The loss of a hero can be a profound moment in our lives, sparking reflection and inspiration. For me, that hero was the charismatic storyteller and friend, Anthony Bourdain. Tony, as we knew him at our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym, had a way of bringing people together through his stories, irrespective of their beliefs and backgrounds. His untimely passing in June 2018 resonated deeply with me, leading me to immerse myself in his literary works and television series, "Parts Unknown". Tony's unique storytelling style, reminiscent of literary greats like Hunter S. Thompson and Neil Gaiman, struck a chord within me. In the backdrop of an increasingly polarized world, a thought began to take shape in my mind - the world needed more storytellers like Tony.
And thus, the seeds for "The Curious Camera" were sown. I reached out to Joe McNally, a legendary figure in the photography community and one of my personal heroes. I proposed the idea of creating something that could fill the void left by Tony's departure, a concept that could draw the world closer again. To my joy, Joe was on board.
In my role as a producer for "The Curious Camera" along with Anne, Joe's lovely wife. I managed to assemble a fantastic crew with the help of Helen Cho, a renowned producer and a close confidant of Tony. Our collective vision took shape as a compelling sizzle reel, a peek into what our project aimed to offer. But the journey was just beginning. I extended my creative skills to art direct the logo and the look-book that accompanied our sizzle reel, ensuring the essence of our project was beautifully encapsulated.
Our ambitious idea was then pitched to CNN and NBC, bringing us a step closer to making our dream a reality. The path was riddled with uncertainty and challenges. We were in uncharted waters, but our passion fueled us forward, with guidance sought from friends and peers at every step. Through the process, we were reminded of Tony's adventurous spirit, pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown.
"The Curious Camera" was born out of the loss of a hero, a vision to make the world a better place, and a group of creative minds daring to dream. As we embark on this journey, we pay homage to Tony, striving to bring people together through the power of storytelling, just as he did.
