The Film

Two masters. Two cultures. One shared devotion.

This feature-length film follows master carver James F. Jackson and Japanese leather artist Taka Otsuka on a journey through Japan's vibrant leatherworking world. More than a look at the trade, the film explores how Wyoming's iconic Sheridan-Style carving became an international bridge—proving that true craftsmanship is a profound form of art rooted in humility, friendship, and tradition.

I Am Only a Craftsman is a documentary film by Sheridan County Travel & Tourism. Watch its digital premiere at 8 p.m. MST Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, on the Wyoming PBS YouTube channel, followed by its broadcast premiere at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, on Wyoming PBS.

The Filmmaker

Salvatore “Max” Brown is a Wyoming writer and filmmaker with more than a decade of experience in global film production. In his 20s, he lived and worked throughout Asia, co-founding a commercial production company in Taiwan and serving as a bilingual first assistant director on international advertising campaigns, working between English-speaking directors and Chinese-speaking crews.

Now based in the American West, Brown develops and directs documentary and narrative projects that explore cultural inheritance and global unity. He also produces branded content and Wyoming tourism campaigns.

His recent feature documentary, I Am Only a Craftsman, follows a trans-Pacific friendship between two master leather carvers in Wyoming and Japan, and is currently on the festival circuit. Brown’s screenwriting has been recognized on the Black List and in national competitions. His commercial and branded work includes campaigns for clients such as Rolls-Royce, Delta Air Lines, Wrangler and The Walking Dead: Survivors. Across every project, he draws on a wide base of craft and industry experience, from directing, producing, and editing to narrative development, post-production supervision, public relations, and location management.

Snapshots and Behind-the-Scenes Images from the Film

Funding for this Film was Provided in Part by

Wyoming PBS is proud to share stories of adventure and discovery that bring our state's treasures to light. Through films like I Am Only a Craftsman, we connect viewers with the wild places and remarkable experiences that make Wyoming unique. To help us continue bringing these stories to your screen, please consider supporting Wyoming PBS.