Przyborski Productions

CLICK HERE TO PLAY JOHN’S REEL

My friend, director/cinematographer John Pytka recently passed away. It happened shortly after his 82nd birthday.

For years, John and I would get together for lunch every month or so. We’d share stories about film production in the 70’s through 90’s. Back then, John & his older brother Joe, were Pytka Productions, one of the country’s top spot production companies. John directed & photographed network commercials for Alamo Car Rental, Gallo Wine, Budweiser, & many more. He was often used by San Francisco’s Hal Riney & Partners for iconic ad campaigns, including Ronald Reagan’s “Morning in America”.

John’s reel from the days of 35mm film, showcases a different style of production than what’s en vogue today. It’s well paced, beautiful photographic images. Many of the scenes incorporate slow-motion that creates a bigger than life feel to the action. I describe them as “moving stills”.  This contrasts with today’s fast cuts, punchy graphics & rapid camera moves. 

John spent much of his retirement with his wife, Jennifer on their farm North of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We’ll all miss him.