We have traveled the world in search of obscure and unique stories — shedding light on people, places, and narratives that might otherwise go unnoticed. The gift and challenge of creating these stories and images is not something we take lightly.
We are grateful to do commercial work for clients and products we ourselves believe in. There are always new ways to apply our methods to what we are passionate about, and whether the recipe calls for an advertising production or documentary filmmaking, our unique approach delivers what each client is after — content that earns its audience's attention.
We push our own boundaries day by day, shoot by shoot, taking risks to deliver an aesthetic that shows our ambition for perfection in each film. Our product is the result of team effort, persistently rooted in the world of our subjects and the way we bring their stories across.
Over the years we have worked with independent brands, global corporations, broadcasters, and public institutions across automotive, lifestyle, action sports, beverage, fashion, pharma, technology, manufacturing, and education. Much of our client work involves confidentiality agreements and is not listed publicly. The breadth and caliber of that work informs everything we make — including the films you can see in the portfolio.
Vita Brevis Films was founded in 2008. The name comes from the Latin phrase ars longa, vita brevis — art is long, life is short. A reminder that the work matters more than the time we have to make it.
Skylar Nielsen is a filmmaker and photographer who founded Vita Brevis Films in 2008. He has directed work across four continents for clients ranging from independent brands to Fortune 500 companies. Before establishing VBF, he built a career in commercial photography and directing.