC Citibike program or not, the bikes are getting used quite a bit and they’re more versatile than you might think.
Here are some interesting thoughts from photographer, James Bareham on how having a camera on his mobile phone has changed the way he is inspired to point and shoot. Perhaps the evolution of apps and photo-tech that fits in a pocket is just a natural evolution that’s been happening for quite some time.
Since my go-to point and shoot camera (Yashica T4) died on me, I’ve been making do with my iPhone (using Hipstamatic and Afterlight).
I don’t know how well it rides, but aesthetically speaking, this plywood bike is super sexy. File under BILF.
After several years spent working long hours in the advertising industry, Mat Driscoll scratched an itch and followed his curiosity to learn to hand-craft wooden furniture. He moved to a small town in Maine and learned under master furniture makers. Shortly after, he returned to NYC where he opened up his own studio, Bellboy in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He’s now making some of the most beautiful furniture I’ve laid eyes upon. More on his story on the Working Not Working: Free Range Blog.
Perhaps in the not too distant future, photo portraits will go the way of the tintype in favor of 3D printed figurine portraits taken at the photo booth.
In 1974, Dominican immigrant Don Antonio Martinez started a small shop in New York City selling hand rolled cigars. Thirty-eight years later his son, Jesus, carries on the tradition. The shop combines craftsmanship with community, mixing equal parts work and play. It is the focus of the fourth installment in the Made by Hand series. Perhaps my favorite part of making this film is the way it expands the maker experience outward; it’s not just about the artifact, but about the people you make things with and for.
I doubt my wife will ever let me get a motorcycle, but I can keep on showing her pictures of beautiful machines and dream. I just discovered the handmade work of Beijing located Bandit 9. Pictured below is the bike called Nero.
(via TheFoxIsBlack)
I was recently commissioned by Olli Salumeria to create a portrait film of their founder and namesake, Olli Colmignoli. I visted the team just outside Richmond, Virginia, to see how they make salumi. The salumeria brings the centuries-old craft of curing meats from the old world to the new, using pasture-raised heritage pork to make prosciutto and salumi as good as they make in Italy. I can attest to the delicious results first hand.
Last week, I released The Beekeper, the third film in the Made by Hand series. Local urban farmer Megan Paska has witnessed beekeeping as it morphed from an illegal (and possibly crazy) habit to a sustainable, community-supported skill. Mirroring beekeeping’s own ascendance, she found more than just a living: “This is the first time in my life when I’ve just felt absolutely on the right path.”
With Arri and RED leading the way on high-end professional digital cinema camera design and Sony’s introduction of the F3 to mid professional range, I’m definitely curious to see what the recently announced Canon EOS C300 PL mount camera is all about.
This could be the year that I finally try the Dead Poet’s Society look with this handsome toggle style coat from Schott, a classic family-run NYC brand.
Earlier this week, I released The Knife Maker, the second film in the Made by Hand series. This time we pointed our camera at writer turned knife maker Joel Bukiewicz of Cut Brooklyn. He talks about the human element of craft, and the potential for a skill to mature into an art. And in sharing his story, he alights on the real meaning of handmade — a movement whose riches are measured in people, not cash. I can’t express enough gratitude for the inspiration, candor and friendship I’ve received from Joel.
Thursday evening, we debuted our first film — on the Breuckelen Distilling Company — at Studiomates, the collaborative workspace in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Since so much of the inspiration behind Made by Hand has come from the creative community in Brooklyn, this was a special opportunity for us. We’re exceedingly grateful to the people of Studiomates — and the makers in Brooklyn and elsewhere who inspire us every day.
We’re pleased now to release our first film into the world; go and watch it now. Brad Estabrooke’s tale is one of knowing you could fail, and moving ahead anyway — perhaps the most important ethos of the handmade spirit. We’re thankful to Brad for also joining us last night and sharing his gin and company.
Our next film — on local knife maker Joel Bukiewicz of Cut Brooklyn — is in production now. Joel talks about finding himself at the intersection of the handmade and food movements (“I hit the jackpot,” he says) and more.
And as we head into the Fall, we’re talking to more makers in Brooklyn and nearby as we seek out subjects for subsequent films. Our hope is that you find these portraits as inspiring as we do.
Best,
Keef
A nice collection of beautiful vintage-mod packaging design.
I’m quite pleased to announce the launch of Made by Hand, a new short film series celebrating the people who make things by hand - sustainably, locally, and with a love for their craft. Our first film, on the Breuckelen Distilling Company, is coming soon. See the film teaser. Follow us on twitter.
What sandwich type are you hungry for?
