Identity Continues Growth With the Signing of Tabletop Director Kevan Bean

Mar. 10, 2025

New York-based production studio Identity continues to ramp up its tabletop capabilities and expand its roster of talent with the addition of renowned tabletop director Kevan Bean.

As a master craftsman of the visual arts spanning filmmaking to photography, Bean honed his expertise in painting, learning composition, color, and tone before subsequently bringing his distinctive visual flair behind the lens in award-winning campaigns, Super Bowl ads, and spots for the likes McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Olive Garden, and more.

Identity Owner/Executive Producer Joe Masi said:

“Kevan brings a fresh, innovative approach to tabletop filmmaking that aligns perfectly with Identity’s vision. His mastery of high-speed cinematography, liquid dynamics, and in-camera effects elevates product storytelling. Kevan’s innovative techniques will enhance our client offerings and his expertise will push creative boundaries, enhance our production capabilities, and evolve into a long-term partnership.”

 

Driven by the mantra of "just do the work," which was instilled by his father, directing legend Bob Bean, Kevan Bean found his true calling, which provided him an outlet to see how far technique can be pushed while coming up with new approaches to evolve the genre. From a broader perspective, Bean offers his own viewpoint on how his particular, highly technical discipline has transformed over the years.

He said:

"Tabletop has undergone a remarkable evolution. The fundamentals of capturing food in a way that feels intimate, sensory, and appetizing remain unchanged, but the tools and techniques have advanced dramatically. Advances in motion control, high-speed cinematography, and CGI have expanded the possibilities, allowing us to craft more immersive and emotionally resonant experiences. Yet, at its heart, tabletop remains an art form grounded in nature and authenticity, where sensitivity and storytelling are key to making the work truly stand out. I was drawn to the idea of joining an eclectic roster where each filmmaker brings something unique to the table while maintaining a standard of excellence.”

 

Now, as part of Identity’s roster, Bean has a valuable opportunity to produce more standout work at a studio he’s admired for some time.

Having joined Identity, Bean also reunites with the studio’s Managing Partner Gloria Colangelo, with whom he forged a working relationship that goes back decades, including their time at MacGuffin Films.

Colangelo said:

"We were partners for over 20 years, and I have always considered Kevan one of the most talented tabletop directors in the industry. His artistic sensibility shines through in his craft, setting him apart. Kevan’s deep belief that food must always appear appetizing—a quality increasingly rare in today’s market—is a testament to his dedication. I also admire his ability to partner with clients and work with them for years, helping them refine their visual identity while keeping their brand fresh and relevant."