Paintball – Spec Ad

Client: Self-Initiated Spec Project
Production: Wagner Media
Role: Director of Photography, Gaffer, Co-Producer, Co-Director

Created as a collaborative passion project, Paintball was developed as an opportunity to experiment with visual storytelling, stylized lighting, and high-energy commercial filmmaking outside the constraints of a traditional client brief.

The concept centered around capturing the intensity, speed, and excitement of paintball through a cinematic lens. The production combined dynamic camera movement, dramatic lighting, practical atmosphere effects, and fast-paced editing to create a commercial-style piece designed to feel larger than life while remaining grounded in authentic action.

From concept development through production and post, the project served as a creative testing ground for new techniques in cinematography, lighting, visual effects, and sound design. The collaborative process allowed the team to push creative boundaries, refine workflows, and explore commercial storytelling approaches that could later be applied to agency and brand work.

As Director of Photography and Gaffer, Dan Wagner designed and executed the visual approach for the project, creating a stylized look that balanced dramatic contrast, practical effects, and kinetic camera movement. He also served as co-producer and co-director, helping guide the project from initial concept through final delivery.

The result is a fast-paced, visually driven spec commercial that highlights the power of collaborative filmmaking and demonstrates the team's ability to create polished commercial content from an original concept.

Services

• Director of Photography
• Gaffer & Lighting Design
• Co-Production
• Co-Direction
• Commercial Spec Production

Creative Focus

• Stylized Lighting
• Practical Effects
• Atmospheric Effects
• High-Speed Action Cinematography
• Commercial Storytelling

Post Production

• Editing, 3D Animation & Sound Design: Savidge
• Color: Grant Shoop
• Music: DJ Drowsy
• Logo Animation: Ethan Ryan & Christopher Glenn

Special Thanks

• A. Walk – Atmospheric & Fog Effects

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