Sharp Cheddar Films
Burlington, Vermont Based Production House
From high-end commercial campaigns to branded documentaries, lifestyle and narrative work, we bring a sharp and tangy approach to everything we make. In studio or out in the wild, our passion lies in putting the cheddar on your Ritz cracker.
Team
-
With 20 years in the industry, Ashton Harrewyn has built his craft as a director and cinematographer across narrative, commercial, and branded storytelling. A graduate of the Maine Media Workshops, Ashton served as a Teaching Assistant to master cinematographers Russell Carpenter, ASC and Jacek Laskus, ASC, working closely with them in an intensive cinematic training environment rooted in lighting and visual storytelling. He also served as a Teaching Assistant to veteran gaffer James Plannette, whose credits include Magnolia and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, gaining foundational insight into large-scale lighting craft.
Ashton went on to join IATSE Local 481 in Boston, working in the grip and lighting departments on major motion pictures including The Social Network and The Fighter. He is currently a member of IATSE Local 600 (International Cinematographers Guild).
After relocating to New York City, Ashton spent eight years shooting across television, feature films, commercials, music videos, and brand campaigns. He has lensed two feature films, including Roads to Olympia, which streams on HBO in Latin America, and Alya, starring Turkish pop icon Edis (Edis Görgülü).
In 2020, Ashton returned to Vermont, where he met Morgan, his creative partner in life and business. Together they founded Sharp Cheddar Films, a production studio creating narrative, commercial, and lifestyle projects.
-
Brent as a director specializes in short-form branded content with a focus on documentary-style storytelling, bringing authenticity and human emotion to every project.
Brent as a photographer specializes in commercial photography and hybrid AI workflows, creating multi-channel content that drives engagement across social media, websites, and marketing campaigns.
Brent as a social media manager and designer develops visual strategies that turn content into engaging, shareable narratives, connecting brands with audiences in print and digital.
Brent as a father finds endless inspiration in his two young sons, bringing a sense of curiosity, playfulness, and human connection to all aspects of his work
-
Morgan, originally from Belize, moved to Vermont in 2019, where she met Ashton and quickly discovered a shared passion for bringing ideas to life. The two launched both a food catering business and Sharp Cheddar Films, blending their love of flavor and storytelling. In the studio, Morgan found her stride as a production designer and stylist, transforming client inspiration into beautifully crafted sets and styled products. With a resourceful spirit and an eye for detail, Morgan brings a vibrant, creative energy to every project, making each production feel both artful and alive.
-
Michael B. Fisher graduated with honors from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. He returned to his native Vermont to work in film production in an environment which constantly inspires him with its cinematic beauty.
Michael has written and directed an extensive collection of commercial projects and over fifty narrative short films that screen and receive top awards at Vermont festivals as well as national fests Slamdance, Moondance, IFP Central Standard, Los Angeles International Shorts among others. His work has been included in a Slamdance short film collection and in the Journal of Short Film. Two shorts have been featured as Vimeo Staff Picks as well as Michael being honored as a Vimeo Featured Filmmaker.
Over the course of his 20 plus year career in film, Michael has expanded his skillset to include extensive work as a gaffer on commercial and feature film sets. He is an FAA Certified Drone Op and has taught screenwriting and film production at Burlington College, Champlain College, and Flynn Center for the Arts.
-
Post production, Pixel Pushing Wizard aka Johnny Cakes has been at it for a few decades. Making projects come to life with a skill set that runs across the entire Adobe Suite. Specializing in motion graphics, non linear editing and animation. John puts the cherry on top, in fact he puts the cheddar on your ritz cracker. A true flavor maker demanding victory in his battle station, maxed out on Memory, Ram, CPU’s and creative juices to send it.
Clients
Motion
Food & Beverage
Commercial
Table Top
Documentary
Stills
Portrait
Product
Food & Beverage
Packages
Full Spread
Perfect for brands that need ongoing, fresh content every month.
1 production per month
Extensive pre-production & concept planning
Multiple shoot days & high-end production elements
Full post-production with extended cutdowns & deliverables
Priority booking & creative strategy meetings
Vermont Sharp
Ideal for brands that update their marketing every season or around key launches.
1 production every 3 months
Creative development tailored to seasonal themes
Multiple shoot days & high-end production elements
Full post-production with extended cutdowns & deliverables
Discounted add-ons for extra content
Extra Sharp
Designed for brands that need big, high-impact campaigns twice a year.
2 full productions per year
Extensive pre-production & concept development
Multiple shoot days & high-end production elements
Full post-production with extended cutdowns & deliverables
Sharp
A one-time blockbuster production that makes an unforgettable impact.
1 large-scale, cinematic production per year
Extensive pre-production & concept development
Multiple shoot days & high-end production elements
Full post-production with extended cutdowns & deliverables
Testimonials
-
![Beta Technologies logo in black and green.]()
BETA Technologies · Katie Clark
“We needed a filmmaker who could tell our company’s story in an authentic and engaging way, and Sharp Cheddar Films delivered beyond our expectations. Their ability to weave emotion, narrative, and stunning visuals together made our documentary, "Why We Fly at BETA" not just informative, but inspiring. We are beyond grateful for their expertise and vision!”
