As Director of Photography, Shawn draws upon the skills he has acquired working in both live-action and stop-motion production. Recent projects include pieces for Intel, American Lung Association of Oregon, and National Geographic. In 2003 Shawn photographed his first feature length project titled “Loser’s Lounge,” slated to enter the festival circuit in 2004/2005. The locally produced voter registration PSA “Tattoo” which Shawn shot and co=produced has enjoyed national airplay in recent months. In addition to his own work as a Director of Photography, Shawn operated “B” Camera on the recently completed feature “Caught in the Act,” starring John Corbett and Sean Astin.

In 1999, Shawn was promoted to Camera Operator while working on the primetime series “The PJ’s” produced by Vinton Studios. Under Supervising Director of Photography, Eric Adkins (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow) Shawn was responsible for lighting and shooting individual episodes of the stop-motion animated show. Shawn was then recruited to San Francisco for the series “Phantom Investigators” where he continued his work as a lighting cameraman. While working in stop-motion, he acquired a variety of visual effects skills including motion-control techniques, traveling mattes, and integrated lighting effects. He also had the opportunity to work with highly regarded Directors including: Mark Gustafson, Mike Johnson, Chel White, and John Logue.

Shawn’s entry into the film business began by landing a job at a local rental house, where he maintained equipment and loaded trucks. Once on set, he enjoyed the tutelage of an “A” list grip crew led by Key Grip, Bruce Lawson. Shawn continued to work with the crew for several years on a variety of projects, from feature films to national car spots. They reunited for Gus Van Sant’s film “Elephant” shot by Harris Savides, ASC.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Shawn travels regularly for work. Notable locations include Niger, and Morocco, West Africa.

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