Artist statement
The trend in movies has been ultra realism even if the story is in fantasy. I am interested in revitalizing the handmade style of filmmaking before computers. I want to make movies that are not shy to use miniatures, puppets, or in-camera effects. I want to show off the strings and craftsmanship! Additionally, I love melodrama that is so extreme it is funny. Horror movies with ridiculous hand-crafted effects in over-dramatic situations, but the cast and crew put their whole heart into the film!
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I am interested in the process of filmmaking as well as the final product. The goal in both realms is to connect with people on a more personal level. I aspire to make every production a lasting experience for my cast and crew. The themes of my films address issues in the heart of each individual as opposed to each culture or country. To achieve this I am experimenting with different cinematic techniques as well as moving beyond the boundaries of the theater.
I look at each film as a child to be raised. We guide it to be the best it can be but in the end, the film is it’s own being. The cast, crew and I are all parents and it is our innovative creativity as a team that allows us to make the film the best it can be. Director Terry Gilliam states, "I often think my ideas are mediocre until reality intrudes and improves them." This philosophy creates an innovative and creative filmmaker with a balance between theory, practice and technical competency.
Education
M.F.A DePaul University, Chicago, IL, Grad 2014
Digital Cinema
B.M. Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, 2002
Music Composition
Magna Cum Laude in Independent Study
Certificate Panico Film Club Graduate (Monty Python), London, England, 2001
Teaching Experience
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Los Angeles Film School, Los Angeles, CA 2016 – Present
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Instructor, courses taught:
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Directing
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Production
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Cinematography I
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Tecnológico De Monterrey, Estado de México, México 2014 – 2015
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Guest Instructor, course taught:
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Media narrative design & production
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Advise and mentor students
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Organize a special project
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Develop programming for student cinema club
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DePaul University, Chicago, IL 2012 – 2014
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Adjunct Professor, courses taught:
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Editing
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Screenwriting
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Philosophy through film
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Photography
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Visual design
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Production
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City of Evanston, IL 2009 – 2014
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Lead Instructor for youth media
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Developed program for children 6-12
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Supervise other media instructors
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School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL 2011
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Guest Instructor, course taught:
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Art and the human development
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Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago IL 2011 – 2013
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Youth media instructor, courses taught:
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Editing
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Production
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Cinematography
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Richland Community College, Decatur, IL 2003
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Guest Instructor, course taught:
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Intro to filmmaking
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Production experience
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38+ DP credits on short films and music videos
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31+ AC/OP credits on short films, TV and music videos
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31+ Editor credits on short films and music videos
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10+ Grip credits on short films and music videos
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Adobe Suite: Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, InDesign
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AVID
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DaVinci
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FinalDraft
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Self Employed 1999 – Present
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Corporate videographer/editor
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ABSA Productions, Chicago, IL 2008
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Wedding & corporate
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Videographer/editor
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Prairie Production Group, Champaign, IL 2004 – 2007
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Commercial and corporate
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Videographer/editor
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Office management
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WAND TV, Decatur, IL 2002 – 2004
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Local news videographer
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Live truck operator
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On air film critic
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Awards & honors
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2022 Semifinalist, Zed Fest, CA: Oread
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2022 Best Original Score, 8 ½ Film Festival, Italy: Oread
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2018 Best Fright Night Film, Sunrise 45 Film Festival, MI: Demonoid (1971)
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2017 2Best Horror/Comedy Short, Silver Scream Festival, Dallas, TX: Demonoid (1971)
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2016 Best Trash Film, The Optical Horror Fest in Rome, Italy: Demonoid (1971)
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2016 Best Homage, Silver Scream film festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961)
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2015 3rd place, Elgin film festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961)
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2015 Best Short runner up, 31st Chicago Latino Film Festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961)
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2015 Best Director, Lighthouse International Film Festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961)
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2014 Visionary Director Award, DePaul University
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2014 Best Picture and Director, DePaul Premiere Film Festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961)
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2012 - 2014 DePaul University Bluelight grant recipient
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2011 Golden Hugo runner up, 47th Chicago international film festival: Winter
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2011 Open Studio Project Gallery opening, Video art & Cinema Therapy
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2009 Best cinematography, FP/PHX Beat the Clock: The Line Up
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2008 Auidence choice award, Chicago REEL Shorts: Near Miss
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2006 Best Documentary, Twin Cities Black Film Festival
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2002 1st Place, NEAFCS National Award: Early Childhood Training Video
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1999 Lawrence University Presidential Scholarship
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1997 Eagle Scout