I normally don’t need much of a reason to pick up a camera and start shooting. To me, every second I spend looking at the world from behind a lens is an opportunity to get better at my craft. I welcome every project with enthusiasm, so when I was approached to work as the DoP...
The power of yet: lessons learned from “Funny Pains”
Sesame street beat me to this topic, but I feel like writing about the power of yet, especially now that I’ve reviewed all the footage I shot for “Funny Pains”. When you are shooting a documentary, trying to keep up with the action taking place in front of you, it’s inevitable to make mistakes. “Funny...
You need a reason: lessons learned from “Funny Pains”
Now that Funny Pains is well into the post-production phase, and the bulk of my involvement with the film is over, (until we have to hit the road to promote the documentary that is) I find myself reflecting on all the lessons that I learned while shooting this project. Shooting Funny Pains was a blast,...
The true power of films
I love films, as a kid, I relished every opportunity to go to a movie theater and experience the magic of cinema. I used to get lost in the worlds that filmmakers put together for my enjoyment, the images, sounds, and stories that were often so far removed from the reality of my daily life....
Shoot from the heart: lessons learned from Funny Pains
“Shoot from the heart” is the title of an 80’s song by Judie Tzuke, and it’s also one of the most challenging things to do as a visual storyteller. One of the best pieces of advice that I’ve been given is to shoot what I love, but I often find that’s just not enough, and...
Deconstructing the shot: Tara West
Deconstructing the shot This is one of two posters that we shot for episode three of Le’ Bostonians, featuring the talented and always stylish Tara West. After shooting this episode I’ve come to admire and respect Tara, her work ethic, her vision, and her passion for what she does. Let’s break down how the final...
Deconstructing the shot
This is one of two posters that we shot for episode two of le’ bostonians, featuring the talented and always funny Kevin Driscoll together with Jerry and Doug the talking dog. I had a blast shooting with these guys, I still laugh whenever I hear Doug’s voice. For every episode, we typically just publish the...
The irrational fear of failure
The irrational fear of failure can be paralyzing, It can rob you of the joy of creating and it can stunt your personal and professional growth. I know this all too well because I have been there, I’ve been that guy that didn’t take the leap because of the fear of things not turning out...
Why I tell stories
I was initially drawn to the visual aspect of digital storytelling, watching a well-lit scene or an expertly composed image gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside, I just love beautiful visuals. I soon realized that visuals alone are an empty vessel, they are meant to serve a purpose, they exist to help tell a...
Has Technology Made Filmmaking Too Easy?
Yes, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many old-timers will tell you that the process of filmmaking is not what it used to be, everything now is so simple they say. Underexposed by one stop? Wrong white balance? Shaky footage? Don’t worry, all easy fixes in post. The truth is that the use of...