Steve's Top Picks for 2009

"A Thousand Words" by Ted Chung

"Every day: so many opportunities to connect…What if you took just one?"~ Ted Chung. This could be one of the best narrative videos I’ve ever seen on the internet. So many things said in this four minute video, yet nothing was said. The cinematography, screen direction, lighting, sound design...all incredible. I'm completely enamored with all three of his projects, (check out "Mike's" and "On Time.") I think Ted is a real filmmaker who has an open door in Hollywood should he choose. He is also a winner of a Z-kudos award. Amazing work, my hat is off to you Ted Chung.


"Moments" by Will Hoffman

"I love projects that move us. This piece has a very simple plot. Moments. But the way it was scripted, shot and edited makes you think about what is important to you in your life. With all of the stuff we get hung up on everyday these are the moments we will remember when we look back at our life."

Moments is a beautiful, effortless documentary/short film about the simple moments that make life extraordinary. Will shot his film in twelve days at multiple locations. Some of the moments he captured are so poignant and subtle. I admire his patience as a filmmaker; all the time he must have spent waiting for that perfect shot! This is a remarkable piece, and Will is an outstanding filmmaker. Will Hoffman has a body of work that distinguishes him from the pack, which is why I picked him as a Z-Kudos Award Winner for this project.

"Snow" by Kevin Shahinian

Kevin has set the bar so high that all of us are stunned and taken aback by this new genre of wedding filmmaking. This video is by far the most amazing wedding concept video I have ever seen. The actual couple who got married are the actors, reenacting how they meet and feel in love. This video was played at their wedding and I can’t even imagine how the guests reacted. How Kevin gets great performances from a wedding couple is beyond me. My review is one word, WOW! He is also a Z-Kudos Award Winner. Make sure to check one of his other concept films, including his amazing "Bollywood" at www.pacificpictures.net

"A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION" BY Carlos Lascano

Nobody can compare to Carlos Lascano's Stop Motion Animation. He has a body of work that has raised the bar to new levels. Beautiful and Magical, this piece will have you in tears. It 's amazing how Carlos conceived this love story and how creatively executed it truly is. "It is a true work of art."

"GAY=SIN" by Matthew Brown

From the first day I watched some of Matt's work, I was stunned by his innovative style and ability to take on challenging content for such a young filmmaker. I’ve written about this piece many times and I only wish I could find more terrific, thought provoking videos like this being made today. Here, Matthew takes on a subject with symbolism and carefully chosen words, all edited together in his own unique style. I love it.He is also a winner of our Z-kudos Award.

"Prague" by Philip Bloom

Everyone knows that Phil and I are the best of buds, but that has nothing to do with me listing his two films in my best of 2009. I don't think anyone would disagree with me in saying that Phil is one of the top, if not THE top DP showing his work on the internet. His cinematography is stunning and no one can deny that. Being one of the first adopters (thanks to his buddy Steve lending him one) of large sensor convergent cameras (HD DSLR), Phil has perfected the craft of using them. So much so, that he is now teaching Lucasfilm how to use them for their up coming film and television projects.

"Skywalker Ranch" by Philip Bloom

As far as Skywalker Ranch & Prague, I can't decide which one of these films I like more, so I am listing them both. Skywalker has gorgeous shots of the ranch with soft gentle tones and early morning dew, mixed with wonderful starry time lapse. The shots of snow falling in Prague are stunning. One of the moments he captures on time lapse with the snow falling on bricks, instantly reminds me of Dr. Zhivago. Phil showed us what a Director/DP is and set that bar as high as any Hollywood DP. We are all looking forward to what is in store in 2010 for Phil. Congratulation Bro. ~Steve