I recently graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in Journalism and Film. 

There, my passion for film was ignited while working on numerous projects in various different facets including writing, directing, cinematography, sound, and grip. Like most students, I went in wanting to become a director. Like few students, I came out still wanting to direct. 

My top five films are: Magnolia, The Fountain, Brazil, Buffalo 66, and Up.

I love the vrit look of films like Faces, Rachel Getting Married, and The Wrestler. It always seems like the dirtiness/grittiness brings out a lot emotion and beauty than an average long shot-two shot-closeup sequence.

At the same time, I also love the frenetic, constant motion, of PT Andersons camera work. His films never seem to stop moving, even in the most mundane scenes. It really helps to pace the film in a way that leaves you feeling breathless after three hours.

As a director, I love to see what actors can do with a role. The script is the jumping off point, but what they do with the blueprint is much more important. I am open to improvisation and dialogue changes in the context of the character. If they are going to play a completely different person then it is important for them to create one that they can attach their heart and their soul to. Without that, there is no film. Instead, it becomes a series of shots strung together in poor facsimile of actual cinema.