SOMETIMES

On Wednesday May 10, 2023 we profiled Michigan skateboarder, Corey Cummins, as he visited three different parks in Grand Rapids. The result is a short form exposé that blends high concept visuals, cinéma vérité filmmaking techniques and an ethereal soundscape.

  • Ryan Weilert
    Director
  • Corey Cummins
    Key Cast
    "Skater"
  • Dan Woodliff
    Editor
  • Tyler Grimm
    Cinematographer
  • Nate Chitwood
    Colorist
  • Kyle Calvin Campbell
    Music, Sound Design, & Mix
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 57 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 14, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ryan Weilert

Hello. My name is Ryan

I am a commercial director based in Michigan. My creative ambition is to bring people joy and produce high concept films that are stylized, meaningful and visually interesting.

Within filmmaking, my focus is on short-form brand and product films, multi-camera documentary exposés and thirty second broadcast and pre-roll commercials. As a director, I aspire for my work to be characterized by beautifully crafted images, dynamic motion graphics and custom soundscapes that elevate the creative.

My hope is the next phase of work will be defined by directing high-concept and abstract films for lifestyle brands as well as beginning to create music videos and documentaries (short and long form) about subjects and stories that capture my imagination and align with my interests and values.

On any given day you can find my family & I exploring Michigan state parks or skate parks. My weekends are spent rooting for Liverpool Football Club and the Portland Timbers, while my Friday nights are spent watching new films with my family and friends.

I have a BA in Cinema and Broadcast Arts from Azusa Pacific University and live in Grand Rapids, MI. The Princess Bride (film) was released the year I was born. Before relocating to the Midwest, I was a Producer at Cinco Design in Portland, OR.

In 2020, Kristine and I co-founded OSWALD WEST, a creative production and storytelling studio based in Grand Rapids, MI.

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Director Statement

We believe this film needed one essential characteristic: AUTHENTICITY

No voiceover.
No interviews.
Just observation.

Our goal in capturing and editing Corey’s “day” was to-do so honestly. If the film came across as overly contrived, our audience will sniff it out and all credibility would be lost.

Our approach to the “exposé” concept was equal parts candid documentary filmmaking and full concept cinematography.

We could not control what was said or done on camera, but we could craft a visual style that didn’t look or feel like a traditional skate film.