Capturing the essence of a cinematic masterpiece in a single photograph is no small feat. For over a year, the concept of paying tribute to Martin Scorsese’s iconic film, The Wolf of Wall Street, brewed in my mind. It wasn’t going to be a casual undertaking. Scorsese’s visual storytelling is legendary, demanding meticulous attention to detail if we were to even come close to honoring his work. This project became the most ambitious production of my career.
The search for the perfect location led us to an abandoned office in Simi Valley, just outside of Los Angeles. It was ideal for most of the cast, including an incredibly special guest: Jordan Belfort, the real Wolf of Wall Street himself. However, the lack of air conditioning presented a challenge, especially for our animal co-stars – the wolves. To ensure their comfort, we brought in massive AC units, transforming the makeshift green room beside the dealing floor into a giant refrigerator for the day.
The final image is, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding of my career. My goal was to pack in as many visual cues from the film as possible. Look closely, and you’ll see Cameron Dallas recreating the goldfish-eating scene, Jordan Belfort with his signature pen, a marching band adding to the chaotic energy, dollar bills, and even glitter raining down. Models Kate Bock and Daniela Braga were phenomenal, delivering top-tier performances despite the whirlwind of activity and a wolf confidently striding across the table. Their professionalism and talent were central to the photograph’s success.
It’s been said that truly great photographs hold your gaze, inviting you to linger and discover new details. This image, I believe, achieves that. But for me, a crucial element was understanding how the man who lived the story, Jordan Belfort, would react to this visual interpretation. His approval was paramount. I was immensely proud when he shared that the photograph captured the very spirit of his story.
We poured everything we had into this project, from the initial concept to the final execution. I truly feel we gave it our all, and the result is the best I could possibly create.
David Yarrow
