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Lifestyle + Product Video Shoot for Eton
Here is video I directed for Eton Corp to promote the Eton Rugged rukus, a wireless Bluetooth solar powered speaker. Check out the YouTube version at 1080 HD for best quality.
director: Jay Watson
photography: Jay Watson
producer: Judi Oyama of Maximum Impact Design
editor: Denise Gallant + Kevin Monahan of Video4Creative
video cameraman: Nils Carlson
1st assistant: Lance Yamamoto
talent: Eric Clarkson, Allison Twisselman, Emmanuel Guzman, Julian Sunn, Vicky Jones, Logan Halliwell, Katie Steidl, Naomi Kelley, Sara Johnson, Michelle Mathews, Michael + Wynn Webb and kids.
The video work was grouped together with a photography shoot that included lifestyle and product photography situations of different Eton products. Bay Area locations included Aptos, CA and Woodside, CA. Since a job like this requires a few extra hands, I asked some people from the crew to jump in and share their experience about working on this project. You can read their words towards the bottom of the post.
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Behind The Scenes
Images below are from the Instagram feed of Judi Oyama of Maximum Impact Design who produced this shoot.
About the shoot:
“My job on the Eton shoot was to be the first assistant to the photographer and to assist the videographer (Nils) when needed. I unloaded gear from the truck, set up lights that I knew Jay would use, and did everything I could to make Jay’s workflow go as smoothly as possible. I had a copy of the shot list so after each shot I would double check with Jay, cross off a shot from the list, and would move the equipment to the next spot while he worked with the art directors. When you’re the assistant, your job is to work just as hard as the photographer and to make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s the equivalent to how Robin is to Batman.
Jay always knew what to do for each shot to get it done as efficiently as possible. He adapted to every obstacle that came our way and had everything under control the entire time. This job taught me a lot about being able to problem solve under constant pressure. Having a great team that has your back is nice to have as well. Everyone worked really hard on this project and it was inspiring to see a group of creative individuals working together to create something great. All in all I have the say the experience was “SICK!”
“Finding fit talent in Santa Cruz is easy, but having everything available on the shoot days was a challenge due to changes with the schedule. Thankfully we have great connections with local surf, skate, and outdoors store owners for wardrobe. I tried to choose colors that provided the best contrast for each location.
For props I borrowed my kids’ backpacks, boogie boards, and other items from our camp gear. When I needed the latest and greatest I relied on my contacts at NHS, Jam Collective PR, and other companies. Many of our models have worked with us in the past on other shoots and were willing to be available for this shoot.
Working with a tight crew of people that got along well paid off big time. Plus everyone was excited to be involved with Eton. The end result comes from the camerawork, but I help to package it up, add what I know, and bring everything to the table so it all comes together. “
Some technical and not-so-technical info:
• Close to 99GB of media content was shot and edited for this project.
• Day 1 was a +17 hour round trip work day that made me punch drunk on occasion.
• When I was directing I wanted to be behind the camera. When I was behind the camera I wanted to be the director.
• For video we used the Kessler Pocket Dolly, Cinevate Pegasus Slider, and a Glidecam for tracking motion.
• Most challenging – developing the shot list. Eton products are packed with features so we never ran out of ideas.
• Most rewarding – working outdoors with fun people.
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….really good schtuff JW! Keep setting the bar high.