About Us

Your one-stop shop for Creative.

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Video is our first and last passion. We’ve helped our clients achieve their goals with fast, affordable video that takes their message to a wider audience. Below is just some of the categories we can create, but our unique staff can write, produce and execute your vision in any form you require.

• Commercials

• Social Media Campaigns

• Product Videos

• Brand/Corporate Story

• Short Form Documentary

• Non-Profit

• Small Business Profile

• Tutorials/How To

• Real Estate Walkthrough

AERIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY/Drone PHOTOGRAPHY

We are FAA Part 107 Certified to fly drones commercially, so getting that additional vantage point is no trouble at all. Our fully insured flights mean you can have peace of mind as we remain current on all drone laws and remain compliant with the airspace in your area.

Whether it’s a few extra moving shots to establish your facility or a series of photos to help sell that home, our eyes in the sky help us take your story to new heights.

VIDEO EDITING AND MOTION GRAPHICS

With over 15 years of professional video editing under our belt, you can assure that we have every shortcut and keystroke down making our turn around times fast and efficient. We’re proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve so even if you have the dusty old drive on the shelf, you can rest assured we can revisit and repurpose your footage for a fresh take on your existing content.

MULTI-CAMERA LIVESTREAMING

Whether it’s a quick Facebook Live or an entire election night’s worth of coverage, we have the expertise to make your next live event look like you bought a news van. With professional audio mixing, on-screen graphics and multiple angles, you’ll blow your clients away with your next remote presentation.

PROFESSIONAL & HOME STUDIO CONSULTING

Sometimes you need content on a pace that may exceed your budget, so let us help you make the correct equipment purchases to build your own office or home studio.

Knowing what camera, cables and microphones you need is a hassle, so let our experience help you make the right decision the first time.

Need to launch that podcast? Want to be able to go live at a moment’s notice? Need help setting up equipment you already have? The answer is yes, we can help.

Contact Us

Need a quote? Some advice? Some friendly conversation? Let’s talk!

Meet the Team

Brian Ernst  

Founder & Creative Director

Brian has spent the majority of his professional career in journalism and freelance videography but has found his greatest success in short form comedy.

He and his fellow producers, Mitch Brinkman & Nathan Hennenfent, made their festival debut in 2015 with their short web series "Dirty Laundry", a one room, single camera narrative featuring the integral moments of a blossoming friendship. The UBK Studios team had their short film “Second Contact” place in the Top 10 of Sci-Fi films in 2017’s My RODE Reel International Short Film Festival.

Brian is DePaul University graduate and has trained in writing at the Annoyance and iO Theaters. He has worked in the video departments of both of Chicago’s major newspapers in capacities ranging from video producer to director.

Brian received an Emerging Cinematographer award for his work on "Ludo", a short documentary showcased at the Cannes Film Festival, but aims at focusing his efforts on episodic and feature length comedy with his fellow producers.

Mitch Brinkman 

Actor - Writer - Producer

Mitch is a graduate of the Commerce school at DePaul University. He studied film and political science at DePaul as well as discovering the joys of improv comedy while attending classes at the world-renowned Second City.  Since joining up with UBK Studios, Mitch has excelled in front of the camera as well as creating what's on the page.  

Combining his finance background and knowledge with filmmaking sensibilities, Mitch hopes to succeed on future projects in the role of producer/writer/actor.  Hailing from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Mitch loves the Coen Brothers (note: the city of Fargo is technically in North Dakota) and loves Chicago even more.  He finds the energy, talent and sheer volume of creative work in the Windy City to be energizing and inspiring. 

Mitch believes the power of film is in the performances, not the explosions. But if he's learned anything from comedy, never, ever look back at the car you've just exploded, cool guys don't do that.

Nathan Hennenfent

Writer - Director - Editor

Nathan is a writer and director who has extensive experience in production and post production roles. He has worked on many short films, both narrative and documentary, that have screened at festivals around the world.  He's even been known to step in front of the camera from time to time.

He holds a BA in Digital Cinema from DePaul University and a Master's of Filmmaking from The London Film School. While in London he worked in nearly every role behind the camera on films made by filmmakers from every corner of the globe.  His thesis project was a sit-com pilot produced in association with Brian & Mitch at UBK Studios.

When not working in media Nathan spends his time playing guitar and poker, watching basketball and soccer, and worrying about the health and well-being of Keith Richards. He is also a retired Champion Competitive Cornhusker.

Biz Bear

ASSISTANT TO THE REGIONAL MANAGER & HEAD OF SECURITY

Biz Bear is a tad slimmer than other Business Bears and knows the upside of knitted flat bottom ties and carves out time for reflection. Do not be fooled by the buttoned down nature of this Bear, he is known to shimmy out that blazer-tie combo and abscond to Chipped Hole Creek and pursue what he must: that elusive experience of fresh breeze streaming through his wild, thick fur as he paws a couple salmon on to shoreline for an early lunch. He’s not a mascot. He’s family.