Shawn shoots commercials, virals, and brand films for Fortune 500 companies such as NIKE, INTEL, HP, 3M, P&G as well as large regional companies. Recent narrative projects include FINAL GIRL, THE COMPANY OF THIEVES, BLUE ANGEL, THE LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY. Long-form narrative work includes stints as a Camera Operator and Second Unit DP on the TV Series LEVERAGE, the NBC movie IN MY SHOES, and DP on FREEDOM STATE.
It would have been hard to predict in 1993 that cleaning rust from the bottoms of grip trucks would prove to be a fortuitous start to Shawn’s film career. The subsequent on-set education and mentorship from several amazing professionals provided the real-world skill set needed to create powerful images.
Shawn’s transition from grip and electric into the camera department started in 1999 during his foray into stop motion animation at Will Vinton Studios. There he worked for 3 years as “Team Leader” on the prime-time series THE PJ’s. Subsequently, he filmed several other stop motion animation projects, including SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’S – TV FUNHOUSE, and the series PHANTOM INVESTIGATORS. Now working primarily in live-action, animation continues to inform Shawn’s work in the form of compositing, design, and in-camera effects.
A love for lighting is evident in the distinctive look that defines much of Shawn’s work. His cinematography is approached with an eye for practicality and achievable results. Shawn shoots a variety of cameras and formats, from 35mm to Super 8, Alexa to DV, RED to HDSLRs – whatever is the most appropriate choice to underscore the narrative.