
Visual Storyteller: Filmmaker, Writer, Editor
Greater Los Angeles Area

Visual Storyteller: Filmmaker, Writer, Editor
Greater Los Angeles Area
FILM & VIDEO: all production-related rules and requirements, including: location permits: Screen Actors Guild rules; insurance; experience with: 24P video; super-16mm; 16mm; Mini-DV; AVID; Steenbeck.
WRITER: journalism; press releases; web writing; business letters; screenwriting.
PUBLISHING: rights clearance, licensing, and reprint permissions; experience with contracts and copyright; research and fact-checking; comfortable working with authors, editors, publishers and packagers.
(Media Production industry)
September 2008 — Present (1 year 3 months)
As the first Video Producer, built video production department from the ground up in a fast-paced, schedule-driven environment.
Research cameras, computers, editing software, and other production equipment to meet the church's needs and budget, and oversee its purchase; Design short video productions from concept through completion, including writing proposals and scripts, shooting and editing footage, and overseeing post-production; Coordinate with Pastor of Music and Arts to ensure that video productions accurately convey the church's message; Assist Pastor of Music and Arts in the conception and creation of visual elements for live performances, including live action on stage, lighting design, still imagery, and video projection; Coordinate with Technical Director to ensure that all video material is broadcast on-schedule and without difficulty; Operate cameras and switchers during live events, concerts, guest speakers, and baptisms; Create and implement department policy with an eye toward expanding staff and future productions; Prepare department for multi-phase upgrade of all equipment including 3-camera recording and live broadcast of church services and ceremonies; Maintain inventory of all production equipment; Digitize video footage, duplicate videos and DVDs, maintain library.
(Media Production industry)
May 2002 — Present (7 years 7 months)
On behalf of authors, publishers, and filmmakers, obtained thousands of licenses for copyrighted material to be reused in print, in films, and online. Guide content creators through permissions acquisition process; identify copyrighted material requiring clearance to maintain compliance; conduct Internet and library research to locate copyright holders; write detailed query letters; initiate follow-up correspondence until all queries are answered; negotiate use fees to fit budget constraints; generate progress reports and tracking logs; review accuracy of copyright contracts; organize high volume of correspondence.
Publishers: Allyn & Bacon, Prentice Hall, Jossey-Bass, Hayden-McNeil, BookMasters, Haworth Press, SAGE Publications.
For individual project details, please see PAST PERMISSIONS PROJECTS at www.permtrackers.com/PastProjects.html
(Self-Employed; Myself Only; Writing and Editing industry)
1996 — Present (13 years )
Specialize in conducting in-depth interviews for feature articles, press releases, and business profiles; published in magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and online; familiar with AP style and Chicago style.
Clients: Pearson Education, Kenyon College, Cleveland Cinemas, Student Advantage, Imagine News, Adams House Productions LLC, Crystal Dragon Family Martial Arts Center LLC, AmericanMetaphysics.com, Blue Dragon Beauty.
. . . A FEW CLIPS . . . "Experience, Advice, and Beer: Two Local Filmmakers and Project Green Light" (Imagine News, March 2002)
"Rob Draper: New England Cinematography on the Cutting Edge" (Imagine News, June 2002)
"Ken Burgomaster” [Profile of musician and film composer] (Kenyon College Alumni Bulletin, May 1996)
(Partnership; 1-10 employees; Motion Pictures and Film industry)
February 2008 — March 2008 (2 months)
"Secret Adventures of Mr. Grant" (short/sf thriller). Functioned as director's guardian angel on a special effects-heavy short with a tight schedule and limited budget. Scouted locations; obtained production insurance; negotiated deals for grip packages; assisted the director with pre-visualization; facilitated the casting of background actors; coordinated art direction to build padded cell; investigated and purchased all props, including air pistols; trained cast in the handling of prop guns; directed background action; greeted high-profile actors on their arrival to set, and worked to ensure their comfort and privacy; obtained signed image releases from all performers; bolstered set morale by maintaining an enthusiastic attitude during long hours, included two over-night shoots; coordinated with other film units sharing the same location to avoid conflict; aided the Special Effects Coordinator with SFX set-up and photography; directed second unit; operated Panasonic HVX200 camera.
(Self-Employed; Myself Only; Writing and Editing industry)
November 2006 — May 2007 (7 months)
Legacies of Love: A Heritage of Queer Bonding, by Dr. Winston Wilde
Unearthed compelling, rare, previously unpublished photographs to illustrate groundbreaking book on the heritage of queer love and long-term relationships (Haworth Press).
