The ART OF FILMMAKING
HOST: Aaron Leong
Aaron Leong went to SF State University’s Theatre Dept for a double emphasis in Performance and
Directing. After working for several years as an actor for Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre
Programs, he started a production company.
During that time, he started to do more commercial filmmaking and went back to school for film at
The Art Institute in Sacramento, focusing more on Directing and Cinematography. He continued
his cinematography training at the Global Cinematography Institute in Los Angeles where he was
taught by renowned ASC members such as Vilmos Zsigmond, Dean Cundey and Russell Carpenter
among others.
After 20 years in various areas in the industry, Aaron has directed features, shorts and commercials
and has DP’d for features, shorts, documentaries, reality TV, commercials, and corporate work just
to name a few. Aaron also has 18+ years of experience flying Steadicams and is an M2 Volt owner/operator. He
also rents out a lot of gear to productions. You can check it out at www.4thwallfilmworks.com.
Aaron Leong went to SF State University’s Theatre Dept for a double emphasis in Performance and
Directing. After working for several years as an actor for Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre
Programs, he started a production company.
During that time, he started to do more commercial filmmaking and went back to school for film at
The Art Institute in Sacramento, focusing more on Directing and Cinematography. He continued
his cinematography training at the Global Cinematography Institute in Los Angeles where he was
taught by renowned ASC members such as Vilmos Zsigmond, Dean Cundey and Russell Carpenter
among others.
After 20 years in various areas in the industry, Aaron has directed features, shorts and commercials
and has DP’d for features, shorts, documentaries, reality TV, commercials, and corporate work just
to name a few. Aaron also has 18+ years of experience flying Steadicams and is an M2 Volt owner/operator. He
also rents out a lot of gear to productions. You can check it out at www.4thwallfilmworks.com.
The Art of the Vanities - July 16th, 2024
FEATURING HAIR, MAKEUP and WARDROBE PROFESSIONALS:
Shellie Rae
Shellie Rae is a seasoned professional in make-up, hair, and wardrobe styling with over 25 years of experience. She has worked with numerous celebrities, including Olivia Newton-John, Daryl Hannah, and Tommy Hilfiger. Her extensive portfolio spans film, television, media, and print, with clients ranging from CBS's "Survivor" to major brands like Ford, Indeed, and Hallmark. Shellie Rae's friendly and professional approach ensures a comfortable and productive environment for everyone with whom she works. This, with her expertise and passion for her craft, has made her a sought-after stylist in the entertainment industry.
For more details, visit her website: [Shellie-Rae] (http://www.shellie-rae.com).
TeJae Hardy - Hair Stylist
Over the course of two decades, I have dedicated my passion and creativity to the art of hairstyling. Seeing the transformative power of a great haircut or a beautifully crafted hairstyle has always fueled my drive to excel in this industry. From classic cuts to avant-garde creations, I have honed my skills to cater to the unique needs and desires of each client who sits in my chair. But my journey didn't stop there. Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a new adventure in the world of cinema as a stylist. Working behind the scenes, I have had the privilege of collaborating with actors, directors, and production teams to bring characters to life through their appearance. From period dramas to futuristic sci-fi, I have immersed myself in various genres, always striving to create hairstyles that seamlessly blend with the narrative and enhance the overall visual experience. In both hairstyling and cinema, attention to detail is paramount. Each strand of hair meticulously placed, each brushstroke of color thoughtfully chosen - these are the elements that elevate a hairstyle into a work of art. And in cinema, it's not just about aesthetics; it's about capturing the essence of a character, expressing their personality, and weaving their story into the fabric of the film. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of hairstyling. It is not just about changing appearances; it is about boosting confidence, inspiring self-expression, and empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. Whether it's a client seeking a fresh new look or an actor stepping into the shoes of a character, I cherish the opportunity to be a part of their journey and contribute to their story. As the years have passed, my passion for hairstyling has only deepened. It is not just a profession; it is a lifelong pursuit of excellence and self-expression. Each day, I am grateful for the chance to step into the world of hair and cinema, where creativity knows no bounds and where I can make a difference, one hairstyle at a time.
