By FP1 Strategies
In this installment of “Meet Our Production Pros,” we’re featuring the contributions of Senior Associate Zach Stein. Zach is a film buff who has an eye for visual storytelling.
At FP1, Zach plans, shoots and directs b-roll. He works closely with our network of freelance production crews. He maintains and repairs our vast camera inventory, and he helps manage and operate our state-of-the-art studio at our headquarters in Clarendon, VA. Zach is intimately involved in pre-production planning for our shoots, storyboarding out ads, planning b-roll set ups and working with our directors, writers and the entire creative team to maximize every shoot opportunity.
Zach travels extensively around the country, racking up frequent flyer miles and Marriott points. He handles his challenging job with a positive attitude and a commitment to deliver great results for our clients.
“Zach Stein is a valuable member of our team,” said FP1 Partner Mark Walpole. “As the firm’s Director of Photography, I depend on Zach for so many things, big and small. He brings creativity, professionalism, and a positive outlook to every task. He has a real sense for storytelling, and I’m expecting big things from him the future.”
Read this lightning round of Q&A with Zach Stein.
What’s your alma mater?
Virginia Tech. Go Hokies!
What do you like best about working at FP1?
The best part about working at FP1 is getting to meet and work with so many different people across the country and having the opportunity to tell their story through our visual mediums, all while getting to work with the best team in the business!
What’s your favorite FP1 shoot you’ve been on?
One of my favorites has to be the “Supermarket Sweepstakes” we filmed for Americans for Prosperity in Saxonburg, PA. We shot at Sprankles, a local mom-and-pop grocery store, where AFP held an event focused on inflation and how it’s impacting the everyday American. Part of the event included a live supermarket sweep – five lucky shoppers had 60 seconds to fill their carts with as much as they could. I ran around with them, filming the whole thing. It was a blast to shoot and seeing the joy on their faces when they realized their groceries were covered for months made it an unforgettable shoot.
Do you have a favorite FP1 ad?
“Lessons” – our concept ad for Bidenomics – really stands out. We transformed a local high school into a 1960’s-era classroom and cast actors to be the young version of Democratic senators. The set design, casting and filming just really fell together perfectly, and we got a great looking and unique ad out of the shoot.
What’s your favorite podcast?
I’ve really been enjoying Team Deakins. It features conversations between the great Cinematographer Roger Deakins and his longtime collaborator James Deakins. They talk about all aspects of Cinematography, Roger’s life in filmmaking, and they have lots of great DP’s come on to talk and answer questions. It’s very informative and cool to listen to one of the best cinematographers ever discuss how he would film a scene.
What’s the last book you read?
I recently re-read Rebel Without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez. It’s a first-hand account from director Robert Rodriguez about the experience of getting his first movie made, and the lengths he had to go through to get it finished. It is a phenomenal reminder that if you have a vision, you’re prepared, and have willingness to let nothing stop you, anything is possible. I try to take this mindset onto every shoot we do at FP1.
What’s your favorite movie?
Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is my favorite of all time. It’s the movie that made me want to be in production. I’ve probably watched it a hundred times and will watch it another hundred more. A masterpiece in character dialogue and one of the coolest films ever made.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Saturday?
The perfect Saturday would be grabbing breakfast at a diner with my girlfriend, and then either spending time outside hanging with friends or going to the movies. I’m always down to watch something on the big screen.
What’s your go-to restaurant in the DC area?
That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say RedRocks in Columbia Heights, D.C. Amazing pizza, great drinks, and they have an upstairs private room that nobody really uses, so you feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who’d it be and why?
Stanley Kubrick. Arguably the greatest filmmaker of all time. I’d love to pick his brain on his creative process, his never-ending pursuit of perfection, and all the great stories he must have had.
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