We had the opportunity to direct and film the launch video for Waves Audio’s Butch Vig Vocals plugin. The shoot took place in Butch’s home studio in Los Angeles, a creative space filled with the legends of music history. Sitting across from him, we captured a candid interview with one of the most iconic producers in modern rock. It was a privilege to tell his story and help introduce a tool that reflects his unmistakable sound and studio legacy.

In addition to filming, we also photographed Butch for the visual campaign. These stills were used by Waves across digital platforms, press releases, and marketing materials to give the plugin a unified and authentic visual identity. By producing both motion and photography, we were able to tell one cohesive story from start to finish.

Butch Vig: Producer, Drummer, Innovator

Butch Vig is best known for producing Nevermind by Nirvana, the breakout album that launched Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl into rock history. Originally recorded at the legendary Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, Nevermind became one of the most defining albums of the 1990s and helped shift the entire music industry.

Butch followed that success by producing Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins and went on to work with artists like Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, and Green Day. His signature sound is layered, emotionally raw, and technically sharp.

In addition to his work as a producer, Butch is also the drummer and co-founder of Garbage, a multi-platinum alternative rock band known for hits like Stupid Girl, Only Happy When It Rains, and Push It. His ability to shape sound both behind the console and behind the kit made this collaboration especially compelling to capture.

Waves Audio: A Global Leader in Audio Technology

Waves Audio is one of the world’s leading companies in audio processing and recording technology. Their plugins are trusted by top producers, engineers, and studios around the globe. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to high-end sound design, Waves has become a foundational part of modern music production.

We’ve had the privilege of working with Waves on multiple major campaigns. In addition to Butch Vig, we’ve also filmed launch features and artist profiles for:

• Eddie Kramer, the legendary engineer who recorded The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin

• Tony Maserati, Grammy-winning mixer behind artists like Beyoncé, Puffy, Jason Mraz, and Whitney Houston.

• Manny Marroquin, multi-platinum 14 grammy winning mixer known for his work with John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, and Bruno Mars

Each project we’ve created for Waves tells a different kind of story, personal, technical, and creative. But all are rooted in the same mission: to bring music making tools to life through story driven film and photography.

The Plugin: Butch Vig Vocals

Waves partnered with Butch to develop the Butch Vig Vocals plugin, a multi-effect vocal processor that captures the tone and texture he’s known for. The plugin blends EQ, compression, saturation, and vocal doubling in a powerful but intuitive interface. It gives creators the ability to shape vocals with the same edge and clarity that defined albums like Nevermind and Version 2.0.

Production Details: How We Told the Story

We approached the launch video as a narrative-driven short documentary, capturing both technical insights and emotional context. Here’s how we brought the story to life:

• Filming: Shot on cinema cameras using a two camera setup and prime lenses to achieve depth and natural texture. We lit Butch’s studio with soft key lighting and practical ambient sources to retain authenticity while creating a cinematic tone.

• Audio: Dialogue was recorded using lavalier microphones and a boom mic, running into a field mixer to capture clean, high-quality sound during interviews and plugin demos.

• Photography: We used a Canon full frame camera and Pro Photo strobes with Photek Softlighters with natural light and soft fill lighting to shoot portrait and environmental stills that aligned with the video’s tone and brand aesthetics.

• Editing: The final film blends storytelling with functionality, pacing plugin demonstrations alongside Butch’s reflections on creativity and production. Music choices were made to reflect Butch’s legacy in the alternative rock space.

The result is more than a product demo. It’s a real story that honors the craft and invites creators into the process.

What We Do at Petersen Film & Photo

At Petersen Film & Photo, we create product launches and branded content that begin with story. Our structure is simple:

• Character — Introduce the real people behind the product

• Challenge — Show the creative problems the tool solves

• Resolution — Demonstrate how it works in practice

• Emotion — Build trust through authentic visuals and voice

We combine strategy, storytelling, and cinematic craft to help brands connect with their audience on a deeper level. Whether the work is in the studio, on the road, or in the field, we make product launch films that feel beautiful.

An Award-Winning Agency Serving the World’s Leading Brands

Petersen Film & Photo is an award-winning creative agency trusted by global brands, artists, and nonprofit organizations. We produce world-class films, branded content, and photography to change the world.

Our team has filmed on six continents, from concert tours to remote villages, national parks to global headquarters. We’ve helped launch products, raise millions for causes, and tell stories that shape culture. What ties our work together is a commitment to excellence, honesty, and human connection.

Watch the Film

Watch the full Butch Vig feature on YouTube:

Watch Now

Or learn more at Waves Audio:

Butch Vig at Waves