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It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If this is the case, then a video (which is a series of pictures) is worth hundreds of thousands of words. This demo reel highlights a few projects that I've worked on over the last five years, including short films, feature films, training videos, interviews, music videos, commercials, etc. As the director, cinematographer, and editor, I delve into the visual storytelling and emotion of each project.
These video projects communicate more than words are capable of. Stories are told and revealed not only through dialogue, but through camera angles, music choice, editing style, color palette, etc.
Each project had its challenges and successes and brought forth increased learning and growth. For a deeper exploration of these details, visit the portfolio section below that describes these projects in depth.
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Director & Cinematographer
Demo Reel
Portfolio
Welcome to my portfolio. Here you’ll find a selection of my work. Explore my projects to learn more about what I do.
HYDRO PWR Promos
This recent project, demo and promo videos for HYDRO PWR Promos, showcases two engaging videos for a popular surface cleaner available on Amazon.
From conceptualizing shot-lists and production schedules to executing filming and editing, I ensured every aspect of the video accurately captured the product's function and purpose while demonstrating its ease of use.
Client satisfaction was paramount, with constant review and approval throughout the intricate process.
From conceptualizing shot-lists and production schedules to executing filming and editing, I ensured every aspect of the video accurately captured the product's function and purpose while demonstrating its ease of use.
Client satisfaction was paramount, with constant review and approval throughout the intricate process.
RxFit Introduction Video
RxFit, a functional fitness gym, commissioned me to create a video that could explain the process of joining their gym, getting to know their coaches, programs and mentors.
Over the course of a two months, I planned interviews, shots, music selection, locations, etc. and filmed / edited the video to be what the client needed.
Over the course of a two months, I planned interviews, shots, music selection, locations, etc. and filmed / edited the video to be what the client needed.
Social Media - Content Creation
Content creation for social media comes in many forms - photos, videos, reels, stories, etc. This type of creativity requires focus, organization and fore sight. Each client has their own style and brand that social media is meant to echo online.
As a Social Media Content Creator at Trove Brands, I create content for each of their 5 brands on a weekly basis. These brands thrive on social media and bring hundreds of thousands of views, likes, comments and follows each week.
While working with my previous client, Kainoa's Hawaiian Grill, I helped generate 100+ followers, 60+ posts and high amounts of engagements from followers and non-followers over the course of a year.
Below are some examples of the content creation I have made for Trove Brands' various pages and Kainoa's Instagram / Facebook pages. I wrote, photographed/filmed, edited and marketed these materials on their social media platforms.
As a Social Media Content Creator at Trove Brands, I create content for each of their 5 brands on a weekly basis. These brands thrive on social media and bring hundreds of thousands of views, likes, comments and follows each week.
While working with my previous client, Kainoa's Hawaiian Grill, I helped generate 100+ followers, 60+ posts and high amounts of engagements from followers and non-followers over the course of a year.
Below are some examples of the content creation I have made for Trove Brands' various pages and Kainoa's Instagram / Facebook pages. I wrote, photographed/filmed, edited and marketed these materials on their social media platforms.
"Wanderer" - Feature Film (2024)
Standing as the largest project during my time as a filmmaker, "Wanderer" taught me the most about collaboration, resourcefulness, cinematography, preparation and marketing.
Over the course of many months of planning and preparation, Amanda Ellis (my wife) and I were able to generate $6,000 from a Kickstarter campaign for our budget.
Filming began July 1st and ended August 5th (with an additional pick-up scene shot February 2024.) The entire project was filmed in 10 days and edited between August 2023 and March 2024.
The film began as a passion project but was also used as a Senior Capstone project for my graduation at Brigham Young University Idaho. "Wanderer" will be used for various film festivals and hopefully make its way to streaming services in the following months.
PREMISE
Walter Hughes, an overworked and stressed accountant struggles to balance his work and home life effectively. His wife misses him being present, his boss demands his time and attention, and Walter is sleep deprived and exhausted. While on a weekend getaway, Walter wanders away from camp and becomes lost in the forest. His journey begins as he struggles to survive - hoping to be found.
A story about priorities, communication, and family, "Wanderer" is about focusing on what is most important when tension and stress are high.
Feature Film directed, produced & edited by David Ellis. Co-produced by Amanda Ellis. Story written by Evan Rosencrantz. Music composed by Josh Hendrickson
Over the course of many months of planning and preparation, Amanda Ellis (my wife) and I were able to generate $6,000 from a Kickstarter campaign for our budget.
Filming began July 1st and ended August 5th (with an additional pick-up scene shot February 2024.) The entire project was filmed in 10 days and edited between August 2023 and March 2024.
The film began as a passion project but was also used as a Senior Capstone project for my graduation at Brigham Young University Idaho. "Wanderer" will be used for various film festivals and hopefully make its way to streaming services in the following months.
