Frederic Chaignat

Lake Effects (2012)
TV Movie (Comedy, Family and Romance) Camera and Electrical Department Sara and Lily grew up at Smith Mountain Lake. Sara became estranged from the family and without explanation moved to Los Angeles to study law. Her sister Lily, an artist, teaches locally and lives with their parents, Ray and Vivian, until Dad dies in an accident. Sara returns to help settle his estate, and all our ladies cross paths with an eclectic group of local oddballs, as they search for a Loch Ness-style monster they believe lurks in the lake's depths. A few real Smith Mountain Lake characters make appearances. The next week at the lake is filled with adventure, tears, and laughter as Vivian and her two daughters finally understand, through the guidance of Dad's spirit, if they still belong on the lake, even though Ray is gone. All paths converge at the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, on course for a heart-warming and hilarious collision. Written by Mike McKay

Stolen Voices, Buried Secrets (2011 - 2012)
Television (Documentary and Crime) Cinematographer Documentary series covering murders, narrated by the murdered party.

Into the Night (2011)
Film (Drama) Camera and Electrical Department In celebration of a bachelor party, childhood friends George, Blake and Robert race dirt bikes in the desolate desert hills and are tested when they crash and become stranded.

Broken Dreams (2010)
Film (Drama) Camera and Electrical Department Three best friends struggling to deal with the dynamics of change that occur as they enter adult life. Johnny, an aspiring filmmaker, is trying to complete his documentary film when he finds out that his best friend, Ryan, has asked his other best friend, Elisabeth, to marry him. Since Elisabeth hasn't given Ryan an answer yet, Johnny hopes he might have a chance to be more than friends with Elisabeth. Johnny turns to prescription pills to give him "three more hours a day" as he balances his day job - security guard - with his dream job - filmmaker - and his pursuit of Elisabeth. Written by DC

Blockhead (2010)
Film (Short and Horror) Camera and Electrical Department John, an old mason who suffers from a disease after years of working with concrete, is locked up in the family bookstore. His younger brother Dave, who takes care of John and the bookstore, moonlights as an accomplice to John's murderous habit. Written by John Francis Conway

22 Days (2010)
Film (Short, Comedy and Romance) Cinematographer A hot romantic night, a persistent mother, and a gabby friend force former lovers Michael and Monica to make an unusual decision with their unsteady relationship for 22 days of the Holiday Season.

Cubie (2010)
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Spring Sing (2010)
Film (Short, Comedy and Drama) Cinematographer A dark comedy about a high school talent show gone awry, in which an out-of control teenage comedian accuses the drama teacher, mid act, of some shocking behavior.

Your Favorite Actor (2010)
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Stockholm Volume III (2009)
Film (Short and Thriller) Camera and Electrical Department Stockholm is an exploration of the Stockholm Syndrome, a victim's response to being totally reliant on a captor. It becomes a reliable tool of manipulation to one brilliant, chronically amoral, landlord, told from the secret, sound-proofed basement room of this serial rapist and murderer. Andy takes in boarders in the room where his daughter used to live, and on the rare occasions where conditions are right, he drugs and keeps them in a special room, where they are constantly watched. Liz Beneteau is his latest prize, a beautiful naive girl from Ohio who arrived in Los Angeles attempting to become an actress. If she is to survive this ordeal, and maintain her sanity, she will have to convince him that she is in love with him, the acting role of a lifetime, then wait patiently for her chance to escape. Nothing Simpler. But two problems complicate the matter. First, Beth (the name Andy prefers to call her) learns that there have been others. She knows Andy killed his wife and daughter. ... Written by Michael J. McKay

You Can't Curry Love (2009)
Film (Short, Drama and Romance) Cinematographer A handsome South Asian from London visits India, falls for a local guy, encounters a transgender 'hijra', and discovers a country he only thought he knew.

Relapse (2009)
Film (Short and Drama) Cinematographer Based on true events of a rising football star; a raw portrayal of the constant struggles of drug and alcohol addiction and the real fight they live with each and every day.

Power Poison (2009)
Video (Short, Action, Drama and Thriller) Camera and Electrical Department An orphan, Ike, is saved and trained by sophisticated money launderers after losing his family. Ike soon realizes he may be entrusted to helm the organization just when his boss and mentor, Victor, starts a very lucrative transaction with alleged government officials. Meanwhile, terrorists hire one of Victor's middlemen to talk him into moving a biological weapon across the Mexican border. It's in this Gordian knot of shocking bullet-fests that Ike uncovers things aren't what they seem and comes to face his fatal choice. Written by Anonymous

