08.15.10 – Divinity under a macro lens.
Enduring through various up's and downs since the release of their first album "Allegory" nearly a year ago, Divinity persevered and finished their (amazing) second album titled "The Singularity”. I had the privilege of directing their latest music video for the track “Lay in the bed you’ve made”. In this video we got up close and personal filming 70 percent of the video with a macro lens.
It was a pleasure working with Johnny Vincent and Ryal Maxwell-Lyster (actors). With their help we captured a short story that binds the video. They played the same character of a young boy that takes on the burden of our world’s poor decisions. Ryal plays the scared young boy that turns into a very angry and frustrated man, which is played by Johnny. The symbolic image of a scared little boy and an infuriated grown man reflects what may possibly be our up and coming generation. Both Ryal and Johnny did a great job and I’m thankful for their contribution.
The video is simple but sweet. I look forward to presenting the finished piece, which is geared for release October 1st 2010. Stay Tuned.
www.divinity.ca
07.26.10 – Just want to feel “Human Again”
Today we filmed at one of my favorite places, “Forget Me Not Pond”. The pond is located roughly 45min outside of Calgary in Kananaskis country. I used this location as the backdrop for Marija Smolcic single “Human Again”. The pond and surrounding area turned out to be more of a character then a backdrop. It was a very hot, cold, sunny, cloudy, windy and rainy day for the three of us, Krista Kent (Make-up artist), Marija (Performer) and myself (Cinematographer, Director and Producer).
I used the Canon 7D once again. With the variety of lenses, high-resolution and the flexibility it offers … I’m having a hard time coming up with excuses not to shoot. It’s been a challenge filming outdoors but the rewards sure come out in the image … not to mention the pocket book.
Marija and I have been talking about doing a music video for almost one full year. We pulled it together and I think we captured some very unique images and one stellar performance from Marija. Thank you to both Marija and Krista for working really hard and giving this project as much passion as you could muster. I recommend downloading Marija’s latest album “On the inside”.
http://www.myspace.com/rijamusic
06.13.10 - When the sun shines ... the flies come out!
I directed a music video for blues singer/songwriter Darren Johnson called “When The Sun Shines”. This video was extremely spontaneous but we managed to capture some amazing imagery in such as short period of time. Big nasty flies ate us alive in the scorching hot Kananaskis country sun for 4.5 hours, however it was totally worthwhile. I’m amazed at the image quality thanks to the Canon 7d camera and it’s lovely sweet, sweet lenses. Check out Darren’s latest work on his website and check back here in a few weeks to watch the video.
www.darrenjohnson.net
04.05.10 - stop-motion time
I've been working on a short screenplay that I plan on making using stop-motion photography. This short 2-3 minute video follows a man that seeks revenge for his recently murdered wife. The story takes place in the future and is highly influenced by one of my favorite films "blade runner". Mike Matthews and I have started sculpting and modeling the characters using armature. The goal is to be in production on this during this summer 2010.
03.28.10 - finally finished
We filmed the Knowledge in Fibers music video almost nine months ago and I've been picking away at it during my spare time. It was great to have this project to work on and not feel rushed. During editing I learned tons about motion-tracking and matte painting but also in regards to abstract filmmaking and how (for me) there is a fine line between making “art” and “film”. During Pre-Production this video was originally heading down a very abstract looking road, but once editing began I found that I subconsciously headed down a different road, a road with story. I feel the audience deserves to walk away with some-type of lesson or meaning from the video in return for investing 3 – 5 minutes of their lives watching it. I’m so pleased with the final video and I’m delighted to hear such positive remarks.. A special thanks to Jeremy and Lee for stepping in and helping, very much appreciated guys.
viewer comments
03.22.10 - big rock eddies again
I found inspiration for the upcoming big rock beer contest "The Eddies" with a little help from the 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver. I submitted a print ad titled “A Canadian Landmark”. The “Inukshuk” symbol/logo seen during the winter games was the inspiration behind the design. Big Rock is a strong recognized brand in Alberta and I thought the two symbols coming together made “Canadian Landmark” a very strong statement. The really fun part was creating the Beer Inukshuk, I needed at least seven cases of big rock beer to build it. So even if I don’t get into the Top 12 this year at least I’ll walk away with a original print ad and a shit load of beer to drink. Cheers!
view 2010 eddies print submission
03.01.10 - new website launch
I could have gone for a totally flash-based site with all the bells and whistles but I wouldn't have much to say as that would detract from what is important: content. Minimalism as a design does wonders: it keeps the attention where it should belong while subtlety enhancing everything in a simple and elegant way.