In short, tell us who you are and what you do:
I’m a Director and DP at Teak. I love making films and pretty much anything video related. But I also enjoy pina coladas…and I hate the rain. Worst invention ever.
Tell us about your journey up to now:
I started out making skate videos with my buddies when I was probably 12 years old. And they were never just skate videos. Skateboarding was a big part of them but they always included other stupid shit we’d get ourselves into. Looking back they kind of serve as little documentaries of us back then. Skate videos eventually turned into skits, short films, ads, etc. I still try and work skating into any projects I can.
What inspires you?
It’s never been easier to make great stuff. With technology and how easy it is to get access to a camera…it’s a really exciting time to be making films. You could decide tomorrow that you wanted to shoot a music video or an ad. And as long as you surround yourself with the right peeps, you could do it. And make it look badass.
How would you describe your style? Where did your style originate from? What are its main influences?
Oh man, I’m not really sure how I’d answer this one. I guess if we’re talking specifically about cinematography – I like to shoot a lot of handheld. Obviously shooting on a tripod is great and totally called for sometimes but I really like how natural a slightly breathing camera feel. I’d probably attribute it to skate films honestly. You don’t have much of a choice but to shoot handheld when you’re trying to keep up with someone on a skateboard.
What do you wish you could’ve told your past self? When and why?
Put your money on UMBC beating Virginia in the NCAA. You’ll thank me later.
Any advice for other designers?
Just shoot. And make as many films as you can.
What do you like most about working at Teak?
It’s an incredibly free and creative environment. At the end of the day, the folks here just want to do great work that people are stoked on.
And I know everyone says this about jobs they like but Teak truly does feel like a family.
Words to live by?
Skate or die bruuuuuhhhh.
If I’m not at Teak, you can catch me _______.
Doing something motorcycley.