Pranksters (2008)
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The Greatest Lesson: Robin's Story (2008)
Film (Drama) Cinematographer The Greatest Lesson - Robin's Story is the true and gripping story of Robin Westberg's 5 year battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her story is told by her surviving husband, Robert Westberg, in a moving testament to love, hope, forgiveness and faith. This docudrama weaves gripping emotion with life events starting from her initial diagnosis, to the multiple procedures and surgeries, and culminates with her final courageous stand against cancer. The Greatest Lesson is one of courage, deep faith, and boundless love. Robin Westberg characterized her life with effusive strength, determination, grace, and hope. Her spirit and light affected all who knew her. Her struggle was a triumph, showing us all that the most effective medicine doesn't come from a pharmacy; it is in our hearts from the moment we are created. Robin's Story isn't just the story of one brave woman's fight against a terminal illness. Within is a shining example of who we can all become, if we take the courage to... Written by Robert Westberg

The Last Drop (2008)
Film (Short, Drama and War) Cinematographer Stripping war to its barest representation, "The Last Drop" chronicles the journey of a man dying of thirst in the scorching desert. As Wandering Man's body and mind breakdown from the unrelenting heat, he stumbles across his salvation: a bucket of water. But that water belongs to another man. Will the men share this treasure - or will it tear them apart? Written by Daniel Cauterucci

Leonidas (2008)
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Surviving (2008)
Film (Short and Drama) Cinematographer Vivian returns from the hospital after a severe car accident, to the home of her best friend Gabrielle and her husband Michael. She moves in believing that their home is the only place she can heal her physical and emotional wounds. Vivian's mother disagrees with her decision, but this is not the only decision Vivian must live with. Her attraction to Michael proves difficult to resist. Gabrielle's love and friendship will be tested as she helps her best friend heal her wounds. As Vivian's physical wounds fade away, she must confront her demons in order to move on to a brighter future, but nothing ever goes as planned and nothing is as it seems. Written by Anonymous

Far Sighted (2008)
Film (Short) Sound department A lonely 8-year old girl is lost in the chaos of her parents' bitter divorce until she discovers a broken telescope that only she can see through.

Waking Up with Monsters (2007)
Film (Comedy) Camera and Electrical Department A group of strangers wake up to find their lives changed by a fictitious virus. How they handle it will affect not only their destinies, but who they ultimately become as people.

Zombie Wars (2007)
Video (Horror) Camera and Electrical Department Fifty years after a world-wide zombie epidemic had begun, a small group of rebel soldiers learn that intelligent zombies have begun breeding humans for food. The soldiers plan an all-out war to rid the Earth of the flesh-eating monsters for good, as the rest of the surviving world's population struggles to survive against the zombie hordes. Written by matt-282

Next Stop Belmondo (2007)
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Faded Dreams (2007)
Film (Action, Drama and Sport) Camera and Electrical Department Young basketball star Dan Milano has all the makings of a pro player -- talent, skill and determination. But as he sets out to make his dream come true, Dan learns that in the world of professional basketball, talent only gets you so far. Based on a true story, this telling drama exposes the politics and corruption that run rampant in organized sports. Written by Anonymous

Lost at War (2007)
Video (Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi and Thriller) Camera and Electrical Department This is a Twilight Zone type story that involves five soldiers out on a mission. And they soon find themselves stuck in a foxhole in an apparently deserted camp. Then strange things begin to happen. For one they are surrounded by strange creatures shrouded in black who do not fire on them or attempt to hurt them in any way but still they stay out there watching, almost as if waiting for something. And this, along with other things that happen, cause these men to question weather they are alive or dead. And that is where their struggle begins. Exploring the age old question of fate and if it is something that is written in stone or is it something we as people can affect. One by one, four of these five men give in to fate as it were and walk off into the woods never to be seen again, but Captain Jason Briggs will not give up for any reason and in the end it is up to him alone to fine out if he can truly change his own fate. Written by David A.Prior

Harvest Moon (2007)
Film (Horror) Camera and Electrical Department The Baldini Apple is known as the sweetest, juiciest apple in the world. Where they are grown is a secret, what makes them so exceptional...is also secret....until now.

He Lives (2007)
Film (Short) Camera and Electrical Department In a world where freedom of speech, thought and expression, one man who has lost all hope, finds a reason to live through his interactions with artists (terrorists in this world). By casting aside all who would oppress him, he finds a new way of life. Written by Tyler Massey

I Know Who Shot You (2007)
Film (Short and Thriller) Cinematographer A powerful businessman is awakened at night by a call from a mysterious woman whom claims to have had a vision of him being killed.

The First Time (2007)
Film (Short, Crime, Drama and Mystery) Cinematographer After a robbery attempt goes wrong, two armed thieves, Garcio and Regina, must deal with the deadly consequences.

There You Are (2007)
Film (Short) Cinematographer Mike reconnects with his friend from high school George in hopes of getting started with his acting career.

Martial Artsy (2007)
Film (Short, Action and Comedy) Cinematographer An art student accidentally enters a dangerous competition.

