Hopped Up. How Yakima Valley changed craft beer forever.
Official public premiere showing was October 14th, 2121 in Everett, WA.
Buy the DVD here.
Official Trailer
Director’s statement
Director’s Statement
Hopped Up: How Yakima Valley Changed Craft Beer Forever is my first feature-length film as a producer and director. Though I’ve spent over three decades behind the camera directing live-action lifestyle advertising, this film demanded a deeper level of commitment and personal investment. It was a visceral, creative journey—one that led me to uncover a story worth telling.
My inspiration sparked unexpectedly when I was commissioned to film promotional content on a hop farm in Yakima, Washington. I was drawn in by the rich history—five generations of hop farmers working the same soil. It was clear this wasn’t just another assignment. It was a legacy, and I knew instantly: this was the story I wanted to tell.
What fascinated me was the intersection of tradition and innovation. Yakima is not only responsible for producing nearly a third of the world’s hops, but it’s also a global leader in hop breeding. The opportunity to connect the lives of farmers, scientists, and craft brewers was too compelling to ignore—and just three hours from my own backyard.
I started with a rough outline and leaned into my experience running a commercial production company for the past 20 years. With professional gear, a tight-knit creative team, and a lot of off-hours hustle, I gradually pieced the story together. Over the next four years—fitting shoots into weekends and production lulls—I filmed most interviews personally, traveling from Washington to Montana and Florida. Although not all footage made the final cut, the journey expanded my vision for the project.
Once the footage was organized, I collaborated with our staff editor, Tony Capelli, to shape the final narrative. We completed the bulk of the editing just before the COVID shutdown and managed to finish the film during that quiet, uncertain time.
Festival submissions followed. While we entered several, one particular festival recognized the work, awarding us Best Northwest Feature Documentary. That validation—and the laurels that came with it—helped us attract a distributor. The film is now available to stream, rent, or purchase across various platforms.
Making documentaries isn’t always lucrative, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Through this film, I’ve re-discovered my passion for storytelling—one I hope can inspire and create a little positive change in the world.
I’m currently working on my 2nd film. Beyond the Salish Sea