VIDEOS
Short Documentary
Social Content
Marley's Treats
Director | 2022
Gemma Ballesteros never thought she’d be a baker. But after having a child then leaving her job, she began to spend more time in the kitchen. Her baked goods were an immediate hit. Demand from her social circle grew and grew, leading Gemma to create a business from nothing. Marley’s Treats sells many desserts with a Filipino twist, which keeps Gemma connected to her culture. For example, she has found different delicious ways to use ube in her recipes. While running a business is a continually difficult endeavor, Gemma wants to provide a good example for her kids and give them a better life than she had.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/Fsjd1dCk5KI
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Gemma Ballesteros never thought she’d be a baker. But after having a child then leaving her job, she began to spend more time in the kitchen. Her baked goods were an immediate hit. Demand from her social circle grew and grew, leading Gemma to create a business from nothing. Marley’s Treats sells many desserts with a Filipino twist, which keeps Gemma connected to her culture. For example, she has found different delicious ways to use ube in her recipes. While running a business is a continually difficult endeavor, Gemma wants to provide a good example for her kids and give them a better life than she had.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/Fsjd1dCk5KI
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Quarter Creole
Director | 2022
Chef Norm Théard comes from a long line of New Orleans cooks. As a child, he was often found in the kitchen helping his mom, Yvonne Ozenne Théard. Over the years, Norm grew to lead many different types of kitchens, however when he started “The Quarter Creole Cuisine” he strove to create a place deeply rooted in his family’s traditions. His rule of thumb: Every dish at The Quarter had to be made with ingredients that would be found in his mom’s kitchen.
Today, The Quarter serves dishes like The Crawfish Biscuit and The Quarter Catfish. With each bite Norm seeks to take you back in time– perhaps to your own childhood kitchen. Or as he puts it, “It’s more than just the food on a plate. Being able to transport people, emotionally, is what this place is about.”
Full video here: https://youtu.be/lxI7rB1rnos
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Chef Norm Théard comes from a long line of New Orleans cooks. As a child, he was often found in the kitchen helping his mom, Yvonne Ozenne Théard. Over the years, Norm grew to lead many different types of kitchens, however when he started “The Quarter Creole Cuisine” he strove to create a place deeply rooted in his family’s traditions. His rule of thumb: Every dish at The Quarter had to be made with ingredients that would be found in his mom’s kitchen.
Today, The Quarter serves dishes like The Crawfish Biscuit and The Quarter Catfish. With each bite Norm seeks to take you back in time– perhaps to your own childhood kitchen. Or as he puts it, “It’s more than just the food on a plate. Being able to transport people, emotionally, is what this place is about.”
Full video here: https://youtu.be/lxI7rB1rnos
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Tiger Boxing
Director | 2022
Meet Charles Nwokolo, a former West African professional boxing champion, a 1984 Olympic contestant, and the owner of @tigerboxinggym. From 1984 to 1997, Charles, aka “Young Dick Tiger,” was a professional boxer with an undefeated record of 31 wins and one draw. After many years of both amateur and professional boxing, Tiger decided to open up his own boxing gym right in West LA to teach boxing for not only competitive boxers, but for those looking to have fun with the sport. “Boxing can give you confidence. You don’t have to give without taking; You must learn how to give and take. That’s why it’s called boxing.”
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Meet Charles Nwokolo, a former West African professional boxing champion, a 1984 Olympic contestant, and the owner of @tigerboxinggym. From 1984 to 1997, Charles, aka “Young Dick Tiger,” was a professional boxer with an undefeated record of 31 wins and one draw. After many years of both amateur and professional boxing, Tiger decided to open up his own boxing gym right in West LA to teach boxing for not only competitive boxers, but for those looking to have fun with the sport. “Boxing can give you confidence. You don’t have to give without taking; You must learn how to give and take. That’s why it’s called boxing.”
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Paraiso
Director | 2022
Maria was born in Michoacan, MX and moved to CA when she was 5 years old. She remembers plants being a big part of her life in Mexico however it wasn’t until being diagnosed with postpartum depression in 2017 that she realized she had completely lost her connection to nature-- and similarly her connection to life.
In this moment of darkness, the only thing that brought Maria happiness was getting out in her garden, sticking her hands in the dirt, pulling weeds, and planting new life. This became a routine and eventually she started to see progress— not only in her garden but also in her desire for living.
This new revival for life catapulted her business Paraiso Plant Studio in 2019. Maria is not only a first generation immigrant but also a first generation business owner. As she said, it didn’t happen overnight. It’s a constant struggle to exist and survive, however her hope is that one day Paraiso can be more than a plant shop, but also a pillar of the community where people who don’t have access to resources to start a business can learn and grow together.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/YlrN8Nsqcq4
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Maria was born in Michoacan, MX and moved to CA when she was 5 years old. She remembers plants being a big part of her life in Mexico however it wasn’t until being diagnosed with postpartum depression in 2017 that she realized she had completely lost her connection to nature-- and similarly her connection to life.
