I’m in the field quite a bit these days. As a camera operator and cinematographer, 2009 took me to 6 countries and 13 US States. It’s just June and 2010 has already taken me to 3 countries. I’ve compiled a list of 10 rules that guide the documentary camera work that I do.

Rule #10:
Whenever possible, encourage interviewees to speak in their native language.

Rule #9:
Ignore equipment fads. Learn what’s available; know your gear, and use the right tool for the shoot.

Rule #8:
Be real. Illusionary trust will not sustain your work or your relationships.

Rule #7:
Get good audio. Audiences find crap video quality more palatable than crap audio.

Rule #6:
Work hard. Bring snacks.

Rule #5:
Never underestimate the power of good shoes.

Rule #4:
Take a deep breath before you hit record. If there’s no time, take one after.

Rule #3:
Learn to shape light and shadow regardless of whether your kit is large, small or non-existent.

Rule #2:
Find the blessings; you get to be an insider on some of the most amazing stories.

Rule #1:
Break the rules, but only if you know what you’re doing.

Here’s another video by Social Venture Partners that we worked on.

In 2008, we worked with Casey O’Leary to film a short piece about the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church in Spokane, Washington. There were a few technical challenges to overcome with the piece. But, Casey worked diligently to edit it and get it online. This video is now being used as a fundraising and awareness tool to help the Sisters. We were excited to get some spectacular looking interviews in beautiful looking locations.

We’re excited to present the website for the documentary A Lot Like You. We worked diligently to code this site to fit in with a Joomla Content Management System framework and to present the filmmakers with an easily updateable and good looking website.

Check it out at:
http://www.alotlikeyoumovie.com/

We’re excited to work with Social Venture Partners in Seattle and contribute our efforts to making this video happen. Enjoy! And check out the powerful ways that video can carry a non-profit organization’s message beyond the program and into the world.

In 2009, we were invited to accompany Larry Paros and Amy Enser to film the 40 year reunion for the 1969 Yale Summer High School program. The result was our participation in the documentary Walk Right In. Check out the website and watch the trailer:

[vimeo id="11034517" w="560" h="338"]

Check out some video we shot of violist Joshua Bonham. This was filmed at the NW Film Forum in February 2010.

Joshua Bonham was born in 1980 and was introduced to music at the age of five taking up the piano and classical guitar. As a young man, he studied the Viola at Indiana University performing in its orchestras and refining his knowledge of music theory and composition.He also became the private student of David Harding, and through him gained a profound knowledge of the Viola as well as an introduction to the Interlochen Arts Academy; and as a member of The World Youth Symphony Orchestra, he performed side-by-side with some of the most renowned classical soloists and conductors, including Sarah Chang and Neemi Yarvi. By age 21, Joshua had won concerto competitions held by Indiana University and had performed extensively in a number of chamber music settings.

From this point forward he began to work independently, allowing his adventurous spirit to liberate him from the limitations of the classical tradition in favor of greater freedom to improvise and to explore music at the crossroads of jazz, traditional, world and contemporary music.Eight years into his journey, Joshua has brought to life this very crossroads to create a genre all his own. Drawing his musical inspiration from around the globe, Joshua Bonham has redefined the world of instrumental music. His catalogue of over 30 works knows no boundaries as they span all medium: CD, DVD, Film, TV, Video Games, Computer Games, Sheet Music, Electronic Media, Digital Distribution, World Tours and Concert Halls are all his vessels in bringing to life the future of instrumental music.

In addition to his compositions, Joshua is a passionate and captivating performer with the ability to make every performance a timeless and incredible escape for audiences everywhere. With over 300 performances in multiple countries and states, Joshua prides himself in making each performance unique and unforgettable.

being MEdia recently completed a series of web videos for a community acupuncture project in Columbia City. Meet the practitioners, learn about the movement for community acupuncture and more specifically about this Seattle clinic. You can also visit their website at http://www.acupunctureforall.org

We’ve been spending part of 2009 filming segments for Seattle Fashion TV, a web-based media site focused on the Seattle fashion industry. Here is a segment on designer Michael Cepress.

[vimeo id="6911343" w="560" h="338"]

Here is a the write-up on Michael Cepress from his website:
Michael Cepress holds a BA in Art from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Fibers from the University of Washington. An intense interest in the male wardrobe and tailoring traditions has led him to focus on the design and production of menswear, and write extensively on fashion’s relationship to gender and popular culture. In 2005, his debut menswear collection was featured in the sold-out runway show “Michael Cepress Presents An Evening of Men’s Fashion.” A subsequent event in 2006 featured a menswear collection in the runway showcase “Michael Cepress Introduces the Modern Gentleman.”

Cepress is a 2007 nominee for the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Art Award, and is seeing attention worldwide. Reaching beyond the bounds of fashion, Cepress’ work will travel internationally throughout 2008 with the exhibition “RRRIPP: Paper Fashion”, featured beside the likes of John Galliano, Issey Miyake, Hussein Chalayan and Walter Van Beirendonck. His work is also featured in an accompanying publication about paper in fashion. He is currently working as the costume designer for a production by director Robert Wilson, slated to premier in Poland in 2008. Cepress lives and works in Seattle, Washington.

being MEdia had the opportunity to create this 20-minute video on Refugee’s in Seattle for the Refugee Women’s Alliance 2009 Gala Event titled “It Takes a Village… Coming Together to Ignite the Common Fire”. Watch it below in 2 parts.