I am an assiduous, demanding, and versatile filmmaker who gets things done. Action is my creed; I am at my best when my relentless motivation and strong work ethic are permitted to run free. I work without limit.
Background (Early Work):
My film career began with the Communications Magnet Program at the Richardson Independent School District (RISD) where I was introduced to the art of production. Among my first projects for the district was a Magnet Recruiter Video. With little expectations of such an inexperienced pupil, I traveled above and beyond the call of duty by transforming their product into something which exceeded all expectations. Several other projects soon followed as the district saw my capabilities develop, and I was able to established myself as an editor and soon an independent contractor as well.
My relationship with the school district remained strong, and I was invited to fill the position of technical director for the RISD auditoriums. Through this position, I quickly learned the mechanics of carpentry, and my unbridled curiosity led me to partake in other technical aspects such as intelligent lighting systems, sound design, and stage rigging. I spent a great deal of time teaching myself how to program several models of Techno Beams and Track Spots on an ETC light board. After working technical positions on Several other productions, I fell into stage managing for a performance of The Wake of Jaime Foster. Although the technical aspect of theatre was enjoyable, I found stage management to be much more rewarding. I delighted in organizing and supervising an entire cast and crew throughout the production.
*The Director forgot to sign it... what a loser.*
2003 RISD Cappies
Background (College Level Work):
Throughout the pursuit of my film degree at the University of Texas at Austin, I have remained engrossed in independent projects. The media work I have produced consists partially of actor reels and various sorts of DVD compilations. I have completed reels for actors such as Mark Walters, whose feature film credits include Varsity Blues, American Outlaws, Home Fries, The Evening Star, and Friday Night Lights: The NBC Television Series. Other work includes stunt reels for coordinators such as Robert Keith, whose credits include feature film and television series such as The Mask, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Legend, and Babylon 5.
The making these projects soon led me want to produce a mini-documentary for Dr. George Hademenos, a former spokesman and staff scientist of the American Heart Association. This mini-documentary allowed me to experiment with other narrative strategies and explore alternative methods of production work as well.
A radical side of film work came into play when I was cast into a western stunt show. While working as a stuntman for Six Flags Over Texas, I was able to work with pyrotechnics and utility rigging in the secluded realm of stunt-men. Through this experience, my knowledge of stage rigging broadened through education of various techniques of illusion and masking.
Later, I sought out a local performing troupe and produced a short documentary on Chinese Lion Dance amidst a complete absence of funding. After completion of this project, I felt a yearning for artistic directing. I wanted to hone in my skills by redirecting and reproducing two scenes from existing feature films: Dumb and Dumber and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The experience was very enriching to have had a hand in all aspects of production, which I feel has made me a more rounded individual.
During production, I decided to undertake production of two music videos under the label of “Two Boys Productions” for JT Coldfire, a blues/country musician from Corpus Christi. Although challenging, the experience of satisfying the creative needs of the clients was extremely rewarding.
In effort to secure a creative output away from film/video production, I wrote a seven-page proposal to the Six Flags Over Texas Corporation to organize and produce my own street show. At their approval, I personally secured funding for equipment before casting my own team of players in effort to develop and showcase my own contemporary style of Chinese Lion Dancing. I choreographed a test palette of Lion Dance by straying away from all existing traditional works and deriving self-expressionism and athletic philosophies from the methods of Martha Graham and Bruce Lee. This venue was an exceptional opportunity for building foundations of new art and gaining exposure, while at the same time receiving financial compensation. Throughout the summer, I supervised other street performers in conjunction with show managing and performing my own show.
My film and stunt credentials have allowed me to work along side special effects coordinator Steve Wolf of Wolf Stunt works, LLC. I’ve worked with pyrotechnic, rain, snow, foam, wind, and other various aerial/stunt rigging to create special effects for film, television, and live shows. Steve Wolf’s film credits include The Firm, Three Men and a Baby, Do the Right Thing, The Last Boy Scout, The Client, The Jungle Book, Cast Away, and Hustle & Flow. While working under Wolf, safety was of the utmost important and using the knowledge of applicable science greatly aided in this process.
Every project I have undertaken has been handled with high degrees of professionalism while striving for creativity and forward innovative thought. My intent is to produce feature films that present human characterization and expressionism in unique and thought-provoking cultural events. However, I do not feel that this limits me to producing any particular sort of content, either mainstream, commercialized or otherwise. Art comes from the heart and "the worst thing to call somebody is crazy. It's dismissive. 'I don't understand this person so they're crazy.' That's bullshit. These people are not crazy. They are strong people. Maybe the environment is a little sick."
