CLICK HERE TO PLAY JOHN’S REEL
My friend, director/cinematographer John Pytka passed away in 2024. It happened soon after his 82nd birthday.
For years, John & I would get together for lunch every month or so. We’d share stories about film production in the 70’s through 90’s. Based in Pittsburgh, John & his older brother Joe, were “Pytka Productions”, one of the country’s top commercial production companies. On some of Joe’s projects, both brothers would work together. Separately, John directed & photographed network TV commercials for Alamo Car Rental, Gallo Wine, Budweiser, & many more. He was often used by San Francisco’s Hal Riney & Partners to photograph iconic ad campaigns, including Ronald Reagan’s memorable “Morning in America” TV commercial.
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 “larger-than-life” feel to the action. I describe his photographic technique as “moving stills”. This contrasts with today’s fast cuts, punchy graphics & rapid camera moves.
As a true “filmmaker”, John also edited many of the commercials he shot. This involved cutting thousands of feet of 35mm work print, using a classic Moviola upright editing machine. At the start of his career, John worked at a motion picture film lab. He mastered all aspects of color film processing, Hazeltine color timing & the use of sophisticated optical printers.
John spent much of his retirement with his wife, Jennifer on their farm North of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He loved his dogs & would often take them for rides in his truck. We’ll all miss him.
