Przyborski Productions

Recently, I spent some time with my friend, director/cinematographer John Pytka at his farm in Western, Pennsylvania. John’s retired & just turned 80. We shot the bull about 35mm TV commercial production in the 70’s through 90’s. Back then, John & his older brother Joe, were Pytka Productions, one of the country’s top TV 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”.

His reel showcases a different style of production than what’s en vogue today. It’s slower 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. 

From Youtube, here’s a link to John Pytka’s showreel from the days of 35mm, standard definition… (click here)