pre-production
Episodic direction
A New amazon original series, “mystery island” sets itself apart with ambitious CINEMATOGRAPHY, Dynamic staging, and dramatic use of depth of FIELD that elevates this show above standard kiddie fare.
Mystery Island has served as a great DIRECTORIAL OPPORTUNITY to PURSUE all sorts of out-there ideas and techniques while collaborating with the showrunner, executives, and supervising director.
Angry birds: Mystery island
Sequences
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chums in the water - 0:45
Rosie’s temptation draws her away from the safety of the shore. The goal of this sequence was to start innocuously and then steadily, imperceptibly build a sense of danger through strategic cinematography choices and camera angles.
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Riders on the Storm - 1:21
This EFX-heavy sequence was a particularly challenging balancing act between making the scenes appropriately epic while also mindfully staging shots to be production friendly as to not negatively effect the overall animation quality of the final picture.
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Lurking terror - 1:15
Channeling “JAWs”, The buildup and release of tension for the fake-out scare of this sequence was created through mindful use of camera angles to contrast the sequence’s whiplashing tones. Care was also taken to stage the water scenes in an animation-friendly way.
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last goodbye - 1:53
The emotional conclusion to the episode, it was very important that this moment have the proper weight and feel impactful for our young audience.
Storyboard direction:
Battle run
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01. client animatic - 0:47
Knowing their initial boards needed to be punched up, the client sought me out to help their project live up to its ambitious potential.
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02. Updated animatic - 0:43
Through my direction we were able to crank up the intensity of the trailer to 11 while staying true to, and enhancing, the client’s original vision.
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03. Final picture - 0:41
Using my pipeline knowledge and production skills, I was able to make good on the promise of the updated boards, delivering a polished final product on time and on budget.
Storyboard direction:
imordecai
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01. Animatic - 1:40
For iMordecai, i was tasked with creating multiple animated flashback sequences for a live-action feature film starring Sean Astin, Carol Kane, and Judd Hirsch. Set in eastern europe during the opening days of WWII, it chronicles one family’s memories of fleeing the holocaust. This project was a meaningful opportunity to direct dramatic subject matter.
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02. Final picture - 1:42
As producer and creative director on this project, my responsibilities for iMordecai included scheduling, budgeting, staffing, and overall creative direction, including design and storyboard direction, as well as compositing director and lead editing responsibilities.
The film went on to win the best narrative film award at the Miami jewish film festival.
Storyboard direction:
ROBBED!
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01. Animatic - 4:04
An exercise in pure ‘camp’, i had the privilege to conceive, produce, and direct world-renown drag queen Manila Luzon’s animated music video “ROBBED!” The resulting romp is a love letter to classic heist movies that finds a compelling balance of thrilling, high quality action and campy drag queen comedy.
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02. Final picture - 4:58
As producer and director on this video, I was in charge of scheduling, budgeting, staffing, and leading a team of over 30 artists. From overall concept to art direction and animation style, this was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate my ability to conceive and execute a creative vision.
