Performance Coach and Career Mentor
I’m a Performance Coach and Career Mentor for both aspiring and established filmmakers. I have a long and successful track record of helping many individuals break into the film and video industry and quickly advance up the business ladder. I specialize in both training and guiding filmmaker’s careers so that my clients achieve their dream goals.
One of my favorite mentoring success stories is Kenny Allen. When I first started working with him, he had never even used a video camera. Only a short 5 years later, he was the cinematographer on a documentary film called “Lifeboat” that was nominated for an Academy Award in 2019. Currently, he is photographing his first TV series for Animal Planet.
Another successful coaching client, Israel Arias, just won the Best Cinematography Award at The Los Angeles Indie Film Festival for his first feature film. Only two years out of a community college video program, director client Devin Tau is currently directing his first feature film after several short films had successful festival runs.
Credentials
I have over 35 years of experience in the film and video industry as a director of photography. I’ve shot 23 feature films including “The Juniper Tree” which was Icelandic singer Bjork’s screen debut.
The film was nominated for The Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. “The Juniper Tree” was recently digitally re-mastered in 4K and re-released theatrically. I was also a camera operator on an Academy Award winning short film and an Emmy winning television movie.
I also have over 25 years of experience as a director. I trained in acting and directing actors under Judith Weston, the premier “directing actors” coach in Los Angeles. I’ve taught numerous filmmaking classes and workshops at several colleges and universities around the country.
I trained in hypnosis and other cutting-edge techniques at the Northwest Hypnosis Institute and the Mike Mandell Hypnosis Academy so that I can better help my clients overcome any obstacles that are holding them back. I’m certified as a Consulting Hypnotist by the National Guild of Hypnotists.
Glitter Tribe
(
Film
by Brightwater Media
Director of Photography
MisLead: America's Secret Epidemic
(
Film
by Tamara Rubin (Documentary, Drama, History and News)
Camera and Electrical Department, Sound department 1 in 3 children is impacted by this environmental illness- 22,000,000 U.S. children today, but chances are they've never even tested your child. It conservatively costs the U.S. $100 billion annually, however a carefully crafted political campaign has made you think it's not your problem. Think again. Written by Leonard B. Rubin
Jeremiah's Treasure
(
Film
by Phil Bransom (Family)
Cinematographer Train Master Jeremiah Wilson has kept a secret for 50 years. A clue is hidden along the miniature tracks of his model trains of a long lost treasure.
One Click Away
(
Film (short)
by Jason Satterlund
Cinematographer
No Soliciting
(
Film (short)
by Amy Beth O'Brien (Thriller)
Cinematographer Siblings Diana and Donnie scheme to steal a priceless statue, but not everything is as it appears to be.
Cooking from A to Zest
(
Video
by Jon Manning
Cinematographer
Train Master II
(
Film
by Philip Bransom
Director of Photography
The After Party
(
Film (short)
by Randolph Sellars (Comedy)
Director
Apostle
(
Film (short)
by Tom Hanson (Action, Drama and Sci-Fi)
Camera and Electrical Department
Barefoot to Jerusalem
(
Film
by Nietzchka Keene (Drama)
Cinematographer A shocking tragedy sends Mara down a dark path of sin, guilt, grace and redemption.
Modern Marvels
(
Television
by Bruce Nash (Documentary and History)
Camera and Electrical Department Fast-paced, fun and informative, Modern Marvels is The History Channel's signature series focusing on historical technology. The series has focused (among other things) on wonders of construction (Erie Canal, the Pentagon, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Big Dig), the machinery of war (nuclear submarines, tanks) as well as technology linked to the everyday (power tools, home tech, garbage). Written by Anonymous
Heroine of Hell
(
TV Movie
by Nietzchka Keene (Crime, Drama and Mystery)
Cinematographer A passionate artist creates in order to release her strong pent up emotions. Themes of justice and retribution especially influence her. One night she sees a dying man in a car and decides to search for answers.
