Zach Cost
Live Producer, Technical Director & Video Editor

 

How did you first get connected with Find Familiar Spirits, and what was your initial reaction to the idea of creating content for a company that crafts high-end spirits entirely dedicated to fandoms?

I have the immense pleasure of being great friends with Darth (Andrea) Flader who is one of the most fantastic, creative, wonderful humans I have ever met. She brought me in to help with a livestream a few years ago, and I’ve been doing videos and streams ever since!

What happens behind the curtain? For those used to seeing the finished polished product, can you describe your role during the creation of livestreams and video content for FFS?

The FFS team is an incredible organization to work with because they are all great idea people who also know how to communicate their vision, which is all too rare.  

After brainstorming sessions and discussions about deliverables, I begin by focusing on the particular mood or “vibe” of the product.  From there my process always starts with the music and ambiance.  I believe that starting there in the sound world helps guide me through the visual process by providing me with a strong anchor for the work.  From there I either start the shooting process or begin editing and visual effects to bring our videos and streams to life.  

If you have seen our GFV or Wizard campaigns, you may have noticed that we are doing more and more live action filming to show off our products with cinema quality cameras and utilizing my movie industry crewmates to create some really cool sets.

At FFS, we’re anchored by world-building, lore, and immersive fan experiences. How do you approach the challenge of translating that distinct storytelling energy into your video editing and pacing?

FFS has been telling such amazing tales since its inception that when I was asked to create content for the brands, I felt a lot of pressure to bring it to life properly.  I definitely lean on my filmmaking background to try to bring a cinematic quality to our content that aligns with the superior quality of not only the liquid in the bottle, but also the unique experience of living in the stories through our packaging, novellas, and more.  

The editing styles vary product to product depending on the style.  For example, GFV’s pacing is frenetic and glitchy in order to convey a sense of suspense, while content for the Quest’s End line is much more deliberate and showcases the elegance of the bottles and the thoughtfulness of the stories.

You also work professionally in film and television on a lot of exciting stuff; how does the experience working with the FFS team, and creating videos and livestreams, compare to your “day job”?

My day job is a little different than working with FFS.  I am an IATSE Local 600 as a 1st AC which means I am the person on the camera team in charge of the camera’s focus and exposure.  I work with a company called ASCEND Specialty Camera and we perform aerial cinematography, driving productions with arm cars (vehicles with cranes mounted on them to film driving and stunt sequences), and vehicle array plates for use in LED stages and walls.  

Large film sets come with their own special brand of stress and challenges, but I have been blessed with working on some truly awesome projects like the recent Superman movie, the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Stranger Things and more! 

Since we build products for passionate communities like TTRPG players and horror buffs, what are your personal go-to fandoms? (Bonus: If you play D&D, what's your current character sheet Class and Background? Or what’s your favorite horror movie and why?)

My personal fan obsession is Star Wars!  I am a lifelong fan and have been to several of the Star Wars Celebration conventions.  I even have Porg tattoos on both of my calves.

I also love DnD and role playing games!  My most recent character was a Leonin Warlock named Godrick.

Would it be weird if I said my favorite horror movie franchise is Aliens?  It’s the perfect blend of my love for sci-fi and a truly scary monster.

 

We absolutely have to know: What is your signature drink, cocktail, or mocktail of choice, and what is your preferred way to enjoy it?

I’m afraid this is a boring answer, but my all-time favorite cocktail and constant go-to is a Screwdriver.  I’m pretty particular about my choice of OJ, but if I’m not enjoying it with GFV, then I’m pretty open to the choice of vodka used.

I am also a big fan of Tiki Drinks and pretty much anything with fun fruit in it.  Bonus points if there is a fire element!

 

Anything else you want to share about collaborating with FFS, or any upcoming projects you're excited about?

Collaborating with the team at FFS has been an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to show everyone what we are working on next!

I am also an independent film producer and my current project is a wonderful story called Gunch and Ruben’s Galactic Reunion.  It’s a story of two puppeteer brothers who reconcile their differences on stage in front of a live audience. We are currently in pre-production, and will be filming at the end of June.  You can check it out at gunchandruben.com.