A sneak peek at our test of a set of Petzval lenses for The Savage State.
Designed in 1840 by a Hungarian mathematician and physicist, the Petzval was one of the first photographic portrait lenses ever created. The design was dramatically faster than the lenses of its era and capable of capturing images with striking depth and clarity.
But what makes Petzval lenses truly fascinating is their imperfections.
Unlike modern lenses designed for technical perfection, Petzvals create swirling bokeh, uneven focus falloff, soft edges, and an almost dreamlike painterly quality. The image feels less “recorded” and more remembered.
For portions of The Savage State, we chose to shoot on Petzval lenses not only because they connect visually to the photographic language of the 1800s, but because they emotionally align with the film itself. Our world is a world caught between history, folklore, memory, and myth. We want the image to feel enchanted rather than clinically perfect.
In a strange way, this 180-year-old technology will help us create something that feels more timeless than modern lenses ever could.
9 months ago, I’VE SEEN ALL I NEED TO SEE had its World Premiere at @flickers.riiff and won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature. Since then, this ambitious experimental ghost story has found audiences around the world. Today, we are grateful to share that our film will begin screening theatrically overseas on May 1st. Beginning with a one week run at both the legendary @glasgowfilmtheatre and the staggeringly beautiful @icalondon . More screenings TBA very soon. Then, a digital release in June. All courtesy of @bulldog_film . What a dream. Thank you and see you at the movies.
Tucson Film Festival đź“·: @robertscottphotography
Been a crazy couple of weeks for screenings. First, @isaintsfilm had a successful little roadshow tour around Southern California. Then a bit of a homecoming for @onlywayoutmovie at the @phoenixfilmfestival for three sold out showings, winning Best Ensemble Cast, and our director @kieranthompson being crowned Arizona Filmmaker of the Year. Very proud to have served as a Producer and Associate Producer on these projects.
Testing out @petzval lenses. Along with using our Gold Checker is an overhead that introduces a soft and warm reflected bounce.
#phoenixstudio #lensetest #studio #film #arizonacamerarentals
Replicating portrait painting from the mid-1800s.
Allowed students the opportunity to get hands on experience.
#phoenixstudio #studio #cinema #portrait #camera
An incredible week for I’VE SEEN ALL I NEED TO SEE. Thank you so much to everyone who supported the first leg of our theatrical road show. What a special privilege to screen our feature film at some of the best arthouse cinemas to ever do it. Multiple sold out nights, emotional Q&As, and a major emphasis on building a creative community that together, can do anything. Ongoing screenings regionally and overseas until our digital release (June 2026), courtesy of @bulldog_film . Thank you again for supporting DIY filmmaking.
Friends, this week we head to @desertscapeiff and wrap up an incredible festival run for I’VE SEEN ALL I NEED TO SEE. We’ve been grateful for nominations, awards, and countless new friends along the way. To prepare for some upcoming theatrical in May and a digital release in June (thanks to @bulldog_film ), we are hosting FREE SoCal screenings in a few weeks.
April 14th: đź“Ť@digitalgymsd | 8PM
April 15th: đź“Ť@thefridacinema | 8PM
April 16th: đź“Ť@vidiots | 8PM
April 21st: đź“Ť@eastwoodpac presented by @euphomet | 8PM (featuring a live recording of Nite Drift)
Each screening will have a Q&A w/ various cast and crew. đź”— to RSVP in bio.
Sincerely hope to see you all there. Thanks so much for supporting independent cinema.
A project I directed alongside the incredible teams at @madebyfieldtripstudios and @gotheartandsoul took home a Silver ADDY for Cinematography and Gold for PSA.
Honestly, it feels really good to say that.
Awards aren’t everything, but they do mean something. They’re a reflection of the care that goes into the work. And this one represents a lot of people showing up at a high level.
From the beginning, the goal was simply to make something honest that connects. To see that work recognized at this level is incredibly rewarding.
Being in the room this year, what stood out most was the people behind all the work showcased and the shared standard of wanting to make something great.
Grateful to be part of this one.
Excited to screen our feature film, I’VE SEEN ALL I NEED TO SEE, at the 2026 @desertscapeiff . In April, our ghost story will land in beautiful St. George, Utah. Thank you for including us, Adam and John. Looking forward to celebrating year 8 with you all. Breathtaking landscapes, a supportive community, and independent films. Hard to ask for more.
🎬 CASTING CALL — PHOENIX
We’re casting for an upcoming narrative short film for our client Delivering Dreams!
This is a heartfelt, cinematic story about childhood confidence, dignity, and what becomes possible when basic needs are met.
We’re currently casting:
✨ JESSE (Lead Child)
Ages 6–12 | Any Gender | Non-Union | Paid
✨ CARL / CARLA (Volunteer Lead)
Ages 20–60 | Any Gender | Non-Union | Paid
Shoot Dates: March 19–20, 2026
Location: Greater Phoenix Area
Self-tapes due: March 9
📲 Scan the QR code or visit the submission link in the slides to apply.
Questions?
[email protected][email protected]
Please share with Phoenix actors, parents, teachers, and creatives who might be a great fit.
Our experimental ghost story is headed to one of the best and fastest growing genre festivals in the region, @midwestweirdfest . A huge thank you to Dean and his team for creating such a unique and safe space over the last decade. Eau Claire, Wisconsin is special and we cannot wait to see some of you there. Memory is a mirror and the MidWest is about to get Weird, for real.