Conducted extensive research using libraries, museums, special collections, stock agencies, the Internet, and direct contact with subjects; fact checked biographical data to guarantee accuracy; evaluated hundreds of photos with an artistic eye to ensure they enhanced the author’s text; drafted contracts and negotiated fees; obtained camera-ready artwork; tracked photo captions and credits via spreadsheet; solved technical difficulties; troubleshot; built and maintained relationships with image providers on three continents.
(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Motion Pictures and Film industry)
August 2006 — September 2006 (2 months)
Documentary on foreign adoption required thorough research on Haitian culture and schools, as well as adoption law and legislation in the United States and internationally.
Created 4,000-year timeline of adoption law from the "Code of Hammurabi" up to present day, for use by filmmakers; corresponded with adoption agencies and Haitian charities to obtain further information; organized all research into searchable notebooks, each including a table of contents; wrote weekly reports and briefs on my research.
(Partnership; Motion Pictures and Film industry)
1999 — 2005 (6 years )
"Slow Time" (short film). Robert Patton-Spruill, Executive Producer; Julie Cancio, Producer.
Oversaw all aspects of production; developed story and wrote award-winning screenplay; managed pre-production to secure 11 trouble-free shooting days in remote desert location (Cisco, UT); motivated 12-person staff of actors and crew to complete work on time and on budget in spite of weather delays, filming 100% outdoors; lit set using only natural sunlight, mirrors, and bounce to eliminate genny noise and ensure clean live sound; shot on Super-16mm to minimize costs; finished to 35mm print to showcase depth of field and high production values.
AWARDS:
Best Short Film (Jury Prize and Audience Award), New England Film & Video Festival
Fleder/Rosenberg Short Screenplay Award, Redstone Film Festival
Official Selection, Boston International Film Festival
Official Selection, George Lindsey/UNA Film Festival
Official Selection, Sarasota Film Festival
(Partnership; 1-10 employees; Motion Pictures and Film industry)
February 2002 — February 2002 (1 month)
"A New Hope" (television commercial). Santiago Tapia, Director/Producer.
Executed complex lighting schemes for 24P video shoot, including special effects lighting for chroma-key green screen; supported Cinematographer and Gaffer.
(Partnership; 1-10 employees; Motion Pictures and Film industry)
November 2001 — November 2001 (1 month)
“Emergency" (television commercial). Santiago Tapia, Director/Producer. 1st Runner-up, Project Green Light/Sam Adams Brew-It-Yourself TV Commercial Contest.
Designed and executed artistic lighting schemes for Mini-DV shoot. Managed small team to implement design.
(Sole Proprietorship; 11-50 employees; Motion Pictures and Film industry)
May 2000 — October 2000 (6 months)
"Legalized America" (short film). Michael E. Ball, Director. Elizabeth C. Camp, Producer. Finalist, Student Academy Awards, Alternative Category.
Decorated sets in 14 separate locations for 16mm mockumentary short. Researched, selected, and controlled thousands of props. Constructed studio sets. Assisted with lighting design.
(Partnership; 1-10 employees; Motion Pictures and Film industry)
January 2000 — May 2000 (5 months)
"Frozen" (short film). Shing-Ming Ho, Director. Eric Thomas Harper, Producer.
Served as the English-language representative for 16mm film by award-winning Taiwanese writer/director; edited English dialogue for clarity and impact; managed production budget; scouted locations and obtained permits; managed casting sessions; acquired and maintained grip/electric package and props; set production call times; cleared music permissions for soundtrack.
(Public Company; 201-500 employees; STAD; Marketing and Advertising industry)
September 1998 — February 1999 (6 months)
Responsible for the overall quality of the travel section for weekly online college lifestyle magazine. Obtained articles from newswire and partner websites. Planned new content and features. Thoroughly researched and wrote articles on student travel destinations, spring break, study abroad, hotels, tours, activities, and shopping. Worked with manager to identify future trends as well as gaps in content. Coordinated with other section editors to create cross-over material. Briefed website designers and developers on updates, and reviewed updates to ensure accuracy.
Master of Fine Arts , Film Production , 1998 — 2001
Bachelor of Arts , English , 1994 — 1998
Diploma , 1988 — 1994
Martial arts, Goshin Jutsu Karate, history, literature, fiction, crime stories, film production, writing, small business, copyright, travel, adventure
Best Short Film (Jury Prize and Audience Award), New England Film & Video Festival, "Slow Time"
Fleder/Rosenberg Short Screenplay Award, Redstone Film Festival, "Slow Time"
Official Selection, Boston International Film Festival, "Slow Time"
Official Selection, George Lindsey/UNA Film Festival, "Slow Time"
Official Selection, Sarasota Film Festival, "Slow Time"
Suffolk University Award for Writing