Imaginary Crimes
(
Film
by Anthony Drazan (Biography and Drama)
Camera and Electrical Department Coming-of-age story set in the 1950's stars Harvey Keitel as a small-time hustler/dreamer, recently widowed, who tries his best to care for his two daughters, 17-year-old Sonya, and 12-year-old Greta, while Sonya's rapid disulisionment with her father puts her at odds with him more times than nessessary. Written by Anonymous
Johnny Bago
(
Television
(Comedy and Drama)
Camera and Electrical Department After a Federal faux pas, small-time mobster John Tenuti flees West across the U.S., pursued by bumbling goons from his Jersey outfit plus his rabid ex-wife, a Fed herself (Rose Abdoo). As pompadoured Johnny Bago, he sees the USA in his Winnebago, cranks up the tune-age to remind him of dear old Hoboken, and each episode lands in a bizarre back-roads situation with locals as flaky as he is (including Elvis). Unfortunately neither Johnny nor this summer replacement series from the producers of Seabiscuit and The Polar Express, with music by Jimmy Buffett, made it to Fall. Written by David Stevens
The Water Engine
(
TV Movie
by Steven Schachter (Drama)
Camera and Electrical Department In the 1930s, Charles Lang invents an engine that runs using water for fuel. But when he tries to get it patented, he is first offered a ridiculously low amount. When he refuses, he is suddenly several people are pressuring him to sell. The big oil companies don't want the competition. Now he has to try and keep them from getting his idea, and somehow get it published. Written by Brian W Martz <B.Martz@Genie.com>
A Dog and His Boy
(
Film (short)
by Kevin McDermott
Cinematographer A Dog and His Boy celebrates the joy of childhood imagination, friendship and adventure.
Claire of the Moon
(
Film
by Demi-Monde/ Nicole Conn
Director of Photography
Prey of the Chameleon
(
Film
by Saban Entertainment
Director of Photography
The Linguini Incident
(
Film
by Richard Shepard (Comedy and Crime)
Camera and Electrical Department Two disgruntled restaurant employees (David Bowie, Rosanna Arquette) decide to rob their employers (Buck Henry, Andre Gregory). Written by John Sacksteder <jsackste@bellsouth.net>
Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
(
Film
by Stephen Herek (Comedy)
Camera and Electrical Department Single mother goes away for the summer. The kids are first delighted but then find that Mom has hired the sitter from hell to stay with them. When the sitter dies of a sudden coronary they deposit the body at a mortuary only to discover all their summer expense money was in her purse. The kids must find a way to survive the summer without mom or her money. This means actual work! Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>
Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter is Dead
(
Film
by Steve Herek
2nd Unit DP
The Juniper Tree
(
Film
by Nietzchka Keene
Director of Photography
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
(
Film
by Stephen Herek (Adventure, Comedy and Sci-Fi)
Camera and Electrical Department In the small town of San Dimas, a few miles away from Los Angeles, there are two nearly brain dead teenage boys going by the names of Bill S, Preston ESQ. and Ted Theodore Logan, they have a dream together of starting their own rock and roll band called the "Wyld Stallyns". Unfortunately, they are still in high school and on the verge of failing out of their school as well, and if they do not pass their upcoming history report, they will be separated as a result of Ted's father sending him to military school. But, what Bill and Ted do not know is that they must stay together to save the future. So, a man from the future named Rufus came to help them pass their report. So, both Bill and Ted decided to gather up historical figures which they need for their report. They are hoping that this will help them pass their report so they can stay together. Written by John Wiggins
Mutant on the Bounty
(
Film
by Bob Torrance (Comedy and Sci-Fi)
Cinematographer An interplanetary research team is in for unidentified flying laughs when a musician who is lost in space crash-lands aboard their ship. Even more hilariously, the ravages of deep space have transformed him into a horrific freak--and two unidentified men give chase. Written by Muze, Inc.
Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure
(
Film
by Steve Herek
2nd Unit DP
ABC Weekend Specials
(
Television
(Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Drama and 3 More)
Camera and Electrical Department A youth anthology series focusing primarily on adaptations of children's literature.
