542films—pronounced five four two films—is an independent video production company rooted in stories of people, places, and the everyday.

Operating at the intersection of documentary and narrative moving pictures, our projects are inspired by the deliberate process of ambient cinema and the consideration of film photography.

The glimmer of this practice reflects on a moment through carefully framed scenes, purpose-built equipment, and thoughtful edits, lovingly portrayed as if those elements were the starring role.

This intention invites the viewer to wander in and out of an experience, a place, and a time.

542films is owned and operated by filmmaker, photographer, and art technician Karl Frederick Mattson (sometimes credited as KFM), based in Hudson, New York.