Reflection

     This year has been a great challenge to me, but in a good way. Many of my perceptions were challenged, and my skills pushed and sharpened. 

     My perception before this class was that the Director was in charge of almost EVERY aspect of a production. On top of this, due to my limited experience on productions of any sort, and my one-man crew fashion that I have had to deal with most of the time,  I had an unrealistic view of a director's position, and the roles of the crew. For instance, I had always thought that while crew were trained in specific areas, anyone could jump in to complete a task that needed to be accomplished; i.e. putting up a light. Now I understand that this is false. The Director is technically in charge, but the DP runs the crew, and the Director does NOT touch the equipment. And no one is ever supposed to do a job that is not theirs to do, as you will step on other's toes and possibly put the projects union status at stake. 

     My skills were pushed to their limit this year, and that was good, as they have now expanded greatly. I am very thankful that Dr. Raimist pushed me so hard, as it got me to realize just how far I have to go, and just how much potential I have. My skills in lighting, camera operation, sound, general set-up of equipment, and so much more have been expanded beyond what I could have done prior to this class. 

      In conclusion, thanks to Dr. Raimist and her teachings in TCF 312, I have become so much more, and my horizons have been expanded. I cannot wait for my next chance to put into practice all that I have learned. 

Reel & Artist Statement

Director/DP Reel

Reel 2014 from UA, Telecommunication and Film on Vimeo.

Artist's Statement

     I have always loved to tell stories; as a baby, I would sit and tell many stories to the drapes in our living room. As I grew older, my stories became more complex and have matured. A major part of why I do what I do is because of the stories I can tell. In fact, the story is so important to me that nothing-no effect, no shot, no nothing-enters one of my projects unless it serves the story. 

     Growing up, there were two major franchises that captivated my imagination; Star Wars, and Indiana Jones. Both had plenty of action for a young boy, but there was something more to them; a spirit of adventure, something I have striven to capture in my works as often as possible.

     Another thing that I was exposed to while growing up were many of the classics and older TV shows that my family would watch and cherish. Thus, much of my ever developing style ties into those films. Films such as Hunt for Red October, Casablanca, The Wizzard of Oz, Field of Dreams, Schindler's List, and It's a Wonderful Life.

     When I was a sophomore in High School I discovered another major influence on my film style, Film noir. I was captivated by the dark style and the shadows, which are just as important as the subjects.

     At the TCF program I am currently learning many more tools with which I shall continue to tell stories through such an iconic and ever progressing medium. But even as all the technology progresses forth, and styles shift and change, there is one thing that shall remain constant in my work: every aspect will work in service of the story, and nothing stall sacrifice it.

Scene Assignment:

Based on Tom Clancy's Hunt for Red October 

The Script:

The Shooting Script:

The Story Board:

The Shot List:

The Floor Plan:

Visual References:

And the final Product:

The Hunt for Noir October

The Hunt For Noir October from UA, Telecommunication and Film on Vimeo.