Join us on Thursday, November 2, 2023 for "Meet the DP's". Meet cinematographers Crystal Kelley and Stephen Farrier who will share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the industry.
From discussing the technical nuances of lighting and camera techniques to exploring the emotional aspects of storytelling through visuals. "Meet the DP's" will delve deep into the creative minds behind the lens; aimed at providing invaluable insights into the art and craft of cinematography and how to work with them in the world of documentary filmmaking.
Born and raised in Chicago, John Simmons came of age at the height of the politically charged 1960s. He has been a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) since 2004, serving as a Vice President in 2017 and 2018. John has worked behind the camera since the early 1970’s shooting documentaries with film director Carlton Moss. He then moved to music videos, commercials and features. He served as an Adjunct Professor in the Television/Film and Theater Department at UCLA for twenty-five years and continues to mentor many up and coming cinematographers.
Crystal Kelley grew up in the rich arts and culturally diverse city of Cleveland, Ohio. While studying at Otterbein University's Department of Theatre & Dance, she learned how to write and direct narrative content. Crystal continued her formal education and earned a M.F.A. at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts with an emphasis in cinematography. Crystal currently resides in Los Angeles, California working as a Director of Photography for television, live events, documentaries, short and feature length films. Crystal’s most notable accomplishments include shooting a feature film titled The Workout Room, and the documentary Mobilizing Mozambique. Crystal was also a camera operator for the BET Soul Train Music Awards and House Hunters Renovation TV show. Many of her films have screened at film festivals around the country including the live capture film Some Like it Bot that screened at Comic Con. She is a member of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600 and was recently honored by her alma mater Otterbein University for the Professional Achievement Award. Crystal is a licensed remote pilot with the FAA and flies drones for aerial cinematography.
An award-winning cinematographer, producer, director Stephen Farrier a Los Angeles filmmaker has worked in television production for four decades. He launched his career in Boston as a news film cameraman for WBZ-TV. He has worked on such shows as E! Entertainment Inside Edition, Dateline NBC, House Hunters International, A&E Biography, 48 hours, NBA Entertainment and America’s Most Wanted as cinematographer and director. In his early career he filmed on the prestigious documentary, Eyes on the Prize.
His work has taken him on location to film in Chad, Cameroon, France, Spain, S. Africa, Zambia, Argentina, Columbia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
In 1997 he inked a deal with Paramount Television to executive produce First Response, a one hour pilot with producing partner, Henry Winkler.
His visionary approach to cinematography has garnered him numerous awards including the Gold Plaque for Special Achievement in Cinematography at the Chicago International Film Festival and two Los Angeles Area Regional Emmy’s.
Everyone must Register or RSVP by Wednesday, November 1, 2023 by 5pm.
The Zoom link/information will be emailed to all confirmed participants the day before the meeting.
Join BADWest for $45, and reap all the benefits of being a member, including free monthly meetings, screenings and other special events.
The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West is a project of Fulcrum Arts' Emerge fiscal sponsorship program. www.fulcrumarts.org
The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West (BAD West) is a professional organization providing people of African descent working in documentary film, video or other media the opportunity to network professionally, share resources, exchange ideas and meet socially in order to enhance the development, production, promotion and exhibition of documentaries. The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West also advocates the recognition and professional advancement of Black documentary filmmakers.
