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.

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 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.

Check out some photos from the Aradia Music Video Shoot:

Here are a few photos from the BizNik Shine! Event on May 6. The short film should be complete by the end of the summer.

We received a nice posting on the Phinneywood blog, A news blog for Seattle’s Phinney Ridge and Greenwood neighborhoods

Phinneywood is a daily news blog that’s designed to be a community resource — a place where you can learn about the changes in your neighborhood and discuss the issues that are important in Phinney and Greenwood.

PhinneyWood was created by the folks behind MyBallard.com, and it launched in July 2008. The site is authored by Dale and Doree, experienced journalists who live in Phinney Ridge, just a few streets away from Greenwood.

Thanks for the post. We’re excited to be part of this neighborhood!

being MEdia is excited to announce our move to The Greenwood Collective. We’ll be sharing office, meeting and art space with several other amazing creative people.

The Greenwood Collective is a group of independent creative professionals willing to share knowledge, resources, and inspiration. Their vision is to empower minds through the collective insight that grows from both our core and the far-reaching world of passionately innovative problem solvers we attract to our venue.

The Greenwood Collective