We started Makewild five years ago as three childhood friends from Maine with pretty simple goals: tell meaningful stories and live lives of adventure with the people we love. With the world slowly opening up into a new reality, we think the need to change production methods actually creates storytelling opportunities.
While the new format is going to look different for most, our core skills and our ability to make impactful films as a small team of friends is more important than ever. It’s the way we’ve always done it—from filming ski movies in the woods in middle school to campaigns just this spring for Pinterest, Puma, DoorDash, and the World Surf League.
The beauty of humanity is our adaptability. Though things may look different, life doesn’t stop and neither do stories. So, in turn, we don’t stop. We just change how we get it done.
In this together,
This is a new chapter. Content isn’t dead, but how it is created may never be the same. Makewild is adaptable at our core, and right now, we’re focusing on three areas we see as the largest opportunities for our clients.
Branded Content
For years, we’ve focused on short-to-mid form content showcasing unique stories through authentic brand partnerships. We’re just as capable at this as ever, and have adapted production techniques to achieve safety for all talent, crew and clients.
Documentary
In a period of such turmoil and resilience, there are incredible stories all around us. Whether they center on the response to COVID-19 or offer relief from the news, these stories will collectively get us through.
Post Production
For many of our clients, Makewild got its start as a post-production house. Throughout the spring, we’ve remained available to them and continue to be able offer a full suite of services from editing to color, sound design, score, animation and VFX.
Fewer Folks, More Stoke
We’ve set a max crew size at ten for the foreseeable future. For most creative concepts, this can get the job done and then some. To ensure similar production value, most productions will shoot a couple extra days.
Better (and Safer) Together
Since early March we’ve been quarantined together, providing a core crew capable of most small to medium scale shoots. We’re only casting talent that has also been quarantining together (families, roommates, etc.)
Escape the Studio
The outdoors has always been Makewild’s most comfortable shooting location, and now it’s the safest. We are encouraging clients to shoot outside whenever possible.
Add-ons
To increase production value, we are relying a little more heavily on narration, VFX, animation, and even professional stock video to complement production. We also have access to a safe studio for indoor shoots.
REMOTE CLIENTS
Zoom beers with friends will never be the same as catching up with them at the local dive. But in an era of digital connection, we’re seeing new opportunities to collaborate with clients safely and effectively—you’ll just have to provide your own crafty.
We’ve implemented password-protected remote video feeds to output camera captures directly to clients anywhere in the world. This allows real time collaboration on every scene, and as close to an in-person experience as we can achieve.
While not possible in every remote setting, we will work with clients extensively in pre-production to plan the safest and most effective way to collaborate throughout a shoot.
REMOTE PRODUCTIONS
Adaptable storytellers at heart, we see the trend for remote direction as a natural way to meet this moment.
Years of producing content around the globe has left us with an international network of professional cinematographers. We have connections with talented filmmakers on five continents and in every region of North America.
From capturing interviews via webcam to engaging our network of creators around the world, Makewild can bring unique films to life from our studio in Los Angeles.
For each production, we’ve implemented strict guidelines following recommendations by the AICP, CalDPH, and the CDC to ensure the safety of our crew, talent, and clients. We will assign a compliance coordinator on each shoot to ensure these guidelines are met.
All roles in our new production plan have been designed with at least 6’ spacing.
Masks will be required and provided for everyone, regardless of the setting.
All equipment will be thoroughly sanitized. When possible, only one individual will handle equipment for their department.
Personal hand sanitizer will be distributed to all crew, talent, and clients. To further reduce risks, craft services and catering will be BYO with a stipend.
In our effort to safely provide clients the highest-level production services, we have forged a few new partnerships that are worth highlighting.
Fabrication
A partnership with our friend’s fabrication shop Kollider (based in a 10,000 square foot warehouse in Los Angeles). Large scale CNC, 3D and vinyl printing, and an experienced crew of set builders are available for pre-production services.
COVID-Safe Studio for Interior Production
We have secured reduced rates at a local studio with strict safety measures; multiple entrances for crew, talent, and client; advanced HVAC; and an in-house compliance coordinator.
Times like these show how quickly everything can change, and we believe that good production is defined by how we respond to the unexpected. While the circumstances may be extraordinary, working within confines isn’t wholly unfamiliar. Like always, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty.
Now, we’re just sure to wash them for 20 seconds after.