At SkipperFilms, we’re no strangers to early mornings and tight timelines, but our recent project at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, was a particularly special challenge. On behalf of the Andrea Rosen Gallery and in tribute to the late artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres, we had the honor of capturing a detailed walkthrough of a powerful and deeply considered exhibit before it wraps up next month.
Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ work is known for its emotional depth and the subtle ways it communicates intention. Our job was to ensure that intention was preserved—not just documented. The gallery invited us to visually archive the exhibit, giving future audiences a chance to experience the spatial relationships and nuanced layout that Gonzalez-Torres was known for.
The catch? We had just three hours—early in the morning before the museum opened to the public—to film the entire exhibit. That meant no second chances, no re-dos, and no creative compromises.
A big part of this project wasn’t just filming artwork—it was finding ways to visually express how the art was placed, why one piece was framed across the room from another, and how each work spoke to the next. A simple camera pass wouldn’t cut it. This required strategy, creativity, and a production team that knows how to work quickly without sacrificing quality.
We spent the majority of our prep time mapping camera movements, experimenting with framing, and aligning shots that would honor the relationships between the works. From dolly moves that travel through open doorways to carefully orchestrated pans revealing symmetrical placements, every frame was a chance to highlight Gonzalez-Torres’ thoughtful curation.
Capturing art on video takes more than just a lens—it takes understanding. Sometimes, the natural way we’re meant to experience a piece of art doesn't translate on screen. That’s where a professional video production company steps in—not just to film, but to interpret and creatively translate the emotion, space, and story for the viewer.
That’s what we do at SkipperFilms, and it’s what makes us proud to be a trusted name in Washington DC video production.
Based in Northern Virginia, our team travels throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, helping organizations, artists, and brands bring their stories to life through expert video production services. Whether it’s in a museum, a boardroom, or on location—our goal is the same: to craft cinematic content with care, intention, and meaning.
If you’re looking for video that goes beyond the basics, let’s talk.
