Danfung Dennis

Sometimes you read so much about an upcoming new media project that, inevitably, you can only be disappointed by the results. Not so with Danfung Dennis
I’ve read so many rave reviews about his upcoming movie Hell and Back Again which was all shot hand held on a customised rig on the Canon 5D Mk II.
Recent recipient of scores of awards including the prestigious Sundance Film Festival 2011 Grand Jury Documentary Prize AND World Cinema Cinematography Award, I have to be honest and admit that, when I first saw the official 60 second trailer, i wasn’t overly impressed BUT I just saw it as Battle for Hearts and Minds which is what it was originally called and its totally mind blowing.
When someone can go into a war zone and shoot cinematic footage like this you’ve just got to hand it to the guy – he’s got real, raw talent. Awesome!!!!

Rafa Botello Push With Me

Rafa Botello – Push With Me
I’ve been really inspired by professional athlete Rafa Botello and his story.
His drive, his desire, his determination and his dignity.
If I was half the man he is, I’d be twice the man I am.

converge film festival 2011

delighted to say that I made the top 3 films with ‘The Hardest Fight’ as shown at the Converge Film Festival held at the British Film Institute down on South Bank, 1st & 2nd March 2011.
Gutted I couldn’t be there to see it in person but apparently it was very well received by the audience and held up well on the big screen…Still can’t quite believe that this, my very first short film, is getting such great feedback from the HDDSLR community. Thanks so much guys – really appreciate it!!!!

Overall winner went to Jason Wingrove for his short 10/10/10 about the all year round open air swimming pool at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia.

Congrats to all and I feel honoured to have been included in such highly respected company!!!

Special thanks to James Stoneley for keeping me updated. Cheers mate!!!

evolution

a short film I made with contemporary dancer Marie Gabrielle Rotie after taking some stills on sunset.

As soon as I shot the stills I knew I wanted to shoot moving film and I think it’s hard, if not impossible, to do both in the same space of time. When I’m shooting stills I see the motion and want to capture it and when I’m shooting motion I see the still frames that flicker past my eye and are committed to the moving image format.
It’s a fascinating conflict of interests to be caught up in.

Just like me, Marie is inspired by light, energy and movement and our photo shoot led to an artistic collaboration of motion that was all shot in one totally improvised afternoon.
I know the importance of pre productuon and planning in making a short film and I’m all up for it but when you get the chance don’t let your instincts down – just go for your shots and set your creativity free.