James Sanford - Writer/Director

Filmmaking is very much a collaborative process, and I truly lucked out when I got the privilege of collaborating with Jake Simpson, an absolutely brilliant cinematographer who is also an astonishingly nice guy. I have been making movies (both as a director/writer and as an actor) since I was a kid, and I've had all kinds of experiences with cinematographers. So often in pre-production, they initially agree to everything you have in mind and tell you how great your concepts are -- then go their own way once it's time for the cameras to roll. Jake, on the other hand, was completely on board with my ideas from our first meeting and not only supported them but greatly enhanced them through his expertise and imagination. I wanted my movie to look like something Paramount or MGM would have made with that luscious, otherworldly 1940s Technicolor; I had no clue if such a thing could actually be done. Jake made it happen, and came up with visuals that are stunning and rich. He consistently had wonderful ideas on how to shoot the action and how to make my actors look spectacular. He was extremely respectful of everyone's time and resources, and made the actors feel comfortable and valued instead of treating them like set decorations or mannequins at his disposal. He was my first choice for my project and I cherish the day he accepted the gig: His professionalism, skill, good humor and thoroughness were unbeatable. My only regret is that I'm afraid he has set such a high standard that it's going to be difficult to find another cinematographer who is such a dream to work with. I assure you, I will be checking his availability every time I am planning a shoot and I cannot wait to have him on my team again.