@Brentwgraham

I’m a filmmaker and all-around culture / technology geek. A Nor-Cal boy at heart, I was raised in a small manufacturing business specializing in the broadcast video industry in the 80′s and 90′s. I began my adult life in 2000 as a Bio-Mechanical Engineer at the University of California at San Diego. (Did you know bio-engineers have invented products ranging from the DVD to the suspension fork on mountain bikes!) I was soon hired for R&D, focusing on genetic assembly robotics for Egea Genomics, which was later bought by Johnson Chemical. After a few lonely, yet enjoyable years of “talking to robots” in a lab…

I decided I wanted a more well-rounded “life” portfolio and made the transition into 3D modeling design for consumer products and patent writing. (I have my father to thank for the engineering-spirit, as his legacy created more than a dozen patents which he designed and marketed himself.) Mainly self-taught, while also obtaining multiple certifications in SolidWorks, I spent the next few years designing injection-molded consumer products and writing their accompanying utility patents. (Turned out I had my father’s knack for highly technical writing, and really, all forms of communication – thanks Dad.) After which, I decided that the only element I was missing for truly rounding-out my desired knowledge was marketing and advertising.

I then decided to go back to school and add a degree in marketing with a concentration in creative advertising. I’ve always loved commercials, since I was a child I studied them and memorized my favorites. I think the Aaron Burr Milk campaign significantly affected my desire to tell short stories while creating a positive connection with the world and products we need. It was during this time that I purchased a camcorder and began filming short commercials for my friends’ businesses, churches, a documentary in India, and big-game hunting footage in Africa. Some time, and a few short films later, I found myself working professionally within the local advertising industry. (an ad agency, then a post-production house, and later production companies…) I had the honor of writing and directing some of the most widely recognized (loved, or hated, but always remembered) local commercials in the states of Texas & Tennessee. I pride myself on my character, creativity, and ability to work with others in a creative environment and I am truly thankful for the continuing experiences and partnerships this career has brought me.

I am currently in post-production on my first feature film. Shot almost entirely by myself (lighting, camera, audio) starring four friends who wrote the script. The entire 1h20m film has cost us a total of $3,000 and includes effects and practicals and will be released mid-2012. I have worked tirelessly to learn and perfect my knowledge in all areas of film production and post in order to keep costs down while producing memorable creativity and image quality. But when it really comes down to it, I simply love the excitement of creating meaningful stories that connect people with their world.

Today I live and work in Austin, currently working in web development and video technologies for the state educational system. I also direct short films and local commercials for broadcast and web. Me and Austin, you could say it was love at first sight. I’m happy to be here and enjoying the wonderful community and people. I look forward to meeting you too!

If I were a simple list…

• Broadcast production god
• After Effects demon
• Ad copy powerhouse
• Pre-visualization mastermind
• Steadicam phenom
• Shoulder rig sniper
• Lighting design artist
• Audio production Einstein
• Web design wonder
• Still talks to robots

You can probably find me on twitter right now! (just kidding, I buffer my tweets, so odds are I’m working or out enjoying life. But say hi nonetheless!) Come say hi!