In this moment of darkness, the only thing that brought Maria happiness was getting out in her garden, sticking her hands in the dirt, pulling weeds, and planting new life. This became a routine and eventually she started to see progress— not only in her garden but also in her desire for living.
This new revival for life catapulted her business Paraiso Plant Studio in 2019. Maria is not only a first generation immigrant but also a first generation business owner. As she said, it didn’t happen overnight. It’s a constant struggle to exist and survive, however her hope is that one day Paraiso can be more than a plant shop, but also a pillar of the community where people who don’t have access to resources to start a business can learn and grow together.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/YlrN8Nsqcq4
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Esscents of Flowers
Director | 2022
“I didn’t see a lot of women-owned businesses growing up,” says Ariana M, @esscentsofflowers. “I wanted to make sure that people saw women in operations and making things happen. It just shows that we have a strong presence.”
In 2015, Ariana took a leap and quit her full-time job to start her flower design business. The first couple of years were so successful that in 2018, she was able to expand to have her first flower truck. With deep ties to East Oakland, Ariana’s “flower shop on wheels” services the East Bay Area. “As an Oakland native, I thought it was extremely important to lay claim to a rapidly changing area by bringing my passion into the world.”
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
“I didn’t see a lot of women-owned businesses growing up,” says Ariana M, @esscentsofflowers. “I wanted to make sure that people saw women in operations and making things happen. It just shows that we have a strong presence.”
In 2015, Ariana took a leap and quit her full-time job to start her flower design business. The first couple of years were so successful that in 2018, she was able to expand to have her first flower truck. With deep ties to East Oakland, Ariana’s “flower shop on wheels” services the East Bay Area. “As an Oakland native, I thought it was extremely important to lay claim to a rapidly changing area by bringing my passion into the world.”
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Koffeteria
Director | 2022
For Vanarin Kuch, life is all about focusing on the process rather than an outcome of success or failure. From beginning his career as a gymnastics coach to becoming a pastry chef to finding love in New York City, he embraced each adventure and found important lessons every step of the way. Eventually, this journey led Kuch back to his hometown of Houston, Texas. He now owns the ever-growing Koffeteria, which began as a bake and coffee shop then evolved into a café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Koffeteria places an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients as well as repurposed furniture and charitable donations. By prioritizing the process, Kuch runs his popular business while also finding a way to regularly learn from his loved ones, honor his Cambodian heritage, and try to leave the Houston restaurant scene better than he found it.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/hUNL9yU8usA
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
For Vanarin Kuch, life is all about focusing on the process rather than an outcome of success or failure. From beginning his career as a gymnastics coach to becoming a pastry chef to finding love in New York City, he embraced each adventure and found important lessons every step of the way. Eventually, this journey led Kuch back to his hometown of Houston, Texas. He now owns the ever-growing Koffeteria, which began as a bake and coffee shop then evolved into a café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Koffeteria places an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients as well as repurposed furniture and charitable donations. By prioritizing the process, Kuch runs his popular business while also finding a way to regularly learn from his loved ones, honor his Cambodian heritage, and try to leave the Houston restaurant scene better than he found it.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/hUNL9yU8usA
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Equator Coffee
Director | 2022
Equator Coffees was founded in 1995 by Brooke McDonnell and Helen Russell. Their goal: make people’s lives better through coffee.
In a constantly changing world, the team at Equator has learned to evolve and grow together over the years– embracing new adventures and curiosity along the way.
Equator Coffees may be a coffee company, but at its core, it’s a company about people– supporting people, lifting people up, and embracing everyone.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/x75EVzB-sds
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Equator Coffees was founded in 1995 by Brooke McDonnell and Helen Russell. Their goal: make people’s lives better through coffee.
In a constantly changing world, the team at Equator has learned to evolve and grow together over the years– embracing new adventures and curiosity along the way.
