The Affinity Room

Production begins on
The Affinity Room

Principal photography has wrapped for Windmiller Media's latest production, a short experimental film with a working title of The Affinity Room. The film is an existential exploration of identity, starring Holly McEntee and Nicholas R Wootton.

Go to the Affinity Room page for production photos and behind the scenes information.

Grand Yoke

An experimental short film

Windmiller Media's production of Grand Yoke is currently in the film festival circuit.

Have a look at the trailer below, or click over to the Grand Yoke page.

Why We Ride Naked trailer

Why We Ride Naked

People of the The World Naked Bike Ride

Windmiller Media's latest production is a feature length documentary, the stories of people who choose to ride naked in the World Naked Bike Ride. Windmiller Media's Creative Director Nicholas Wootton has spoken to a variety of men and women who do the ride about their motivations, their beliefs, and why the ride is such an important part of their lives.

Click here to see it on YouTube

Filming the World Naked Bike Ride

The World Naked Bike Ride Madison had its tenth run in June, and we did not miss the chance to capture the event. Footage was shot from several cameras on the street as well as from within the ride, along with interviews before and after the ride, to provide additional footage for our documentary Why We Ride Naked.

Above, Nicholas R Wootton, GoPro in hand on the left side of the screen, captures video of Jackie, towing her daughter Aurora behind her.

Before the ride, Wootton briefed cinematographers Zachary Braddy (left) and David Boffa on the ride path and where to get the best video.

At the staging area, Wootton watches while cinematographer Marie Gautsch adjusts her camera.

Holly and Lola prepare for the ride.

One of the main reasons to get video of the 2019 WNBR Madison was to get footage of Lola, Holly and Jackie. We hadn't got much of Holly at the 2016 ride, and for Lola and Jackie, 2019 was the first time they participated. Above Wootton, GoPro in hand, rides alongside Lola as she rides down State Street.

Holly

Jackie

Nicholas R Wootton and fellow rider John interview Holly and Lola after the ride while Zachary Braddy (left, holding camera) David Boffa (far right) film the scene.

Why We Ride Naked interviews

A naked bike ride and two interviews! It has been an active summer!

Windmiller Media artistic director Nicholas R Wootton shoots video of Jackie on the German Wheel

This summer we have been hard at work on Why We Ride Naked, the WNBR documentary. This included two new interviews with riders Jackie and Lola, plus their B roll footage, and Madison World Naked Bike Ride itself.

Lola, a first-time rider in the WNBR, welcomed our film crew into her home and described her combined nervousness and excitement about doing her first naked bike ride.

Lola describes her bicycle collection

Lola reviews footage of previous rides before the interview

Crew member Robert Lughai prepares to record the Lola's interview

Lola, an accomplished seamstress, displays her skills

Later our crew visited the home of Jackie, who also rode in her first WNBR with her young daughter Aurora. She explained how bringing her daughter on the ride was part of her parenting and helping Aurora grow up with self-confidence.

Nicholas interview Jackie

Jackie and Aurora doing some baking

In her free time, Jackie enjoys acrobatics at Madison's Circus Space. She allowed our crew to film her while she demonstrated her still on the German Wheel.

Jackie discusses her acrobatics with her spotter and friend Amanda

Back in Action in 2019

After a long period of time traveling in Europe, the United States and Thailand, we returned with a number of short films completed, as documents of our journey. Check out our video page to look at some of them.

Nicholas Wootton, filmmaking in Florence

But now we are back in Wisconsin and busy with filmmaking projects here. I have had a great time working on the sets of short films like Cap'n Abes, Staydream, and The Man in Room 228, which was made as part of the 48 Hour Film Project.

Nicholas Wootton, back at script supervising on the set of Cap'n Abes

Consulting with producer Rick Grant on the set of the web series Staydream

With the cast and crew of The Main in Room 228

Script supervising The Main in Room 228

Clockwise from upper right, Clare Manion (screenwriter), Fern Kuban (Production Assistant), Nicholas Wootton (Script Supervisor), and Marie Gautsch (Producers) of Man in Room 228.

Summer Filmmaking

Updates on Activity

This summer has been filled with travel, adventure and, of course, filmmaking! Here is a brief rundown of what I have been working on.

A WYOU PROGRAM

A screen capture from the introduction to my new show

I was invited to create a regular program on WYOU, Madison's community access television station. Windmiller Media Theater premiered earlier this summer and serves as a showcase of the many short films I have produced.

MINI DOCUMENTARY

In July I spent a lovely Wisconsin morning filming Monica Kamal fishing on Lake Waubesa, along with her partner Steve. Monica suffered a severe spinal cord injury several years ago and lost her ability to walk, but this has not kept her from enjoying the outdoors. She also hunts and bird watches, as well as leading a group that supports outdoor activities for people with mobility challenges.

Photo: Steve Spaeni

I met Monica several years ago and was impressed with her enthusiasm and good humor, and decided I wanted to make a short documentary about her when I had the chance. The chance is now. I will be filming her again in the near future and will then get to work on completing a short profile of her.