Filmmaker and photographer Ben Strang joined the directorial roster of one-stop cross-media production company Sarofsky in 2019. As a director of both scripted and documentary works, Ben’s stories are born from the unique locations and individuals he has encountered as an independent photojournalist for over a decade. His scripted pilot “Beast” won the SXSW Grand Jury Award for Best Independent Episodic, and his latest documentary series “A Mystery To Me” won a 2021 Cannes Lion, and was selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick, as you can see here.
Storytelling
Experience the 2021 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase on 3 March
DWA principal Roger Darnell had the great honor of serving as a judge for the 2021 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase: Forests. “It is a wonderful feeling,” he said, “knowing that so many gifted storytellers and supporting organizations are dedicated to informing and educating the world on the importance of forests and conservation.”
Read moreExperience the 2021 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase on 3 March
Frank Marshall: Thank you for the much-needed Bee Gees documentary
To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know how much I needed this film in my life. Expertly directed and produced by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Seabiscuit”) Frank Marshall, “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is currently streaming on HBO Max. Chronicling the triumphs and hurdles of the phenomenal brothers Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees, esteemed producers also include Nigel Sinclair, Jeanne Elfant Festa, and Mark Monroe.
I was only about five when Barry, Maurice and Robin had their first number one hit in the USA: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”
Read moreFrank Marshall: Thank you for the much-needed Bee Gees documentary
Famous Images: Street Level Photography 2020
Street Level Photography was born as a community of photography enthusiasts, with particular interest in street photography. On its popular YouTube channel, you will find various contents: Top Selection photo galleries; reviews of books and photographic products; video tutorials to improve photographic techniques; chronicles of photographic travel experiences, and much more. All these themes are fully explored through the common lens and language of photography.
Brilliant writer/directors: André Stringer
Looking back, April 7, 2008, was a very lucky day for me: That’s when I received a call from Tracy Chandler, who was the current executive producer for Shilo in NYC. Soon thereafter, we began a five-year collaboration that introduced me to scores of world-class talents. Chief among them was writer-director André Stringer, right alongside executive creative director Jose Sebastian Gomez.
About 10 years later, André wrote (along with Matt D’elia) and directed the amazing short film “The Attaché,” which has understandably earned a great deal of critical acclaim since its debut. From the film’s production details, here is a bit more about this extremely talented gentleman.
Visual Timeline and PR Case Study: Scholar
In-depth PR case study materials follow. Last Updated 7 December 2020
Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, Thanks for the Octopus Documentary
As you may know, I have a few side-hustles that sometimes play into The Darnell Works Agency’s flow. For example, my original, experimental travel series “Rare Air” draws together my favorite pastimes to immerse viewers in spectacular natural settings. So far in life, these industrious filmmaking adventures have taught me an awful lot about what it takes to create quality entertainment. My education continues.
For as long as I can remember, I have always been deeply inspired by nature documentaries. Today, there are a number of series I tune into regularly to feed my interest. Forging ahead with “Rare Air,” I am now seeing some exciting new dimensions opening up. According to plans made over the past several months, the very next episode will share one of two momentous encounters I’ve ever had with an octopus. For the record, both felt very special.
A few weeks ago, while thinking about sharing that ultra-unique remembrance with others, I was startled to log into Netflix and see promotions for an award-winning documentary entitled “My Octopus Teacher.” Directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, the story spans a year in the life of acclaimed director, cinematographer and producer Craig Foster, in which he makes an amazing personal connection with an octopus.
Read morePippa Ehrlich and James Reed, Thanks for the Octopus Documentary
Visual Timeline and PR Case Study: BLOCK & TACKLE
In-depth PR case study materials follow. Last Updated 12 Sep. 2020
Paul Dugdale, Thanks for the Spectacular Jeff Lynne, ELO Documentary
When you think about what music means in your life, isn’t it amazing to consider how essential it is in your emotional scrapbook? I grew up in the 70s and 80s; you can guarantee that whenever I witness a John Hughes movie on a screen, I’m going to pause and savor at least a minute or two immersed in his captivating audiovisual storytelling.
Read morePaul Dugdale, Thanks for the Spectacular Jeff Lynne, ELO Documentary
Promo video primer: 30 first-class examples
Back in 2014, a story from Chris Trimble appeared in the Guardian proclaiming video as the future of content marketing, with this dire warning: “small businesses who ignore it do so at their peril.” Since then, video usage has continued to climb, and more and more people and businesses are trying to engage, entertain and educate us with their on-screen storytelling. Bearing this in mind, I’m very happy to share some of the videos I’ve collected working alongside some phenomenal storytellers.
For your reference and enlightenment, I have chosen 10 examples apiece for three well-established niches of corporate communications. While most of these videos were designed for business audiences, each is artistic enough to appeal to just about everyone.