top of page

Artist statement

My musical background (BM music comp) has made me the filmmaker I am.  My sense of rhythm and creativity in editing, my subject matter, and my interest in music videos.  I am excited to collaborate with musicians and dancers.  I am in awe of what you do and since I'm not much of a dancer or composer I want to be a part of the music and dance via film.

​

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

  • Los Angeles Film School, Los Angeles, CA                                                 2016 – Present

    • Instructor, courses taught:

      • Directing

      • Production

      • Cinematography I

 

  • Tecnológico De Monterrey, Estado de México, México                             2014 – 2015

    • Guest Instructor, course taught:

      • Media narrative design & production

    • Advise and mentor students

    • Organize a special project

    • Develop programming for student cinema club

 

  • DePaul University, Chicago, IL                                                                       2012 – 2014

    • Adjunct Professor, courses taught:

      • Editing

      • Screenwriting

      • Philosophy through film

      • Photography

      • Visual design

      • Production

 

  • City of Evanston, IL                                                                                           2009 – 2014

    • Lead Instructor for youth media

    • Developed program for children 6-12

    • Supervise other media instructors

 

  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL                                        2011

    • Guest Instructor, course taught:

      • Art and the human development

 

  • Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago IL                                                                       2011 – 2013

    • Youth media instructor, courses taught:

      • Editing

      • Production

      • Cinematography

 

  • Richland Community College, Decatur, IL                                                      2003

    • Guest Instructor, course taught:

      • Intro to filmmaking

Production experience

  • 38+  DP credits on short films and music videos

 

  • 31+ AC/OP credits on short films, TV and music videos

 

  • 31+ Editor credits on short films and music videos

 

  • 10+ Grip credits on short films and music videos

 

  • Self Employed                                                                                                      1999 – 2016

    • Corporate videographer/editor                                                

 

  • ABSA Productions, Chicago, IL                                                                           2008

    • Wedding & corporate

    • Videographer/editor

 

  • Prairie Production Group, Champaign, IL                                                         2004 – 2007

    • Commercial and corporate

    • Videographer/editor

    • Office management

 

  • WAND TV, Decatur, IL                                                                                        2002 – 2004

    • Local news videographer

    • Live truck operator

    • On air film critic

Awards & honors

  • 2016 Best Homage, Silver Scream film festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961)

  • 2015 3rd place, Elgin film festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961)

  • 2015  Best Short runner up, 31st Chicago Latino Film Festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961) 

  • 2015  Best Director, Lighthouse International Film Festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961) 

  • 2014  Visionary Director Award, DePaul University                                          

  • 2014  Best Picture and Director, DePaul Premiere Film Festival: Una mujer sin precio (1961)

  • 2012 - 2014 DePaul University Bluelight grant recipient

  • 2011  Golden Hugo runner up, 47th Chicago international film festival: Winter

  • 2011  Open Studio Project Gallery opening, Video art & Cinema Therapy   

  • 2009  Best cinematography, FP/PHX Beat the Clock: The Line Up                 

  • 2008  Auidence choice award, Chicago REEL Shorts: Near Miss

  • 2006  Best Documentary, Twin Cities Black Film Festival                               

  • 2002  1st Place, NEAFCS National Award: Early Childhood Training Video     

  • 1999  Lawrence University Presidential Scholarship                                         

  • 1997  Eagle Scout  

bottom of page