Equator Coffees may be a coffee company, but at its core, it’s a company about people– supporting people, lifting people up, and embracing everyone.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/x75EVzB-sds
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
For the Bees Teaser
Director | 2020
A Yemeni beekeepers shares what his bees have taught him over the decades
Cinematographer/Editor: Dan Williams
A Yemeni beekeepers shares what his bees have taught him over the decades
Cinematographer/Editor: Dan Williams
Two Chix
Director | 2022
Two Chicks in the Mix started with two best friends, the idea of building something, and cake. Although neither Malaka nor Erica had any professional baking experience, it’s something they were both passionate about and wanted to share with the world. As Malaka says, “Everything we’ve learned, we’ve learned on the job from making mistakes or trying it.” From a focus on local ingredients and new flavors to sourcing fresh flowers and creative decorations, Two Chicks in the Mix is a totally unique take on cake. Over the years they have grown their operations in The Bay Area and Los Angeles and are currently planning to open their first brick-and-mortar in West Oakland.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/u5E5zVeJM2w
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Two Chicks in the Mix started with two best friends, the idea of building something, and cake. Although neither Malaka nor Erica had any professional baking experience, it’s something they were both passionate about and wanted to share with the world. As Malaka says, “Everything we’ve learned, we’ve learned on the job from making mistakes or trying it.” From a focus on local ingredients and new flavors to sourcing fresh flowers and creative decorations, Two Chicks in the Mix is a totally unique take on cake. Over the years they have grown their operations in The Bay Area and Los Angeles and are currently planning to open their first brick-and-mortar in West Oakland.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/u5E5zVeJM2w
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Spin Laundry
Director | 2022
Spin Laundry, started in 2014 by Morgan Gary, uniquely prioritizes sustainability by investing in the most energy-efficient machines in the world, providing clients chemical free detergents for free, using LED bulbs, offsetting a portion of their electricity through energy programs, and donating lost clothing and socks to local shelters. As Morgan says, “Doing laundry in itself is sustainable. You’re caring for your clothes. You’re making sure they last a long time and you’re reusing them. But since laundry is just a chore that we do automatically it’s easy not to think about the impact.” Spin strives to help people understand their laundry's footprint and how something like changing one simple habit can lead to big change.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/-RsVdi7Ip3M
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Spin Laundry, started in 2014 by Morgan Gary, uniquely prioritizes sustainability by investing in the most energy-efficient machines in the world, providing clients chemical free detergents for free, using LED bulbs, offsetting a portion of their electricity through energy programs, and donating lost clothing and socks to local shelters. As Morgan says, “Doing laundry in itself is sustainable. You’re caring for your clothes. You’re making sure they last a long time and you’re reusing them. But since laundry is just a chore that we do automatically it’s easy not to think about the impact.” Spin strives to help people understand their laundry's footprint and how something like changing one simple habit can lead to big change.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/-RsVdi7Ip3M
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Marley's Treats
Director | 2022
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Cinematographer: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Producer: Jason Fassler
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Search Asian-Owned
Creative Producer | 2021
Search for Asian-Owned businesses within the Yelp app.
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Search for Asian-Owned businesses within the Yelp app.
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Dodici Pizza
Creative Producer | 2022
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Outrageous Burgers
Creative Producer | 2022
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Morans Pizza
Creative Producer | 2022
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Five Latin Foods
Creative Producer | 2022
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Georgian Boats
Creative Producer | 2022
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Behind the Review Audiogram
Creative Producer | 2021
Teaser for Yelp x Entrepreneur's podcast "Behind the Review"
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Art Director: Shannon Hartmark
Teaser for Yelp x Entrepreneur's podcast "Behind the Review"
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Art Director: Shannon Hartmark
Moments that Saved the Day
Creative Producer | 2019
Customers share their most memorable experiences from when a business owner made their day
Producer: Jason Fassler
Art Director: Shannon Hartmark
Cinematographer/Editor: Dan Williams
Customers share their most memorable experiences from when a business owner made their day
Producer: Jason Fassler
Art Director: Shannon Hartmark
Cinematographer/Editor: Dan Williams
Search Black-owned
Creative Producer | 2021
Last year, searches for Black-owned businesses increased by 2400%. Support Black-owned businesses in your community.
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Last year, searches for Black-owned businesses increased by 2400%. Support Black-owned businesses in your community.
Project Manager: Tom McDonald
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Yelp's Personalization
Creative Producer | 2019
Customize your settings in Yelp to get recommendations just for you
Editor: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Abby Ayckbourn
Producer: Jason Fassler
Art Director: Shannon Hartmark
Customize your settings in Yelp to get recommendations just for you
Editor: Dan Williams
Project Manager: Abby Ayckbourn
Producer: Jason Fassler
Art Director: Shannon Hartmark
How to Spend a Day in Portland
Creative Producer | 2021
Simple itinerary for your 24 hours in Portland.
Cinematographer/Editor: Dan Williams
Simple itinerary for your 24 hours in Portland.
Cinematographer/Editor: Dan Williams
Social: Thank You Thursday
Creative Producer | 2020
Crowdsourced footage from around the United States, sharing people's love for their local businesses.
Project Manager: Abby Ayckbourn
Editor: Collin Horton
Crowdsourced footage from around the United States, sharing people's love for their local businesses.
Project Manager: Abby Ayckbourn
Editor: Collin Horton
3 Hacks to Keep Cool Without AC
Creative Producer | 2021
Easy hacks for surviving hot days without an AC.
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Easy hacks for surviving hot days without an AC.
Editor: Matt Dorsi
Instagram Reel: Roller Skating Trend
Creative Producer | 2020
Roller Skates are making a comback. Both skate parks and shops are up by over 50%
Producer: Adam McChane, Jason Fassler
Editor: Dan Williams
Roller Skates are making a comback. Both skate parks and shops are up by over 50%
Producer: Adam McChane, Jason Fassler
Editor: Dan Williams