Behind the Scenes of And The Balls Roll On – Video Production by BeauMonde Originals

BeauMonde Originals is proud to be a part of the Philadelphia video production team of And The Balls Roll On, a documentary now streaming on Apple TV. This award-winning film delves into the rich history of Skee-Ball, a nostalgic American pastime with roots in the mid-Atlantic region. We were honored to be part of the team that brought this story to the screen.

As a Philadelphia video production team known for storytelling with heart, we were thrilled to collaborate on this film. Our founder and lead creative, Cathie Berrey, served as Executive Producer for the Philadelphia / New Jersey Shore Unit. She took the reins and oversaw scenes captured at the Jersey Shore, a setting central to Skee-Ball’s early popularity.

BeauMonde Originals cinematographers Mike Williams and Win Heckert were also on board, capturing footage that blends vintage Americana with present-day passion. Their cinematography helped visually tie together Skee-Ball’s century-old legacy with the contemporary communities that still gather around it today.

The film was directed by Thaddeus O. Cooper and Kevin B. Kreitman, who spearheaded a talented and collaborative crew. More into reading? Find the book on Amazon.

And The Balls Roll On is far more than a niche documentary about an arcade game. It’s a thoughtful exploration of how one man’s invention shaped a national pastime.

The film traces the origins of Skee-Ball to Joseph Fourestier Simpson, a forgotten inventor from Vineland, New Jersey, who patented the game in 1908. From there, it paints a broader picture of the early 20th century, a time when industrial growth created the modern middle class, and amusement parks offered an escape from the grit of city life.

For anyone who’s ever rolled a wooden ball down a lane and hoped for a perfect score, this documentary uncovers the surprising depth and cultural significance of that experience.

And The Balls Roll On has been recognized by several major film festivals, including:

• Golden Gate International Film Festival – Jury Award for Best Documentary & Official Selection

• Chicago Feedback Film Festival – Award for Best Feature Film & Official Selection

These honors speak to the film’s storytelling power and to the strength of the visuals, sound, and direction that bring it all together.

You can watch And The Balls Roll On now on Apple TV.

At BeauMonde Originals, we’re committed to telling meaningful, visually compelling stories. Whether that’s through brand films, nonprofit campaigns, or creative collaborations like this. As a woman-owned, LGBTQ-owned Philadelphia video production company, we’re proud to support projects that preserve history, spark conversation, and connect communities.

This documentary represents everything we love about visual storytelling: a little history, a little heart, and a whole lot of purpose.

Ready to watch And the Balls Roll On…? Check out the trailer.

Make sure to get in touch if you’re looking for a locally owned photo/video team with:

• Over a decade of experience
• A team of carefully selected lead and associate shooters
• Original ideas and love to have fun!
• Full support during the planning process
• Licensed FAA certified drone pilot
• The belief of going above and beyond