Tell us about yourself!

Jon Starr

Jon Starr

Veteran
Okay, I've been on this board for a while now, yet I feel like I don't really know a lot of people here, nothing more than a fake name, a picture of a waffle, and maybe a location (if I look). I also feel like I'm often in the background, and people don't take notice to me too much. Brings back lots of childhood memories...

So I thought "why not get to know everyone?" So here it is, and I hope others take part. Let's keep it simple and short. Just fill out a few simple questions and let everyone know about who you are. Leave info out if you wish.
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1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

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Let me start:

1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

My name is Jonathan Starr, like my online name, you can call me Jon. I'm from Montreal Quebec (it's that place above the states in Canada), and no, I don't speak French very well. I am 23 at the moment.

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

I love to tell stories, and I love art, and movie making combines those two seamlessly. After growing up on movies like the Matrix, and the re-release of Star Wars, I just knew.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

I've made a few shorts, around 8 (not counting the ones I've had a huge role in). I've made an online web series, Geeks Underground (check link in my sig), which has all been shot, and is currently in post.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

I'm not doing anything filmy, yet. I study communications film stream at Concordia university, and to help pay it I work in a warehouse in a dead end job getting orders ready for parties. Whoot!

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

I'm a bit stubborn and very shy (working on it!). But I try to go out of my way to help others, especially to help beginnning filmmakers, which is why I'm starting a job as a TA for one of the first year film classes.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

Karate! Well martial arts in general as I hope to take other styles. Girlfriend, filmmaking, and school take up most of my time so I'm not very far, even after 3 years.
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?
I sign checks and contracts as Zachary Forsman, but everyone calls me Zak. I'm 34.

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)
When I expressed an interest in moviemaking in my early teens, my Dad began fostering that interest by renting Casablanca and Beau Geste for me. And as i started making little shorts with the family VHS camcorder, he gave me REAL critical feedback rather than blind praise. His nurturing is why I'm a filmmaker today and it is why I'm still seeking his approval despite having died in 1994.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?
2005 - Blue in Green (feature) - producer, cinematographer
2006 - White Knuckles (feature) - producer, cinematographer
directorial debut follows...
2007 - Heart of Now (feature) - writer, director, cinematographer
2008 - I F*cking Hate You (short) - co-writer, director, co-cinematographer
2009 - Model/Photographer (short) - writer, director, cinematographer
2009 - Eloquent Graffiti - writer, director, cinematographer
2009 - Moments (short) - executive producer
2009 - Sverige (series of shorts) - executive producer
2010 - A Happy Medium (feature) - producer, cinematographer

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?
Recent work has included DVD and Blu-ray bonus content for the studios. Also donate my time producing content for The Workbook Project's DIY Days and New Breed.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)
I had to ask my girlfriend to answer this one. She says: "Determined, smart about the things I care about, quiet around strangers, but a goofball around friends."

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?
Cooking, baking, grilling, etc. I also like discovering international movies. at least half my dvd collection is imported from UK, France, Japan, Turkey, Taiwan, Sweden, etc.
 
Zim, you can just tell us what you want to tell us. Or not, your choice.

Thanks for getting the ball rolling Zak!
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

Chris Light, San Diego, California, 32 years on earth.

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

Because i quit playing music for a living and i wanted something else to do.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

I never learned to sew, so no shorts were made.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

Locksmith, Commercial door installer. All-around cool-guy.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

I'm nice. I'm too nice.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

Sleeping. And when i'm awake, i like to hang out with my wife Sarah and my daughter Eden. Eden is the star of most of my movies.


-Chris
www.vimeo.com/chrislight
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

I have no real name. I am more of a concept that cannot be expressed by simple words. One could no more name me than they could put a face on freedom, justice and all that is right. Plus, I don't want to say. I've always lived in Humboldt County. And my demographic is 18-25.

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

Why not? I can't think of why not myself, so that's my why. Never considered not doing it after I started. I'm sure I could write an essay on the topic, but this covers it while being short.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

Too many? All shorts, never a feature, but a lot of them over the years. And event videography, photography, portraits, instructional videos, things like that. A good number of concerts.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

I don't have one, mostly because I've sold my video camera and am working on moving to anywhere in the bay area. So if anyone knows of a decent job out there, any kind, I'd love to hear about... doesn't have to be media. Office assistant? Need your restaurant staffed? Anything? Doesn't have to pay really well, just enough to get me started in the area. Or elsewhere... I'll move anywhere, really.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

I'm not sure I know myself well enough to say.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

I'm a musician, and I used to do a lot of combat sports. Swordfighting especially. And archery. Some hand to hand. Lately I haven't done much of either. Haven't done much filmmaking, either. Hopefully that'll change soon. I'm not including professional endeavors here.
 
