Nickolas Duarte (self-represented through Crown Chimp Productions) directs a gorgeous, heartfelt message for The University of Arizona based on a dying quarterback’s last words “Bear Down.”nnA creation myth, with legendary status at the University, the goal was to take the heart of the idea and present it in a contemporary and artistic manner. There’s a soul, a truth and hopefulness that’s a poetic homage to those facing struggle who also share the belief and heart to overcome. nnNickolas served as lead creative for the project as well and, with the University of Arizona, decided to shuck the traditional soaring campus montage for something more of a tone poem. nnThe majority of the spot was shot using natural light on an Arri Alexa with Zeiss Super Speeds. Because of the intimate nature of the scenes, primary camera work was shared between Nickolas and the DP, Will Turner.nnnClick here to view screenwork online.nnCreditsnClient: The University of ArizonanTitle: Bear DownnDirector: Nickolas DuartenProduction Company: Crown Chimp ProductionsnVoice Over: Chris Andrewsn1st AD/Editor: Matthew KingnProject Producers: Ben Lopez, Rosie ZwaduknCo-Writer/Creative Consultant: Drew GrubichnDirector of Photography: Will Turner – willturnerphoto.comn1st AC/2nd Unit DP: Oscar RiveranSound Design/Mix & Location Audio: Mike ClarknProduction Design: Adam RaynMake Up: Sonia CampbellnSet Design: Jessica Van Ravenswaayn2nd Unit Director: Jacob TurrentinenColor/Mastering: Copper Post – copperpost.comnColorist: Robert BeadlenProduction Assistants: Keith Wagner, Ben Oman, Schuyler Copeland, Monty MontemayornCamera: Arri Alexa nTalent: Dancer: Piper Stoeckel; College Guys: Tad Sallee, RJ Markham, Jesse Pickering; Artist: Janet Henderson; Mirror Lab Engineer: Hector Ayala; LEO Project Researcher: Chris Koval; Business Man: Paul Tumarkin; Construction Worker: Alan ZwaduknnNickolas Duarte is…nA commercial and short film director. His work for Adidas has earned a National ADDY award, a Museum of Modern Art nomination and many YouTube views. He recently directed an international broadcast campaign in conjunction with the NBA currently airing in Asia. "Bear Down", for the University of Arizona, is his first US national broadcast commercial. Nickolas is self-represented through his company, Crown Chimp Productions. He conceived and was lead creative for all work on his portfolio site.nnNICKOLASDUARTE.COM
Nickolas Duarte Contact Nick via email
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More