Highlight Reel
As a subcontracted filmmaker working for San Francisco-based Turn Here, I created dozens of documentary-style web videos for small businesses. Wearing the hats of producer, director, interviewer, cameraman, and editor, I shot on location during normal business hours with my JVC GY HD-100 camera, typically wrapped each shoot within two hours, and within three business days delivered a final cut set to music personally chosen from Turn Here's extensive online music library.
Small businesses reflect the vision and passion of the people who run them.That's why I believe documentary-style video and small businesses are a perfect match. The documentary approach highlights the biggest asset of a small business: The People.
Anatomy of a Web Video
When interviewing small business owners, staff, and customers, I naturally ask certain obligatory questions to cover the mandatory talking points. But as a creative filmmaker, I also aspire to engage each subject in genuine conversation. When two people really talk and listen to each other, they strike a rhythm and energy that produces a goldmine of authentic moments. Sprinkling these authentic moments into a web video endows the story with heart and humanity.
Although I've lived in Philadelphia since 2012, many of the videos I created for small businesses in Houston continue to be seen on websites such as Yelp, AT&T Yellow Pages, CitySearch, and others.
After wrapping a restaurant shot, I usually got to sample the cuisine. Good work if you can get it!
Below are several videos in their entirety:
Evans Music City
AT&T Yellow Pages
Smile Avenue Family Dental
Turn Here Local
Dr. Reed emailed me the following after screening her video:
You are gifted indeed! I cannot believe what you created! You actually made me sound as if I was not nervous at all! Wow! I am still in awe! I cannot wait to show everyone. Thank you so much once again!
You are gifted indeed! I cannot believe what you created! You actually made me sound as if I was not nervous at all! Wow! I am still in awe! I cannot wait to show everyone. Thank you so much once again!
Mark's American Cuisine
Yelp Client Direct Video
Yelp Client Direct Video
Masraff's
Yelp Premium Video
The video showcases this upscale eatery's delectable cuisine but the underlying story is really a valentine to a father and son who not only run a restaurant together but seem to genuinely like each other.
Goodman Janitorial Supply
AT&T Yellow Pages
If you're shopping in the Houston area for commercial-grade cleaning equipment and supplies, my video for Goodman Janitorial Supplies makes a convincing case that Goodman's offers everything you need and more. But the video also introduces the viewer to Mr. Goodman a hard-working, spiritual man who uses his business as an opportunity to help uplift people in his community.
Broussard Driving School
Turn Here Local
I learned to drive here!
Texas Trees & Landscaping
AT&T Yellow Pages