Over the course of two decades, I have dedicated my passion and creativity to the art of hairstyling. Seeing the transformative power of a great haircut or a beautifully crafted hairstyle has always fueled my drive to excel in this industry. From classic cuts to avant-garde creations, I have honed my skills to cater to the unique needs and desires of each client who sits in my chair. But my journey didn't stop there. Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a new adventure in the world of cinema as a stylist. Working behind the scenes, I have had the privilege of collaborating with actors, directors, and production teams to bring characters to life through their appearance. From period dramas to futuristic sci-fi, I have immersed myself in various genres, always striving to create hairstyles that seamlessly blend with the narrative and enhance the overall visual experience. In both hairstyling and cinema, attention to detail is paramount. Each strand of hair meticulously placed, each brushstroke of color thoughtfully chosen - these are the elements that elevate a hairstyle into a work of art. And in cinema, it's not just about aesthetics; it's about capturing the essence of a character, expressing their personality, and weaving their story into the fabric of the film. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of hairstyling. It is not just about changing appearances; it is about boosting confidence, inspiring self-expression, and empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. Whether it's a client seeking a fresh new look or an actor stepping into the shoes of a character, I cherish the opportunity to be a part of their journey and contribute to their story. As the years have passed, my passion for hairstyling has only deepened. It is not just a profession; it is a lifelong pursuit of excellence and self-expression. Each day, I am grateful for the chance to step into the world of hair and cinema, where creativity knows no bounds and where I can make a difference, one hairstyle at a time.
Michelle Draper - Makeup Artist
Michelle has had an illustrious career that has taken her around the world. Her makeup artistry has been seen on runway fashion shows in New York and Paris and has graced the red carpet at the Emmys and Golden Globes in Los Angeles.
She has been to countless countries, teaching, beauty techniques and shooting editorials for top magazines. Michelle has worked with Christian Dior, Lancôme, and Shiseido and had a long career as a global makeup artist and trainer with Laura Mercier Cosmetics.
Michelle Draper is a highly respected makeup artist and a distinguished leader in the beauty industry. She has passion, dedication, a solid work ethic, and undeniable talent. It is these qualities that have helped to earn her success and acclaim globally.
She enjoys the creativity involved on set for film or print, headshots, and portraits. She loves to create a flawless complexion with a great glow and makeup that looks natural but still makes a statement. And her free time, she enjoys golfing, gardening, and playing at the beach with her hubby Steven and fur baby CathyJean.
Angela Womack - Makeup Artist
Angela Womack is a highly regarded Makeup Artist and Hair professional represented by Agency Stars Management that’s based in San Francisco. She is known for her work on editorial and commercial shoots. With a background in Fine Arts and a degree in Graphic Design, Angela possesses a deep understanding of color theory, light, balance, and aesthetics, which shape her meticulous attention to detail and precise application techniques. Throughout her career, Angela has worked on numerous film and TV productions, collaborating closely with directors, producers, and actors to craft captivating visual narratives. As a key member of the production team, she has demonstrated her ability to understand and translate the director's vision. With her profound understanding of the unique demands of the film and television industry, Angela brings an unparalleled level of professionalism, creativity, and expertise to every production she is involved in. Her contributions to the visual aesthetics of film and TV have left an indelible mark, further solidifying her status as a versatile and accomplished artist that enhance visual storytelling. IG: @AngelaWomack
Angela Womack is a highly regarded Makeup Artist and Hair professional represented by Agency Stars Management that’s based in San Francisco. She is known for her work on editorial and commercial shoots. With a background in Fine Arts and a degree in Graphic Design, Angela possesses a deep understanding of color theory, light, balance, and aesthetics, which shape her meticulous attention to detail and precise application techniques. Throughout her career, Angela has worked on numerous film and TV productions, collaborating closely with directors, producers, and actors to craft captivating visual narratives. As a key member of the production team, she has demonstrated her ability to understand and translate the director's vision. With her profound understanding of the unique demands of the film and television industry, Angela brings an unparalleled level of professionalism, creativity, and expertise to every production she is involved in. Her contributions to the visual aesthetics of film and TV have left an indelible mark, further solidifying her status as a versatile and accomplished artist that enhance visual storytelling. IG: @AngelaWomack
Anastasia Kryukova - Wardobe
Originally from Tula, Russia, Anastasia started to make clothing when she was 14. She expanded her skill set and graduated from Moscow State University’s Fashion Design and Marketing program where she soon landed a highly coveted position as an assistant to a distinguished wedding dress designer. It was here that she learned the art of couture and developed her artistry.
