First things first: I help you achieve your vision. Formal training and experience has given me the insight, skill and eye for achieving the range of different looks and styles, whether working as a director or as a cameraman. I am formally trained from the best schools, like Art Center in Pasadena, American Film Institute, College for Creative Studies and Interlochen Arts Academy. But more importantly, I have a ton of real-life experience.
Work style: I'm a real-person-slice-of-life director. I enjoy casting and working with actors and real people as they discover their character. Comfort and report is important and I see nurturing it as an important part of my job, so when shooting begins, everyone feels natural and comfortable in front of the camera. That's why I love filming and working with kids—because directing them is not directing at all—when it's time to shoot we just play and the real kid comes out.
Shooting for FX: I love the challenge of figuring out effect shots. Maybe because of my set building/design background, working in my parents' scene shop. In those days, we did most of it in-camera. And maybe it's because I love working on shots that are ambitious and imaginative. This kind of shooting requires a high level of teamwork—it's all about getting shots that are carefully thought out so the CGI guys can do their magic—and I love being a part of this process.
Second Opinion: This sight is full of my work, so you can judge quality for yourself, but if you want additional opinions, I get it. I have won many awards as a dir/cam, and as a DOP. CLICK HERE to download my resume and accolades.
Direct or directed: Although I've enjoyed success as a director, my first love is the camera and I love shooting for other directors. I love getting a front row seat to new vision, styles, methods and personalities, and I love giving my undivided focus to the camera and the shot.
The right gear: A fan of the RED revolution, I own a full RED ONE MX package and have access to 435s and 535s. To get great moving shots, my kit includes a new Stedicam. Underwater is not a problem, my RED has an underwater housing, and beyond that I procure acquisition equipment from a few trusted shops.
Also worth noting: I have an 8,000-square-foot studio loft that allows for building, fabricating and shooting, or even editing using a nice Final Cut set-up. That's the overview; my actual equipment list is much longer and includes all the little things needed to get the shot every time. I'm into this. I even have an iPhone with an editing app.
Bottom line: I'm a team player, and believe that as a team we can push the limits of our creativity to make the clients really happy.
Squirm-free: If you're wondering why a guy with formal training, tons of experience and who is a team player is called squirm, well, good question. The truth is, I love what it stands for: Motion and emotion in one shot. It's a metaphor for what I love about art and capturing motion to capture emotion. Plus I've always liked words with the letter "Q."