Independent Studios US

08/12/2026

BOAT WEEK, DAY THREE: THE PENULTIMATE DAY*

The world has gone mad today
And good's bad today
And black's white today
And day's night today
And that gent today
You gave a cent today
Once had several chateaus...
When folks in Duffy Boats toast Bumbo*
In tumblers we had made up with our old Logo...

Anything Goes.

*Boat Week is four days long, however, our offices and Ski Team Video Agency will be open Friday.
**Bumbo is a popular pirate concoction that is richer and sweeter than the Royal Navy's standard grog

08/11/2026

BOAT WEEK, DAY TWO: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DUFFY

Before Tesla.
Before the Prius.
Before anyone understood the words “range anxiety”...

there was a teenager, a beat-up motorboat, and the motor from a secondhand golf cart.

In 1966, Marshall “Duffy” Duffield put the three together and inadvertently invented a new species of pleasure craft.

By 1970, he was building them commercially.

By 1971, Disney World had ordered 25.

In 1980, Peter Batchelder visited Disney World and quite possibly had his first “experience” with a Duffy Boat.

More than half a century later, Independent and Ski Team Video Agency's own intrepid crew will entrust itself to the descendants of that golf-cart-powered experiment for a low-speed expedition upon the Milwaukee River.

Five miles an hour. Electricity. Bumbo.

What could possibly go wrong?

08/10/2026

BOAT WEEK DAY ONE: YO-HO-HO AND A BOTTLE OF RUM

Serious preparations are underway for Independent and Ski Team Video Agency's forthcoming nautical expedition on the Milwaukee River.

On Thursday, our little crew will set sail aboard a Duffy electric boat for an evening of swashbuckling, bumbo (a popular pirate concoction that is richer and sweeter than the Royal Navy's standard grog), and sea shanties.

A pirate's chest has docked at the studio. Adventure awaits.

06/26/2026

Twenty years ago, a small independent film called Sweet Land, quietly found its audience.

Last weekend, Randy Bobo and Steve Kultgen represented Independent Studios at the sold-out 20th anniversary screening at the Walker Art Center, joining many of the filmmakers and cast in celebrating a film that has endured.

Imagining our little Independent lunchbox sitting there beneath the Sweet Land poster, I'm reminded that a lunchbox has a surprisingly humble job. It doesn't make the sandwich. It simply carries it, protects it, keeps it tasting fresh, and quietly, dutifully it delivers lunch at precisely the moment it's needed.

Post-production has always struck me as something like that. And I wrote this over lunch…and I believe this adequately explains the nature of my thoughts.

However, twenty years later, it's gratifying to know that a film we helped make is still worth unpacking.

05/07/2026

Great night at with filled with creative energy, great conversations, and just the right amount of AI-induced existential dread.

We were so fortunate to have of Ordo Digital to terrify and inspire us with his AI creations, teach us about all sorts of new tools, AND lead us in our first ever round of AI bingo!

Thank you to co-sponsors and for bringing us together.

05/06/2026

There’s still time to register for tonight’s event presented by and co-sponsors and (And even if you don’t register ahead of time, you can still get seats at the door!) The $15 registration ticket includes a drink, networking, a presentation by of Ordo Digital, and a Q&A with other Milwaukee-area advertising professionals.

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gx6-993t

05/01/2026

Open the pod bay doors...
Or at least open a new workflow.
Adworkers is hosting a special series of AI sessions all May long. The first one is May 6th. Come and see!
https://tinyurl.com/yneyfkf8

We're all thinking about it. We're all concerned over it. We're all (maybe) excited at the potential of it. AI is everywhere. This month, United Adworkers is hosting TWO separate AI discussions. Events will focus on utilizing AI to build your creative firepower and future-proof your agency. SPACE IS LIMITED. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW. https://tinyurl.com/yneyfkf8

Event 1: Future-Proofing Creative Agencies with AI innovator and strategist Jon Accarrino of Ordo Digital. Sponsored by Ski Team Video Agency.

May 6 at MKE DMC 318 N Milwaukee St. (3rd Ward)

Cost: $15 advance / $25 day-of.
Get tickets: https://tinyurl.com/yneyfkf8

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Event 2: Trailblazers Ad Legends talks about their groundbreaking AI platform that develops briefs, campaigns and even media plans.

May 14 at 111 E Kilbourn (Associated Bank building, 2nd floor outside the Upper Bar)

Cost: $15 / $25 day-of
Get Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/yneyfkf8

04/16/2026

Ushering in this year’s festival among the best at last night’s sponsor gala. Looking forward to two more weeks of sharing popcorn, candy, libations, and hearing Ryan complain about everything at a theater near you.

04/14/2026

Happy to our beloved Milwaukee from our beloved office companion, Poppy!