East Coast production house Arf & Co. is announcing the addition of Adam Karsten to its stable of directors. Karsten’s unique directing style rounds out Arf’s talent pool and because Karsten continues to work out of Los Angeles, the company gains a west coast footprint it can build upon.
“All of our tabletop directors’ styles are unique,” explained Arf & Co.’s executive producer Mark Fitzmartin who also represents Arf & Co. helmers Alex Fernbach and Beth Galton. “This gives agencies & clients three different, great options, which is rare in a production company.”
Strangely, the Apple Martini shaped Karsten’s early career path. After studying film and art history at UCLA, Karsten worked as a bartender at a Los Angeles eatery called Lola’s to support his burgeoning career in documentary filmmaking. Demonstrating creativity beyond the camera, Karsten created the Apple Martini, which quickly gained a huge following.
With newfound fame, Karsten made regular appearances on television shows and magazines and came to appreciate the fine art of tabletop photography as his cocktail creation was primped and styled for close-ups.
Exhibiting a lot of raw talent, Fitzmartin spotted potential in Karsten and the two developed a relationship over the years. “I saw a lot of creativity in Adam’s work,” says Fitzmartin. “He has a very playful style.. He brings a deft, light touch.”
“I am always trying to establish a narrative in what I am shooting so there is some kind of underpinning in what I do,” adds Karsten. “There should be a reason every time the camera moves.”
Karsten comes from Los Angeles commercial production facility Bob Industries and now feels Arf & Co. is the right move at the right time. “Arf’s facility is amazing,” he says, “and the quality of work and the reputation Arf has in the tabletop world make it a great place for me. But most importantly, I appreciate Arf’s philosophy. They value the experimental process and the process of discovering how to do difficult things.”
Director and Arf Co. owner Alex Fernbach notes that the feeling is mutual. “Arf Co. continues to grow and Adam already shares so many of the sensibilities we have cultivated over the years. But Adam also represents a rare breed of tabletop directors who earned their stripes in a time of digital production, visual effects and nonlinear editing. He’s a breath of fresh air and helps Arf take a leadership position in the tabletop world.”
About ARF & CO
ARF & CO is dedicated to a high standard of creative excellence in the production of advertising media. We also hold a deep respect for our staff and our community at large. We are committed to providing innovative, creative solutions for our clients, in a collaborative environment.
ARF & CO is represented by on the East Coast by R2, 212.647.8464; in the Midwest by Doug Stieber & Co., 312.222.9595; in Texas & on West Coast by Boardilicious, 310.376.8656; in Canada by Sparks Productions, 416.862.2000; and in Eastern Europe by Go East Films, 973.783.7237.
See Adam Karsten‘s reel at http://arfco.tv/director-genres.html?id=10.