Anastasia arrived in the United States in 2006 and made Sacramento her home. She navigated learning all about American culture while diving head-first into making a name for herself in the fashion industry. She launched her own contemporary couture line featuring classic Russian folk style blended with American textiles. Her high-end custom pieces are intricately hand-loomed using vibrant, rich, natural fibers. While also been showing her collections since 2012 at Sacramento Fashion week, New York Fashion week, and many other shows.
In 2015, Anastasia had an opportunity to be part of the wardrobe department team for the movie 'Trouble Sleeping’. She worked with the movie’s Costume Designer, Camille Jumelle, where the lead actress Vanessa Angel wore her dress for one of the scenes.
In 2017, she worked as a Costume Designer, produced by Mark S Allen, for the horror film "APParition" with featured actors such as Kevin Pollak, Mena Suvari, Jon Abrahams.
Originally from Tula, Russia, Anastasia started to make clothing when she was 14. She expanded her skill set and graduated from Moscow State University’s Fashion Design and Marketing program where she soon landed a highly coveted position as an assistant to a distinguished wedding dress designer. It was here that she learned the art of couture and developed her artistry.
Anastasia arrived in the United States in 2006 and made Sacramento her home. She navigated learning all about American culture while diving head-first into making a name for herself in the fashion industry. She launched her own contemporary couture line featuring classic Russian folk style blended with American textiles. Her high-end custom pieces are intricately hand-loomed using vibrant, rich, natural fibers. While also been showing her collections since 2012 at Sacramento Fashion week, New York Fashion week, and many other shows.
In 2015, Anastasia had an opportunity to be part of the wardrobe department team for the movie 'Trouble Sleeping’. She worked with the movie’s Costume Designer, Camille Jumelle, where the lead actress Vanessa Angel wore her dress for one of the scenes.
In 2017, she worked as a Costume Designer, produced by Mark S Allen, for the horror film "APParition" with featured actors such as Kevin Pollak, Mena Suvari, Jon Abrahams.
The Art of the Camera Department - June 18th, 2024
Joe Hernandez
Joe Hernandez born in Mexico came to northern California at age 10 and he always known he wanted to be a creative. He experimented with other visual medias inevitably landing in a at a local web development company in Sacramento where he was able to fast pace learn the ins and out of tech and creative ideas using a camera, fast forward three years he and his friends decided to tackle the music video scene and became a whole chapter of his life working with top records labels and top artist. He then wanted to challenge himself by becoming a steadycam operator and that became a whole level of cinematography and operations using high end heavy equipment! His other passion on set is to AC and has done so for a few feature films shot here in Sacramento. He just looks forward to continue to learn have fun and give back to the community especially Sacramento
Joe Hernandez
Joe Hernandez born in Mexico came to northern California at age 10 and he always known he wanted to be a creative. He experimented with other visual medias inevitably landing in a at a local web development company in Sacramento where he was able to fast pace learn the ins and out of tech and creative ideas using a camera, fast forward three years he and his friends decided to tackle the music video scene and became a whole chapter of his life working with top records labels and top artist. He then wanted to challenge himself by becoming a steadycam operator and that became a whole level of cinematography and operations using high end heavy equipment! His other passion on set is to AC and has done so for a few feature films shot here in Sacramento. He just looks forward to continue to learn have fun and give back to the community especially Sacramento
Matthew Sangria
Matthew began as a PA in '21 after graduating from Sac State film program in fall '19 then covid. Did PA work for 6ish months then than working my way into camera PA, 2nd AC, & 1st AC gigs
Justin Clare
A Sacramento based DIT and Film Editor with experience in delivering feature films for international theatrical distribution and worldwide streaming. Originally from the east coast, Justin found his passion in post-production at a young age and has strived to master the craft of taking a film from production all the way through post production and distribution.
The Art of Cinematography - May 21st, 2024
DP John Jimenez
John Alexander Jimenez has been working in film and video production for over a 3 decades. A couple of awards he is especially proud of is the "2000 Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Emerging Artist Award" for his cinematography and The Sacramento Film Festival "2014 Local Vanguard Award" for his contributions to many successful local productions. John was the Director of Photography on the feature film Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane (1998). After showing at the 1998 Sundance film festival, he decided to Write and Direct his first film, Taco Heaven (1998). This film was seen around the country via the film festival circuit. He now freelances as a Director/ DP.
