Cinematographer | Video Editor | Graphic Design | Web Design
What a difference a few weeks makes. When I left off, I was headed to LA for Filmapalooza. Shortly after, my organization decided to sell off the online film competitions I produced and I decided to embark on a journey into the world of freelancing – it’s something I had been thinking about for some time and am glad I have the opportunity to pursue it. Now, a few months later I am getting on my feet and am happy that I have some success expanding my client base while I search for what’s next. Tonight is the premiere of Lo-Fi Cherokee, the second annual music video series. I shot the videos once again, joining Bill Streeter and a few other shooters for his amazing project. This year, we shot 16 videos in just one day. From go-go dancers to hot rods to shooting my favorite local band in a freight elevator covered in sparkling aluminum foil; it was certainly a fun time. All 16 videos are screening tonight at Blank Space on Cherokee Street at 8pm.
I’ve been taking coding classes at Code Academy and am concentrating on javascript right now. The exercises on the website are easy to follow and well designed. I also got into trying out Popcorn.js which looks very promising. I have lots of ideas running around about how I could incorporate it with video ideas, I just need to keep practicing coding!
Also, version 1.0 of my 2013 reel is complete. I am waiting on a few files to add but overall I am very happy with how it turned out. I created the opening and graphics portion in After Effects, I really enjoy that program and am working on a new project right now where I am having fun learning new expressions!
If you’re looking for video production in St. Louis or anywhere else, please view my reel and feel free to contact me.
This time of year is always really busy for me, but I feel like it’s especially picked up this and next week! Doc Challenge, Filmapalooza, The Kemper Braque Film Challenge all within the same two week period, and 3 music related projects are coming down the pike in the next couple months!
The International Documentary Challenge is taking place this weekend. I’ve been on call answering questions as they come from filmmakers, following along on social media, and re-sharing it on Doc Challenge social media. It’s always really exciting to be able to see updates from teams during the weekend and get sneak peaks at what their documentaries are about (or really, trying to guess based on their tweets and the photos I see.) Next week is just about my favorite time of year. As the 100+ entries arrive from all over the world, I get to watch them all as I prepare them to send to judges.
Seeing all their enthusiasm gives me energy to continue with my projects, even if it is at a much slower pace right now. On that note, I’ve been doing some preliminary interviewing for a short project I plan on beginning in the next month or so, and so far, I’m really liking everything I’m hearing and the subject is more than willing to share. It’s somehow easier this time around. I’m also starting a new project with a photographer friend of mine, I really respect his work and am really looking forward to the collaboration. It’s still in the beginning stages so I’ll be updating as that solidifies a little more. Also, Lo-Fi Cherokee is back again for another year in April! I’m a little bummed that I already had another shoot scheduled for that evening, but I will at least be able to be there more a majority of the shoot (the same thing happened last year due to membership drive being the same week.)
I’ll be in LA for Filmapalooza next week, it will be my first time attending and I’m looking forward to meeting many of the producers with whom I’ve been in contact over the last several years. I’m also looking forward to attending the screenings of the St. Louis 48HFP winner, both National Film Challenge winners, and other films from the 48 Hour Film Project this year.
I attended the judging for the Kemper Braque Film Challenge this afternoon. Allison, from the Kemper, was great to collaborate with on this project and while entries weren’t as high as I has expected, the quality was excellent. I’m really proud to screen these films and am really glad to have the opportunity to provide a more unique challenge for St. Louis filmmakers. Cody Stokes’ film still gives me chills every time I watch it. I’m really glad he came on board to supply the source material for the Challenge, I can’t wait to share it with world!
Sidenote: I WILL make it to True/False next year, I swear.