WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE?
A Vision for Video: Wes Keller on Music, Heist Movies and Carlos Santana
The CAA Member and videographer behind Black Frame Cinema shares his new favourite music genre and where he goes to let off steam.
By Nicole Keen
(Above) The Alley, one of the rooms available for video shoots. (Below) Wes Keller. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BLACK FRAME CINEMA; COURTESY OF WES KELLER
Wes Keller’s production company, Black Frame Cinema, likely wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for his music career. After working behind the scenes as a recording artist and producer, Keller started filming music videos, and he found himself increasingly fascinated by what was happening behind the camera. After stints in Los Angeles — where he worked on The Jay Leno Show — and Nashville, Keller returned to his hometown of St. Catharines with an entrepreneurial vision. In addition to photography and videography services, Keller also offers a 7,000 sq. ft. studio and event space called Black Frames Studios, where guests can partake in what he calls a “lavish lifestyle experience.”
Where did you find design inspiration for Black Frame Studios? With my video company, I shoot a lot of luxury real estate. Almost every week, I’m in multi-million-dollar homes. I think [that] played a role in the way I designed the studio.
What type of music are you listening to these days? I’m making a country album. I’m really into country now, which I never used to be. I grew up on hip-hop, R&B, Latin, reggaeton and Afrobeat. My biggest influence growing up was Carlos Santana.
Which movies could you watch on repeat? I’m a sucker for the Ocean’s Eleven films — anything with a robbery or a heist. I’m always listening to the sound and the way they cut it together, and [noticing] what camera angle they’re using, the lighting.
Who are some directors you admire? Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Wes Anderson. My dream is to make feature films.
What do you like to do when you’re not working? I grew up on the ice; I’ve played competitive hockey for my whole life. I’m on the ice three or four times a week. I call it my decompression chamber.
Is there anywhere else you like to go in your spare time? My favourite restaurant is Chile and Agave. Mexican food, palm trees, the sounds of salsa and bachata, it just kind of takes you out of town. CAA
(Clockwise from top left) Carlos Santana, one of Keller’s influences; a scene from the Wes Anderson film, The Grand Budapest Hotel; a feast from Chile and Agave, Keller’s favourite restaurant in St. Catharines; the Infinity Room at Black Frame Studios. | PHOTOS: EVA RINALDI/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; COURTESY WHISTLES; COURTESY CHILE AND AGAVE; COURTESY BLACK FRAME CINEMA