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1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

Romane Orlando Robb. New York. 21

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

I like the challenge as a producer.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

Looking to get the debut ball rolling.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

Chairman and CEO of SIMPLEROBB, INC.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

Risk-taker, and my flaw would be taking outside advice. I'm very particular about taking advice.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

I-banking, Management, and Networking.
 
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1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

Sad Max. Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. Old enough that I ought to know better...come to think of it, probably old enough that I ought to care, too...

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

Started working in theater, studio arts and television production when I was in high school. Seemed to be the way to continue doing that sort of thing, for a living.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

About one dozen shorts of my own, contributed to the making of many dozens of other people's shorts and about sixty-seventy assorted commercial features and television programs.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

I'm dividing my time between designing sets for the next seasons of a pair of NBC one-hour dramas.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

I'm personally and professionally loyal. I'm easily insulted, at which point people lose my personal and professional loyalty.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside from filmmaking?

History, comparative religion, hiking, bicycling, travel, astronomy, biology, medicine, literature, gardening, cooking, archaeology, massage, motorcycling, sculpture, pistol and rifle marksmanship.
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

My real name is pretty obvious.
I live in Austin, Texas - right down the street from JDS (hoping some talent rubs off on me).

I'm older than I've ever been and now I'm even older.


2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

Why not?
Honestly there is little else I've ever wanted to do.
Not to say that 'making movies' is all I'm interested in - but I've always had a passion for media creation of all kinds.


3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

I've made more than I would care to detail here - seeing as we all have some horrible work in us aching to get out while we figure out our craft.
I've produced/directed about 6 different online series, a handful of short films that I am not embarassed to screen in public, and worked as editor/postproduction coordinator on a couple of feature films.


4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

I've worked as a freelance director/editor for as long as I can remember.
Generally I shoot and/or edit a lot of industrial and corporate work (commericals, promos, etc). My company is Pitch Productions.


5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

One good thing? I'm honest.
Only one flaw? I'm honest.


6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

I enjoy cooking, and lately have really gotten into the spirit of homeownership and am learning a lot about landscaping and renovation... and suprisingly having a lot of fun in the process.
I've found it's good to get out from behind the computer every now and again.
:)
 
I smell survey ....

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?
I love to watch X Files in the nude.
Basicly I like to take shower and want to be fresh , so that I cant enjoy it immensely & cleanly !
 
]1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

Let's just stick with Matt for now. I am from Central NY, near Utica, attending school at Ithaca College. I am currently 20.


2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

I'm not good at anything else...haha.
I love what I do. I love working on set. I love having my own development meetings. Much better than having a real job.


3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

I've directed a few terrible shorts. Mostly rushed productions. I have a webseries in development which is looking as though it is going to be awesome. I also have a feature I am developing. Currently working on a quest fest film.


4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

I freelance for a financial analysis firm in NYC. Though I've been getting fewer videos as of late. I run my own company as well. I have since 2004 when I started off filming paintball. Right now, aside from freelance, I am unemployed. Though I start my job running a day camp in July.


5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

I guess determined and pretty shy and awkward...


6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

I used to play professional paintball. I've been playing that more and more recently. And music. I am lost if I don't have my iPod with me. And I play (attempt) guitar. I guess I forgot about financials. Don't know what got me into that. But I lost my interest in Wall Street as soon as I got a job at 14 Wall Street...
 
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1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)? Steve Bernard. Upland, CA. I like long walks on the beach........oh, wait you didn't ask that. 38, but feel much much older and act much much younger.

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short) For me, it's about capturing and expressing an idea and emotions. Film-making is the only way to do it for me.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made? Of my own, none. My problem is I am not a writer. But I have worked on about 15 shorts, a couple of features, a bunch of music vids and a couple of industrials in various roles, primarily as cam op.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)? I am the manager of the shipping department for an audio equipment manufacturer. On the film side, an actor/Stunt Coordinator/Armorer on a SAG Low Feature, which is also a paid gig. Thankfully my day job is very supportive of my acting and filming aspirations. I'll be opening the Weapons rental Company soon (Indie-Arms, Inc.), so that will be another income.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple) Good thing: I am calm and professional on set. Flaw: I am too trusting of people.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking? Audio engineering, Acting, and playing with my toys.
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

Anhar Hussain Miah, London UK (approximately), 27

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

Only medium which can turn my Dreams into reality.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

None thus far, still dreaming my masterpiece.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

Software & Web Application Developer.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

Good > Fast leaner, passionate about knowledge, always curious.
Bad > Can't stop thinking and relax

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

Programming, Science, Art, 3D, VFX, electronics, mechanics (Engineering), Mathematics, History, comparative religions, debating, logic, Writing, BMX, Martial Arts.
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

Dave, currently in Maryland, 34

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

To encourage people by telling true stories of others who have overcome great odds/challenges/obstacles.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

None. Just getting started, learning the basics of storytelling and film.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