After Directing his biggest accomplishment to date the feature film "Fugitive Hunter" (2005) distributed by Lion's Gate Films which he also wrote, he was hired as the Director of Photography for the YouTube comedy channel Smosh (2011-2017). Smosh has over 22 million followers and is one the highest watched and followed channels on YouTube in the comedy genre. John continues to create and collaborate with businesses and artists in their production needs.
John Alexander Jimenez has been working in film and video production for over a 3 decades. A couple of awards he is especially proud of is the "2000 Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Emerging Artist Award" for his cinematography and The Sacramento Film Festival "2014 Local Vanguard Award" for his contributions to many successful local productions. John was the Director of Photography on the feature film Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane (1998). After showing at the 1998 Sundance film festival, he decided to Write and Direct his first film, Taco Heaven (1998). This film was seen around the country via the film festival circuit. He now freelances as a Director/ DP.
After Directing his biggest accomplishment to date the feature film "Fugitive Hunter" (2005) distributed by Lion's Gate Films which he also wrote, he was hired as the Director of Photography for the YouTube comedy channel Smosh (2011-2017). Smosh has over 22 million followers and is one the highest watched and followed channels on YouTube in the comedy genre. John continues to create and collaborate with businesses and artists in their production needs.
DP Brian Hamm
I have been working as a cinematographer since 1999, creatively collaborating with directors and production companies from all over the world. After receiving an Audio Production degree, I had opportunities to work on commercial sets, feature films and corporate videos as a production assistant and moving around as a grip, best boy, and even running Teleprompters and shooting weddings. I fell in love with “being on sets”. So I studied what the gaffers and key grips were doing and focused especially on the DP’s lighting and camera techniques…which I still do today. I then had the opportunity to start shooting short films, music videos, and corporate videos.
Over the years, I have worked for Disney, Netflix, SHOWTIME, HBO/MAX, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Life Time Network, Fuse, MSNBC, MTV, Smithsonian Channel, A&E, and more. I've worked with companies across the United States such as Sirens Media, Half Yard, Big Fish, Red Rock Films, Trapeze Ltd., Big Table Media, Ke-Jo Productions, and many more. With a handful of awards and highly rated TV shows I've worked on, I am proud of the successful career I’ve had as a Cinematographer.
I love to diversify my skills and the types of productions I am involved in. From shooting in prisons, to flying in Air Force military planes, to documenting emotional stories in another country…I pride myself in collaborating each project cinematically with the experience I've developed
DP Joey Katches
Most of Joe's work is in the narrative space. He primarily works as a director of photography for indie features and short films. He has shot 3 features and over 30 short films. His latest feature was shot locally in Auburn and Sacramento. For commercials he’s filmed national commercials for Clarkes Shoes, Door Dash, Virgin Travel, Fortnite, and Colgate. His documentary work has included features and series for streaming platforms. Educationally he's taught several cinematography courses including courses at Maine Media in Maine.
When he's not working as a DP he loves to spend time with his wife and kids, watching movies, and reading.
DP Mark Herzig
Mark Herzig worked as a 1st camera assistant through the 1980s, forming relationships with some of the biggest commercial directors in the world. Since 1994, he has been the cinematographer or director/DP on hundreds of commercials and corporate image films, also lensing five independent features, including the 2000 cult classic “North Beach”. In 1999, his first short film as a director, “Scherzo”, was invited to a select showcase in Paris, “Une nouvelle veine du cineastes” (The New Filmmakers), mixing ten filmmakers from the US and ten from Europe. His short film “et cetera” won Best Cinematography in 2001 at the New York International Independent Film Festival, and the same film was honored that same year at the Den Haag Film Festival, festival director Robert Ovetz proclaiming it “ . . . better than “Requiem for a Dream”. In 2004, his short film “Lunch” was an official selection at Clermont-Ferrand, and the French daily La Montagne praised it as a “Lynchian urban nightmare.” He has also taught cinematography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, the PCFE Film School in Prague, Czech Republic, and California State University at Sacramento. WEBSITE: www.markherzig.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/ma