El ride (2007)
Film (Short and Comedy) Cinematographer Rosa has come home for the summer after her first year of law school. She landed a great internship with the Federal Public Defender's Office, now all she has to do is find a reliable way to get to work. It sounds easy, but in Rosa's world even getting to work can be a trial. Written by Anonymous

Colorforms: Nothing Can Come Between Us (2007)
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I Love You Mommy (2007)
Film (Short, Drama and Horror) Cinematographer Seven year old Manny wants his Mommy close to him at all times, but despite her love for him, she leaves him home alone. Manny has developed a close relationship with his grandparent's spirits, who watch over him. A brief sighting of the grim reaper disturbs Manny even though he's comfortable with the world of the dead. Written by Tomás Fernández-Calvo

Flowers Don't Last (2006)
Video (Short, Action and Drama) Camera and Electrical Department Toli finds the woman of his dreams...literally. Only now, his dreams get brought into real life and real danger.

Elevator (2006)
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Broken Hearts Club (2006)
Film (Short, Comedy, Drama and Romance) Cinematographer Three couples at various stages of break-up discuss the actions that led them there with a sympathetic psychiatrist.

Moron's Guide to Suicide (2006)
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The Audition (2006)
Film (Short and Thriller) Cinematographer A young man is ordered to make a hit as his initiation into the world of organized crime. Only the hit turns out to be a well-organized job audition that everyone is in on except for him.

Intoxicated Demons (2005)
Film (Short, Drama, Music and Romance) Camera and Electrical Department How do you get over your last girlfriend? Drinking? Ranting? Raving? Taking a ride home from a total stranger?

Self-Inflicted (2005)
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Neighbors (2005)
Film (Short) Cinematographer Now that his mother is no longer home, Marc is forced to deal with the distance that has kept him away for years. He can't believe she's gone, her memory haunting him to remember and forget what he truly is without her - alone in a city of millions. Written by Anonymous

After Life (2005)
Film (Short and Comedy) Cinematographer Paul Peterman has lived his life to the letter of the Good Book. He's given charity, been kind to his neighbors and has never missed a day of church. However, when he reaches heaven, someone named "Bob" tells him that they're not too concerned about who goes up or down anymore. Paul has to solve what's right and what's really wrong in this strange place. A dark comedy with a deeper message. Written by Susan Touchbourne

Breaking in Unlocked Doors (2005)
Film (Short and Drama) Cinematographer In "Breaking In Unlocked Doors" Aria, a young and troubled woman, a survivor of child abuse, reflects upon her most powerful childhood memories. She speaks passionately and painfully of her abusive father, her free spirited sister, and her silent teenage self. Told with both heartbreaking sincerity and heartwarming courage, Aria's story paints a vivid picture of her sister Kylie's repeated attempts to draw her into a brighter, happier world. Can Aria overcome the constant fear that keeps her locked in her own troubled thoughts? Can the love these two sisters share for each other help them escape their father's abuse? Can their innocence survive? We can only hope. Written by Anonymous

The Battle of Melnor (2005)
Film (Short and Comedy) Cinematographer The year is 1999. The place is Koreatown, Los Angeles. Fear of the Y2k bug is felt everywhere and tensions are running high. But if there is one person who is oblivious to it all, it's George(Joe Marklin), for his world revolves around defeating the video game "The Battle of Melnor". Unfortunately for George, it's a two-player game, and this means contact with the outside world. George reluctantly enlists his neighbor Mike (David Weisiger) in his endless crusade. Written by Joe Marklin

Before Jackie (2005)
Film (Short) Cinematographer A minor league baseball player survives a car accident only to find himself living sixty years in the past and about to become the first black baseball player in the major leagues--two years before Jackie Robinson!

Never the Lonely (2005)
Video (Short, Comedy and Drama) Cinematographer Moving to a new town is hard. Making new friends is even harder. Can Charlene fit into the glamour of Los Angeles and be hip enough to hang with the VIP crowd? See a day in the life of the new girl in town and find out in the end, who's Never the Lonely one home on a friday night. Written by Anonymous

Artistic License (2005)
Film (Short and Comedy) Camera and Electrical Department Artist DAVID MILKEN is struggling to find beauty in the most unexpected of places; capturing portraits of average Americans at their most exhausted, their most frustrated, their most honest: David takes the I.D. photos at the Department of Motor Vehicles, and he takes his job very, very seriously. Against the odds of the vast government bureaucracy and the long lines of impatient drivers-to-be, David tries to make each snapshot a masterpiece. Today he has to take perhaps the most important picture of his career, that of his boss, BRIANCA VINCENT, and it isn't going to be pretty. Or is it? Written by Anonymous

A Taste of Us (2004)
Film (Drama and Short) Camera and Electrical Department A Taste of Us is an urban television drama that envelops the viewer from start to finish. Set in the 60's segregated south, a small town minister comes together with his dysfunctional family on Thanksgiving Day, where the main dish is not that of supper, but of rising conflict among each other. The Reverend Henry Lee Thomas, a prominent community leader is driven in ministry and counseling of his beloved church flock. Ironically the Reverend fails to provide the same love and attention to his own family. Determined to keep the peace at the supper table, he comes to realize perhaps too late, how important his family really means to him. In "A Taste of Us" viewers get a taste of this family's life, conflict and resolution. Written by Anonymous

Liars (2004)
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