New shows, bonus cuts, and what we're shooting nextGet the Spry Letter →

A fishing boat heads out at dawn off Islamorada, its underwater lights glowing

that one bite · Brand film · Islamorada, FL

SMITH OpticsBrand film

that one bite

01 · The story

Forge your own path.

Some bites change everything. In that one bite, we join Capt. Nick Stanczyk on the waters of Islamorada, where skill, instinct, and the pursuit of something greater define a life worth living.

Client
SMITH Optics
Type
Brand film
Where
Islamorada, FL
Services
Concept development, film production, photography, post production

Welcome to the relentless passion of Capt. Nick Stanczyk. Born into a legendary fishing family, Nick isn't just following tradition, he's carving his own path.

The SMITH logo over a grey sky with birds and the boat's outriggers

02 · The approach

From the endless horizon to the depths below, this film explores what it means to dedicate yourself to a life on the water, where patience, skill, and the belief in that next big catch drive everything.

For Capt. Nick Stanczyk, fishing isn't just in his blood; it's his calling. But legacy alone doesn't guarantee success. It takes grit, obsession, and an unwavering belief that the next bite could be the one that changes everything.

Follow Nick through the highs and lows of life on the water, from the electrifying fight of a swordfish to the long, quiet hours spent searching. It's a story of passion, precision, and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable. It's not just about the fish; it's about the chase, the commitment, and the moments that make it all worth it.

Crafting a cinematic portrait of passion and perseverance.

In partnership with SMITH Optics, this film explores what it means to dedicate yourself to a life on the water, where patience, skill, and the belief in that next big catch drive everything. From the first cast to the final fight, every frame captures the beauty and sometimes grueling nature of the sport, the endless possibility, and the sheer determination required to thrive.

Working with Capt. Stanczyk proved to be a coming together of passions between our team, and his. SMITH Optics then translated this story, to an audience of seekers who also live for the thrill of something bigger.

The chase, more than the catch.

Because for those who live for the chase, it's never just about the catch, it's about the never-ending pursuit of something greater.

Between takes.

A camera operator sits on the edge of a boat filming another fishing boat alongside
Someone slices a strip of raw fish on a plate at a kitchen counter
In black and white
An angler on the bow holds a fishing rod in one hand and a cinema camera in the other
03

Watch