Thursday, January 26, 2012

The People of Camera Hogs

 On our last blog I introduced the company and how we came to be. In this blog, I'd like to delve more into the individuals that make up Camera Hogs. Today I'd like to let you know a bit more about Levi Hart, Chief Editor as well as myself- Marilyn Brindis, Executive Director.

Our creative editor, Levi Hart, has been an asset to the company since he joined on in the fall of 2007. 
"My name is Levi, I'm 20yrs old and a graduate this spring from DACC's Creative Media. Other than school projects I've been focusing mostly on editing projects for Camerahogs LLC, but have interests in furthering my skills in operating the camera and producing media. Along with my skills in editing and production, I want to pursue my passion for writing stories and screenplays. Overall, i don't shy away from any aspect of film because it is my passion."

The love of art seems to have always been ingrained in me since I can remember. Born in Mexico City and mostly raised in Albuquerque, I come from a very unique and diverse cultural background. I have always absorbed my surroundings and experiences which has influenced me into becoming an artistic and unique visual story teller. My love of art has always been well-rounded, from music to drawing and painting to acting and cinema; and has always been open to, and inspired by, cultures worldwide.

Going into the film industry with the knowledge of the amazingly talented competition we face has been a rough yet determined experience. The art in cinema has lit a burning flame of undeniable passion within me. A good cinematographer and director must be organized, driven, outgoing. They must be critical thinkers and always be on their feet and ready for the worst. Directors must be empathetic and have great communication skills. They must be loved and feared. The film industry can be a viscous one; but with a full force drive for the love of it, it can be a quite rewarding and exciting career.

It is a long and hard road to the success I would like to obtain, but the work is rewarding and satisfying. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else as a career. I have always found joy and love in the art of filmmaking and video. I would like to one day be able to use my art to help people in any way I can through the art of film.

Stay tuned for more insight into the people behind Camera Hogs...

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Who?

I'd like to start our blogs off by letting you in on snippets of information about myself and our team of highly motivated and creative individuals.

My name is Marilyn Brindis, founder and executive director of Camera Hogs, LLC- a mobile production company offering a wide array of creative media services from pre to post production. Our services include but are not limited to: photography, films, scriptwriting, stock footage, videography, and post production- all in HD; all with a cinematic approach.

Today's high-tech age provides a considerable amount of media outlets that can effectively reach out to communities- with the right form of media. People are mostly intrigued by visual interest; this is why we provide high-definition and cinematic creative services. We are not a one-man run and gun operation; we bring a team of collaborative creative minds to make your visions a reality. Videos are a great opportunity for local businesses, artists, and individuals to promote, educate, and relive special occasions. We accommodate to fit your budget and will travel.

I created this blog to discuss current projects in the works, our creative process, experiences, as well as misc. discussion topics relative to the beautiful realm of cinema. Feel free to post any insights, links, or information relative to the topics. We love to collaborate with creative and intellectual minds.

For our first blog, I'd like to introduce you to the Camera Hogs family. The founders of Camera Hogs, LLC includes Carlos Rubio- director of photography, Jason Turner- director of creative media, Ronnie Stepney of public relations, and myself.

After working and volunteering in the field for some time together, we realized how strong and efficient our sets became when our creative visions and talents fused together. We had all been working and volunteering in the field for some time separately, and had seen our own share of good and bad sets. Last summer we all really began to work hard, for very little or no pay, some on sets that had little or no direction and collaboration.

During the last set of the summer, the production company we worked for was nearing deadlines and nothing was getting done. Rubio was the set construction supervisor and had seen Turner and I frustrated with the way the company was handling situations. He inspired me to speak up; we had to step in. This gave us the courage and inspiration to do so. Turner and I stepped in and offered services that exceeded far beyond our job titles, for no extra pay, to help save their company from missing the deadlines of highly important clients. With just Turner in the directors chair and me behind camera, scenes were accomplished in less than half the time they had originally taken. All we were missing was Rubio's expertise lighting techniques.

By the end of our two weeks, the production company met their deadlines. They were so relieved and happy with our services. A big celebration was thrown and bonuses were promised. Everyone in the company was happy and made out with a pretty penny. But at the end of it all there were no bonuses, no extra rewards or thanks; just what was originally promised. $50 a day for 13+ hour long days of shooting. Most of which was outside, under the harsh conditions of the desert heat.

This was when I realized we were ready, and fully capable, of starting our own production company. A company that would run more efficiently and creatively because we support each others many talents- cohering us into a movie making machine. Whenever we went on set, I noticed this "machine" essentially taking over. I was always behind camera, Rubio on lights, Turner in the directors chair, and Stepney in front of camera acting. I realized the true meaning of a Camera Hog- I was a Camera Hog! And so were my colleagues, thus Camera Hogs was born. Since then, we have not stopped shooting. We have become a business networking and expanding with as many creative minds as we can find.

Our family has recently expanded with the addition of our creative editor and videographer Levi Hart, the highly organized and meticulous Melissa Aragon as production assistant, script supervisor, and secretary, and Sarah Lewis an innovative writer and artistic photographer.

For more information on Camera Hogs check out this great article Sarah Lewis wrote for us.
Camera Hogs produce video for local businesses

You can also check us out on facebook:
www.facebook.com/camerahogs

Stay tuned for the next blog and have a great day :)