BOX BREAKER: How Do We Redefine Our Creative Self?
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jeremy “JB the DP” Bell Director of Photography at Bidduhh Works, his black-owned production company, on the heels of a nationally broadcasted Krystal commercial. As a creative who has cemented his place in Atlanta's landscape as a premiere DP in the music video world, the opportunity to create outside of that box presented a fresh opportunity for JB. While most creatives feel this form of boxing in is due to the major success garnered from operating in a specific theme in a particular medium, JB sees it as an opportunity to diversify his portfolio. Jeremy spoke to this "People hire you for what they see, I don't post commercials so how the **** can I get hired for a commercial? It was just God blessing me with meeting the right person." That person is Director Bari also known as ABG_GFX on Instagram who was the one who took a chance on JB and trusted that what he had to offer would fit the vision of the visual
An exterior shot being set by Jeremy Bell's grip and electric team.
JB explains his lighting vision to his gaffer.
1st Assistant Camera Ben Assefa preps an Arri Alexa MINI LF
When asked about his first opportunity to shoot a commercial video, JB let me know that he really enjoyed the experience. Aside from arriving to the set 90 minutes tardy he was very delighted with the process of the production and he was able to be in control of who he had working with him on his crew. "It was pretty cool, I liked it." jokingly he says "The fact that I got there an hour and a half later than I was supposed to had me flipping. Other than that I think it went well. Working with that many "above the lines" can be very stressful when you have clients, agency, and management...when you have four checkoffs above the director it's a lot." Jeremy further adds that he was able to create a very laidback atmosphere in the midst of a high-stress environment he stated, "I love the fact that I got to hire my crew, I think if it was any other crew it might've not gone as smoothly, it's a synergy thing."
For the full story click HERE! View the final results of the commercial below!
Plug-In With JB student stands in as Jeremy Bell sets up an interior shot.
A Krystal representative makes sure everything runs smoothly as planned.
A food stylist gives the final touches to food being featured in the commercial
Libbie Higgins makes a few jokes while the camera speeds on one of the day's final takes.