The Writer

The first thing I learned about the film industry was how to write a filmable screenplay. I took courses that focused on short films and television sitcoms, but I sought out education and experience in writing features. I've been guided by college professors and successful writers and studied the methods of Syd Field, Blake Snyder, Terry Rossio, and more. I educated myself for over two years before taking my work public.

I joined the Southern Ohio Filmmaker's Association in early 2009, bringing with me a short film script, "Absolution," that was part thriller, part romance, and part actioner. On the strength of this script, not only did I get that project produced, but I was invited and privileged to work on teams in both the Cincinnati and Columbus 48 Hour Film Project, the second of which won several awards and garnered significant local attention. Then, I was hired to write an action feature for a new digital studio in Cincinnati.

The Director

After presenting "Absolution" to producers and assembling a crew, I was encouraged to direct. I learned as the project progressed, discovering how best to communicate with actors and the crew and produce great coverage for the editor. It was an invaluable experience, as I learned not only how to lead a team better in the future, but the ins and outs of scene construction and how to write a script that appeals to directors, actors, and audiences alike.

"Absolution" led to more opportunities, such as my hiring to shoot audition videos for local actors. I also directed a horror short shot completely on a Flip UltraHD camcorder and a sci-fi drama on a Sony XDCAM EX with a 35mm adapter. With each project, I gain more knowledge of turning a vision into the best possible product.

The Filmmaker

As anyone who has ever worked in independent film knows, the only way to approach a project is to "just get it made." I've made it my business to ensure that I do anything and everything I can to see each project through to fruition. On both 48 Hour Film Projects, I remained on set after the scripting process as a production assistant and to perform rewrites as needed. "Absolution," a mammoth short film production, found itself without an executive producer or composer, both roles which I filled. I also worked extensively with the editor before finalizing the product. I then shot a small horror short with only myself and a co-producer as the crew, taking on all the responsibilities ourselves.

I've learned to view all members of a cast and crew as storytellers. As a writer, my job is to provide a reliable foundation that everyone can draw from. As a director, my job is to provide a singular vision that unifies all the elements of production. As a member of the cast or crew, my job is to serve that vision. I look forward to the next story I get to tell.