-
![Logo for Barr Hill Spirits featuring a bee]()
Barr Hill · Nathan Canan-Zucker
“Working with Ashton and Morgan was a delight. He had a clear creative vision and collaborative mindset which brought our vision to life showcasing our authenticity and craft. We were thrilled with the final product and truly appreciated his dedication throughout the process.”
-
![Runamok Maple logo in green text on black background]()
Runamok Maple · Laura Sorkin
“We hired Ashton and Morgan for our holiday shoot this past fall and they were wonderful to work with. They gave us creative options but were also very open to our ideas which turned into a fun collaborative process. They fully understood our brand and captured it in imagery we used all December.”
-
![Logo for Chef's Corner Café and Bakery featuring a wheat stalk.]()
Chef's Corner Cafe & Bakery · Scott Sorrell
"Ashton’s talent is a perfect representation of the times we live in. His work showcases a touch of old school style and new hip trends, technology, and ideas. The commercial he devised and executed for us was absolutely epic! His ability to direct two prominent Vermont figures, Actor Luis Guzman and Senator Patrick Leahy, was flawless. His photos for Guz-Jus beverages were also beautiful and professional. Ashton’s career is completely unlimited and I highly recommend him for any projects in these industries. Quality and creativity is what you will get, period."
-
![Logo of the Windjammer Hospitality Group featuring a sailing ship inside a circle and the company name.]()
The Windjammer Restaurant · Karen Wisehart
"Working with Ashton and his team on our 30-second commercial for The Windjammer Restaurant was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From the initial pre-production meeting to the final delivery, Ashton was professional, organized, and highly attentive to detail. He provided a clear shot list and production plan, stayed within the quoted budget, and exceeded our expectations with the final product. In addition to the commercial, we received three short edits and a collection of high-quality stills for future use. The quality and professionalism were top-notch—highly recommended."
-
![]()
Hugg-A-Planet · JP Gendron
“Working with Ashton was exceptional. He combines creativity, professionalism, and strategic thinking in a way that makes every project feel both intentional and inspired. His ability to turn ideas into visually compelling design is unmatched.
Ashton’s collaborative approach sets him apart - he listens, communicates clearly, and brings a calm confidence that makes the process seamless. Every detail, from concept to final execution, was handled with care. The Burlington studio is also incredible - spacious, open, and perfect for creating any scene.
If you’re looking for a cinematographer or creative director who delivers not just stunning visuals but meaningful brand experiences, Ashton is the one. We couldn’t be happier and can’t wait to work together again.”
-
![]()
DandyLion · Ashley Farland
“The quality of work delivered by Sharp Cheddar Films was outstanding. Their ability to understand our vision, guide us through the process, and produce a compelling final video was impressive. We’ve received so many positive comments since sharing it. I highly recommend working with Ashton Harrewyn and his team, they are consummate professionals with viewpoint.”
FAQ’S
-
We specialize in creative direction and high-end cinematography for commercial work, particularly in the food, beverage, and product industries. From intricate tabletop shoots that highlight every detail in a controlled setting to vibrant lifestyle scenes, whether in a beautifully lit kitchen, an urban backdrop, or deep in the wild. No matter the environment, we showcase your brand with creativity and lasting impact.
-
A tabletop shoot focuses on precise, controlled visuals, often in a studio setting, perfect for showcasing products with stunning detail. A lifestyle shoot, on the other hand, places the product in action, integrating it naturally into real-life settings to tell a compelling story. We excel at both and can help determine the best approach for your brand.
-
We’re happy to collaborate at any stage! Whether you have a fully developed concept or just a rough idea, we can help refine the vision, storyboard, and craft a production plan that brings your product to life in the most compelling way.
-
Yes! While we’re based in Vermont, we work with clients all over the United States and internationally. Whether it’s a local shoot or an international production, we have the experience and resources to bring your vision to life wherever it needs to happen.
-
We work closely with you throughout the entire process, from brainstorming and storyboarding to on-set collaboration and post-production. We pride ourselves on clear communication and ensuring your vision is captured exactly how you imagined—if not better!
-
Timelines vary depending on the scope of the project. For commercials, we typically begin pre-production several weeks before the shoot and deliver the final product within 4-6 weeks. If a quicker timeline is required, we can usually accommodate. We’ll always set clear milestones and deadlines so you know exactly what to expect.
-
Absolutely! From concept development and scriptwriting to casting, location scouting, directing, cinematography, and post-production, we can handle every detail if needed to make sure the shoot goes smoothly and the final product exceeds your expectations.
-
The first step is reaching out! Let us know what you have in mind, and we’ll schedule a call or meeting to discuss your project, budget, and timeline. From there, we’ll provide a proposal and work with you to bring your vision to life.
-
Our pricing depends on the scope and complexity of the project, but we work within a variety of budgets. We’ll always ensure that you get the best value and quality for your investment. Let’s talk specifics, and we’ll tailor a solution to fit your needs.
Shake & bake, let’s collaborate!
Dreaming up something wild? Or just need that extra push to bring your brand to life? We’re here for it. Let’s team up and make work that actually feels as good as it looks.