Chicago Independent Film and Video Production

BIO

I began my filmmaking endeavors at Southern Illinois University, where I completed several short films and wrote my first screenplay. From there I transferred to Columbia College in Chicago and graduated with a B.A. degree in film and video production. While attending Columbia I wrote, edited and directed several short films and videos.

Working with such people, as Janusz Kaminski (Academy Award winning cinematographer) and Chuck Parello (Director of Ed Gein and Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part Two).

After graduation I focused mostly on screenwriting, completing several full-length feature screenplays, which I entered into numerous contests. My screenplays were finalist and semi-finalist in AMERICA’S BEST WRITING COMPETITION, 1999 and 1997. As well as a quarter-finalist in MAUI’S WRITERS SCREENWRITING COMPETITION, 1998 and a HONORABLE MENTION from THE WRITER‘S NETWORK, 1998 as well. And most recently a QUARTER-FINALIST in FADE IN MAGAZINE'S SCREENWRITING AWARDS, 2002 and a TOP Contender in PROJECT GREENLIGHT'S SCREENPLAY COMPETITION 2004.

In 1994 I saw, CLERKS for the first time and that inspired me to work toward creating low-budget indie films. Then after seeing BROTHER'S McMULLEN in 1996, I decided to pick up what at the time was one of the latest digital video cameras and invest in a new computer equipped with the latest editing software. From there I started making short films again. And eventually launched Sureshot Productions in 2001. It instantly took of and I've been working ever since. Making a few short films along the way, and a feature film in 2008 in my spare time.

WAKE UP DEAD  and AMERICAN MAID

ALIEN ENCOUNTER

Working the jib with Mike Stoklasa the Youtube Star Wars Phantom Menance Review Guy.

 

Alien Encounter

Ed Burns & Steve

Schmoozing with my favorite filmmaker.

I recently had a chance to meet my favorite filmmaker of all time at a screening of his latest film NEWYLYWEDs that was shot with a Canon 5d for under $10 grand. I loved the film and even though I like all his movies, I feel this one captures a real cool vibe that is reminiscient of Sidewalks of New York, because he uses the same pseudo-documentary approach as he did in that movie. However this film NEWLYWEDS is made even better because of the shoot-from-the- hip style of the Canon 5d. Ed was so awesome in person too, answering questions at the Q & A as well as taking pictures with fans and more questions after the Q & A. He couldn't have been more gracious. What a cool Dude! Go see the film at a screening or download it on iTunes, Comcast or buy the DVD.

 

Girl-U-Want is a officially a wrap. Go here for more info and updates.

Right now I'm working on a script for a new feature film to be shot in Spring of 2012.