Our Story
Bearmark Media is run by Max Treptow and Joe Yanan, two filmmakers who met while attending Columbia College Chicago. What started as a shared interest in classes quickly turned into a creative partnership built on a mutual passion for storytelling and video production. From early student projects to more ambitious shoots, we’ve spent countless hours behind the camera refining our style, experimenting with new ideas, and pushing each other to get better every day.
At our core, we just love making videos—whether it’s capturing real moments, creating cinematic visuals, or bringing ideas to life from scratch. That passion is what drives everything we do, and it’s the reason we continue to collaborate and grow as creators.
Meet The Creatives
Max Treptow, is a filmmaker and content creator with a passion for telling stories that connect. Originally from Chicago, he developed an early love for filmmaking—picking up a camera at a young age and turning everyday moments into something cinematic.
He went on to study filmmaking at Columbia College Chicago, where he refined his skills in directing, editing, and production. During that time, Max built a strong foundation not just in the technical side of film, but in understanding how to create content that resonates with real audiences.
Since then, he’s worked across a range of creative roles—from production assistant work on major live events to producing social media content that drives engagement and growth. Whether Max is behind the camera or in the editing room, he focuses on creating visuals that feel authentic, energetic, and impactful.
Max is also the co-founder of Bearmark Media, where he collaborates on video projects that blend storytelling with modern digital strategy. His goal is simple: create content that stands out, tells a story, and leaves a lasting impression.
Max Treptow
Joe Yanan
Joe Yanan is a filmmaker and production professional with a deep-rooted passion for visual storytelling. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Film and Television Production, Joe has built a strong foundation in both the creative and technical sides of the industry.
With experience spanning television, film, and commercial productions, Joe has developed a versatile skill set by wearing many hats on set. From assisting in production to taking on key creative roles, he understands how every piece of a project comes together—and what it takes to bring a vision to life.
Driven by a desire to create more than just content, Joe co-founded Bearmark Media as a way to build community through storytelling. He believes the most impactful projects come from collaboration and connection,
His hands-on experience across a wide range of productions has shaped his ability to adapt quickly, collaborate effectively, and contribute at a high level in fast-paced environments.