Dead Heat
(
Film
by Mark Goldblatt (Action, Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi and 1 More)
Camera and Electrical Department Roger Mortis and Doug Bigelow are cops that are chasing crooks that are dead serious about crime. Or should I say they are chasing dead crooks perpetrating serious crimes? Seems some nutcase has learned how to bring back the dead and is sending them on crime sprees. Now these indestructable goons are in the way of officers Mortis and Bigelow. To even things up, when Mortis is killed (in the line of duty, of course) he gets a jump start from the Resurrection machine and takes the fight to the zombie bad guys. Written by Tim Kretschmann <Tim.K@VirComm.com>
Stillwatch
(
TV Movie
by Rod Holcomb (Drama and Horror)
Camera and Electrical Department Television journalist, Patricia Traymore, moves to Washington to do an in-depth interview with vice presidential hopeful, Senator Abigail Winslow. She moves into a house where she lived as a child and where her father murdered her mother and attempted to kill her. She wants to face the past and, with the help of a psychic neighbor, Lila Thatcher, find some answers about this tragic event. In the meantime, Senator Winslow has some secrets she is hiding. Written by Herman Seifer <alagain@aol.com>
Eclipse of Reason
(
Film (short)
by R. Anderson (Documentary)
Camera and Electrical Department
Lifetime Contract
(
Film
by William Crain
Cinematographer
The Compleat Al
(
Video
by Robert K. Weiss (Comedy and Music)
Camera and Electrical Department Fact and fiction are mingled in this mockumentary about the career of music parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic. In retelling his life story, the film includes several of his music videos, including "Ricky" and "Eat It." Written by Joe Blevins <joeblev@concentric.net>
Raw Tunes
(
Film
by Gary Levy
Cinematographer
Eyes of Fire
(
Film
by Avery Crounse (Horror)
Camera and Electrical Department A reverend, Will Smythe, and his followers are chased out of town after Smythe is accused of adultery and polygamy. Joined by a rugged woodsman, Marion Dalton, who wants his cheating wife, the group ventures into a valley, where dwells an ancient evil spirit. As members of the group start to disappear, the witch-bred, insane Leah must discover how to thwart the spirit. Written by Melissa Martin <martin@ccu.umanitoba.ca>
The Creature Wasn't Nice
(
Film
by Bruce Kimmel (Comedy, Horror, Musical, Romance and 1 More)
Camera and Electrical Department When the spaceship Vertigo stops to explore a previously unknown planet, the crew finds an unrecognized dollop of protoplasm and takes it aboard ship to return it to earth for analysis. On board, lifeform expands into an oozing person-eating monster which communicates primarily by means of a Vegas lounge act. The crew is gobbled up one after another until the two surviving crewmembers come up with a plan. Written by Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>
Naked Campus
(
Film
by Robert E. Morris (Drama)
Camera and Electrical Department Here are some events in the eight months following the college graduation of two of a trio of buddies. It's that time when events are likely to become "heavier" than those of a student, such as deepening relationships with partners, parents, pals and employers. Written by Kim Williams <KDWms@webtv.net>
Early Warning
(
Film
by David R. Elliott (Drama and Thriller)
Camera and Electrical Department A Christian woman (Delana Michaels) wants a newspaper man (Greg Wynne) to publish a story about a One World Foundation being set up whose only goal is to control the world. She wants him to warn people that this is coming and explain how it ties into the end times spoken about in the Bible. The newsman is opposed to such an idea until he sees the woman being pursued by the Foundation. As this adventure unfolds, the newspaper man begins to realize that what the woman is saying could be true. This evangelistic, classic end times film presents the truth about Jesus Christ and has interesting insight into what might be coming in the last days.
"Juniper Tree" nominated Grand Jury Prize - Sundance Film Festival
(1990)
"The Juggler of Notre Dame" Emmy Award
(1982)
"Violet" Academy Award Best Live Action Short
(1981)
University of Southern California School of Cinema Television
(1972-1976)
North Carolina State University
(1972-1976)