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.

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/

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"]

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.

Here is the trailer for a movie that I worked on in 2005. It premieres on October 11 at the Chicago International Film Festival and will air on PBS in January 2010.

We just got back from a 5 day trip, filming Gilnetters off of Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. Here are a few pictures of the trip.

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Check out our new documentary, distributed by Cinelan:

Bed: A Place Called Home

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.