In order to reach a worthy goal, you will need to cross into the unknown. For us, when we started out, we were inspired by the classic films of adventure, challenge, and discovery. These were movies that stuck with us, that resonated through our whole being, and motivated us to explore the essence of story.
Charting a New Path
It set us on a journey that has been on-going for more than a decade. Through these experiences, we decided to organize our creative process around a set of values that would hopefully—with hard work, honest craftsmanship, and a bit of luck—yield stories of value and longevity. Here is a sampling of the projects that have appeared on this path so far.
Ben Weiland & Brian Davis
Films & Projects
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Summary
In the cold lands of the north, local folk wisdom often tells the truest story.
Co-directed by Ben Weiland, Cinematography by Ben Weiland, Edited by Brian Davis, Client: Billabong
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Summary
Three travelers follow the footsteps of an enigmatic surfer who according to legend, found a perfect wave deep within Alaska’s Aleutian Island chain on a solo journey decades ago.
A collaboration with Chris Burkard, starring Harrison Roach, Parker Coffin, and Nate Zoller.
Co-directed by Ben Weiland, Cinematography by Ben Weiland, Edited by Ben Weiland & Brian Davis, Client: Roark
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Summary
Mylo Fowler grew up on the Navajo reservation, raised by its red dirt and wild horses. But a spiritual elder’s prophecy upends his vision of the future, and Mylo enters the unknown to discover his rightful place in the world.
For this project we were brought on by Burkard Studio for SONY Alpha.
Co-directed by Ben Weiland, Edited by Brian Davis, Story contribution by Ben Weiland & Brian Davis, Client: Burkard Studio
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Summary
A decade ago Icelandic photographer Elli Thor nearly drowned under a waterfall while kayaking a challenging nordic river. After walking away from kayaking, a newfound passion for surfing and the birth of his daughter Unnur gives him a new perspective on a life worth living.
Co-directed by Ben Weiland, Behind-the-scenes edit by Brian Davis, Client: Burkard Studio, Sponsors: Sony, Billabong, IcelandAir, The Camera Division
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Summary
A short story about Nole Cossart's experimental journey into 1930's surfboard building.
This was an independent project, made possible with the support of sponsors.
A Film by Fielder
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Summary
Over the last decade Chris Burkard & Ben Weiland have traveled across the globe seeking out waves in some of the coldest and most remote conditions on the planet. Why would anyone ever want to surf in cold water one might ask? As a 25-year Arctic storm descends on their team of surfers, they get one step closer to finding an answer.
Director of Photography: Ben Weiland, Co-editor: Ben Weiland
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Summary
Coldwater Journal follows surfer and filmmaker, Ben Weiland's, decade-long obsession with exploring the most frigid, desolate and starkly beautiful coastlines on the planet in search of perfect waves and high adventure.
Directed by Ben Weiland, Client: Surfer Magazine
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Summary
What we have here isn’t your typical bike trip. Four close friends ventured into the great woods of the American west to experience the land via bike. Their original plans thwarted due to the devastation of wildfires that seemly strike the west more and more each year. With some last-minute rearranging of the route and a nod that it was safe, the ride was on! They took off to experience a ride and hike that some might call, downright insanity.
Cinematography by Brian Davis, Edit by Brian Davis, Post Production by Brian Davis, Client: Burkard Studio
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Summary
Prana’s ambassadors head out on a road trip south of the border—the California surfer’s right of passage—where unforeseen encounters await at the end of the dusty trail.
Directed by Ben Weiland, Cinematography by Ben Weiland, Edit by Ben Weiland, Client: prAna
Co-directed by Ben Weiland, Cinematography by Ben Weiland, Edit by Ben Weiland
