Crew Member: Brandon A. Cottrell
Who are the people in the film industry which have had an influence in the way you make films today?
I would have to say Alfred Hitchcock for his use of a couple of sets to tell a complex story from which the actors play to the camera with long one-take shots. Michael Mann is next on my list with his shot composition in his scenes because you feel like you are right in the action with the characters as the film unfolds. Last would be Frank Capra for his use of comedy and remise on everyday situations in his films.
Why do you make films?
Like Hitchcock, Mann, and Capra I want to be remember for my movies which I hope not only touches others in the way they view the film, but also inspires them to go out and produce their own works like these people did for me...
What advice would you like to give other filmmakers?
Nothing comes easy in the world of making films. You will have a job, maybe schooling, and a solace life to work around as you produce your works. It’s helpful to remember that in order to stay intune with your views you must have all three things because people go to movies to understand that they are not alone through relating to the characters on screen as they may have the same problems. Films are an entertainment escape from daily routines for a couple of minutes or hours.
Credits
“THE CAREGIVER” – May 2008 – San Diego, Ca. – Diffusion films and Shave Stone Productions – Independent / Short: Post Production Manger & Producer
“NO HEART IN THE CITY” – Fall 2008 – Las Angles, Ca. – City Band Productions – Independent / HD Short: Executive Producer & Producer
“NECESSARY MEASURES” – July 2006 – San Diego, Ca. – New Liberty Entertainment – Shot in 48 Hour Independent / Short: Unit Production Manger & Post-Production Supervisor
“AMERICAN NIGHTMARE” – May 2006 – Escondido & San Diego, Ca. – Diffusion Films – Independent 16mm Film / Short: Ex – Producer & Unit Production Manger
“FOREBODING” – April 2006 – San Diego & Poway, Ca. – Diffusion Films – Independent 16mm Film / Short: Director, Co – Producer, Unit Production Manger, & Editor
“SIGN” – April 2006 – San Diego & National City, Ca. – City Band Productions – Student Independent Film / Short: Unit Production Manger, Lighting Director, & Swing Person
“DAILY BREAD” - March 2006 - San Diego, Ca. – Diffusion Films - Short 16mm Film: Co – Producer, Unit Production Manger, & Editor
“VIDEO, LIGHTING, & AUDIO” – 2004 to Present – SD Area, Ca. – G.T. TV & Party Sounds: Pre-Production, Lighting, Set-Up, & Key Grip
“EMPTY” – August 2005 – San Diego & Poway, Ca. – Diffusion Films & City Band Productions – Independent Film: Unit Production Manager, Producer, Set Design & Production, Swing Person
“NEWSCENE” – September 2004 to June 2005 – City College News Cast – Channel 16 Studio Productions, San Diego, Poway, Ca. All Shows Lighting Director, 2 Shows TD Director & 2 Shows Director
“THE REWRITE” – April & May 2005 – Short – Poway, Ca. – Diffusion Films & Blackout Creations – Independent / Short: Director & Executive Producer
“THE BOX” – April & May 2005 – Short – Poway, Ca. – Diffusion Films – Independent / Short: Director, Writer, & Executive Producer
“STOLEN SOULS” – September 2004 – Los Angles Ca. – Bandwagon Productions – Feature: Pre-Production Assistant & Key PA
“VAGABOND SANDS” – January 2002 – LA & SD Areas Ca. – Bandwagon Productions – Pilot Television Show: Pre-Production Coordinator & Gaffer
“SMOKE & MIRRORS” – September 2001 – Los Angles Ca. – Reel Entertainment – Feature: Lighting Director