Project/product/brand manager for a pretty large pharmaceutical services company.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

Good - Big picture thinker.
Bad - Suck with details.
Would be ulgy if not - Surrounded by others who are good with details.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

God, developing other humans, leadership, exploring the reasons why we humans do what we do, reading.
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

Jake Ross. Louisiana (living in Austin TX). 28 yrs of age

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

I just love cinema. I'm drawn to it, for better or worse.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

many short films, music videos, and experimental video art installations. Currently writing my first feature.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

Freelance DP/Editor/Designer

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

uhhh.... its hard for me to wax poetic about stuff of this sort. I'll just say I'm an optimist/good humor.... but, overly cynical sometimes

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

too many to list... a quick few brazilian jiujitsu/boxing, the great outdoors, farming/gardening, women, music
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

Uncle Bob; everyone needs a crazy Uncle Bob. NYC Tri-State. Old enough to know better.

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

After arthritis curtailed my career as a touring musician I became a music recording engineer - hated it - and then migrated to audio post; love it, I get to be creative again.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

I've done audio post on dozens of shorts, five features including "Johnny Montana" and "Creating Karma," a cartoon for 4Kids/FOX and various web series. Also some production sound work, preproduction consultation (audio) and music supervisor.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

Own and operate a small audio post facility.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw.

I'm ruthlessly honest. I'm ruthlessly honest.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside from filmmaking?

My wife and kids. Gardening. Being a beach bum - swimming, body surfing, building sand castles, fishing.
 
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1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?
Grinner Hester...Texas (originally)...39

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)
Because a real job would suck.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?
No idea. I stopped counting in the 80s.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?
sole proprietor, grinner hester llc

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)
I'm an adrenaline junkie. This makes me very spontanious but very impatient.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside from filmmaking?
I love building, racing and crashing anything on wheels.
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?
Claus Von Estrogene. Legally changed to Jason Fox when I become an Internet Phenomenon. 36.

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)
I'm an ad writer/CD. After years on set, I realized I was directing spots as I wrote them and then trying (key word) to force my vision onto the director. (Although usually only if I ended up not caring for the director's choices.)

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?
Not counting TV spots, zip. Written several shorts and one feature. Two features in the outlining stages.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?
Freelance copywriter/creative director/columnist. Been freelance for 2 1/2 years. Wouldn't mind getting back into the agency world.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)
Good: Laid-back, funny, handy with a shiv
Bad: Exceptionally evil

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?
Fatherhood currently absorbs most of my time. I used to golf, mountain bike and write music. These days, I'm happy with a nap. Some day, as God as my witness, I will own a Triumph Bonneville and ride it when my wife's not looking.
 
1) What's your real name? Where are you from? How old are you (or if you want just an age range)?

Real name is Ryan Patrick O'Hara. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio. Went to College in Savannah, Georgia, and now live in Los Angeles. I am 23 years old.

2) Why filmmaking? (keep it short)

Despite my good grades, my teachers felt I wasn't paying attention, probably because they couldn't stop me from drawing pictures, playing around and talking. It was later discovered and probably misdiagnosed as ADD. A co-worker of my mother suggested something as a creative outlet. My parents asked if I was interested in a video camera and I jumped on it. Been shooting since I was 10 or 12.

3) How many shorts have you made? How many Features/Series have you made?

Shorts? A bunch! During my senior year in college, I decided to shoot (as cinematographer) seven thesis projects, although only three were required for cinematography students... not to mention the countless AC and Oping roles. Now, being in LA for about 8 months, I've shot five shorts as DP and many industrial/misc projects. I'm a narrative guy. Industrial and commercial bore me. I want story!Features? I've AC'd one indie feature, and was just hired to go to England for two months and serve as cinematographer on a feature documentary. I leave in two weeks, and it will be my first credit as Cinematographer/DP on any type of feature length project.

4) What's your current paid job (or jobs)?

I worked for Panavision when I first moved to LA, but I got here right when the economy tanked. I was the last person hired, so naturally the first to go. I miss it, but when I'm out in the field or on set, it can often times feel as it was for the best. I am now a full time freelance cinematographer, and it seems to be getting better all the time.

5) Describe your personality a bit, one good thing, one flaw. (keep it simple)

I am really laid back, although quiet around people I don't know very well. This often makes people think that I'm very serious... which I am when it comes to my work. When working I am exact, prepared and clear headed. Off set, I'm relaxed, fun, and probably half drunk.

6) Other Hobbies/Interests aside form filmmaking?

Does photography count? These days I really don't have time for anything else. I like to travel, but that is part of my job too! This thread has actually made me realize that I am very 2 dimensional! (Like film? haha)
The only thing I do besides shooting, cinematography research, and writing is drinking! I like to go to bars, I like crazy situations and good times. If only it were not so expensive!
 
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