PREMISE
Walter Hughes, an overworked and stressed accountant struggles to balance his work and home life effectively. His wife misses him being present, his boss demands his time and attention, and Walter is sleep deprived and exhausted. While on a weekend getaway, Walter wanders away from camp and becomes lost in the forest. His journey begins as he struggles to survive - hoping to be found.
A story about priorities, communication, and family, "Wanderer" is about focusing on what is most important when tension and stress are high.
Feature Film directed, produced & edited by David Ellis. Co-produced by Amanda Ellis. Story written by Evan Rosencrantz. Music composed by Josh Hendrickson
Outdoor Portrait Photography
Photography is a captured moment in time. Perhaps a good memory, perhaps a bad. Whether the image is candid, staged or a mixture of both, the photo tells a story and connects with the audience in some fashion.
As a photographer, I strive for technically beautiful images that also focus on the story of the individual. Stories can be told with props, costumes, lighting, make-up, colors, framing, depth, etc. All of these aspects are considered as I tell stories through photos.
Senior portraits, themed photoshoots, events, weddings, family portraits, etc. All of these images are highlights from my outdoor photography.
As a photographer, I strive for technically beautiful images that also focus on the story of the individual. Stories can be told with props, costumes, lighting, make-up, colors, framing, depth, etc. All of these aspects are considered as I tell stories through photos.
Senior portraits, themed photoshoots, events, weddings, family portraits, etc. All of these images are highlights from my outdoor photography.
"Returning" - Short Film (2022)
Compelling stories often sprout from conflicted relationships - perhaps with a sibling, a parent, a spouse or something similar. I'm fascinated by the emotional journey characters can go on when they hold grudges, strive for forgiveness or long for love.
This short film, "Returning," is all about conflicted relationships.
"Returning" is an 8-minute short film that portrays the relationship between two brothers after the younger, and more rebellious brother, returns home and finds his older brother upset with the welcome & reward this wayward sibling receives.
This short film was created as part of the Musicbed 2022 short film competition and had a 90-day deadline from start to finish. My writer and main actor, Evan Rosencrantz, and I worked to write the story and script for roughly 30 days. I took on the pre-production logistics (casting, location scouting, shot listing, table reads, etc.), filming responsibilities, and post-production roles.
Though the competition didn't rule in our favor, I still learned some valuable lessons about efficiency, networking, and communication. One of the highlights of this film project came while working with my actors during pre-production script reading sessions to develop chemistry and character - which allowed their conflict to be magnified.
Please enjoy the short film above and various behind the scenes.
CREDITS
Directed & produced by David Ellis, written by Evan Rosencrantz and edited by David Ellis.
Starring: Evan Rosencrantz, Braxton Allgood, Daren Stegelmeier & Marcelle Stegelmeier.
This short film, "Returning," is all about conflicted relationships.
"Returning" is an 8-minute short film that portrays the relationship between two brothers after the younger, and more rebellious brother, returns home and finds his older brother upset with the welcome & reward this wayward sibling receives.
This short film was created as part of the Musicbed 2022 short film competition and had a 90-day deadline from start to finish. My writer and main actor, Evan Rosencrantz, and I worked to write the story and script for roughly 30 days. I took on the pre-production logistics (casting, location scouting, shot listing, table reads, etc.), filming responsibilities, and post-production roles.
Though the competition didn't rule in our favor, I still learned some valuable lessons about efficiency, networking, and communication. One of the highlights of this film project came while working with my actors during pre-production script reading sessions to develop chemistry and character - which allowed their conflict to be magnified.
Please enjoy the short film above and various behind the scenes.
CREDITS
Directed & produced by David Ellis, written by Evan Rosencrantz and edited by David Ellis.
Starring: Evan Rosencrantz, Braxton Allgood, Daren Stegelmeier & Marcelle Stegelmeier.
Studio Portrait Photography
Sometimes the outdoors just won't cooperate and give the needed effect for the photos we want. Studio photography allows stories to morph and change into something unique. Colors, shadows, highlights, depth, etc. can be extraordinarily controlled and adjusted based on the needs of the image.
My studio photography experience brings studio lights, backdrops, fog machines, props, colors, etc. all of which are focused on communicating a message or story.
My studio photography experience brings studio lights, backdrops, fog machines, props, colors, etc. all of which are focused on communicating a message or story.
Jailhouse Rock - Music Video
"Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley is a classic rock song that almost everyone can recognize. With a modern-day approach, my team and I created a music video for this memorable song.
"Assassin's Chase" - Short Film (2019)
Abigail Tross (Isabelle Delton), a successful assassin, is approached by a mysterious man (Evan Rosencrantz) willing to pay a sum of 15 million dollars for the assassination of an unknown and highly lethal target. Tross, along with eight other mercenaries, is given four days to kill and return the target to their employer; however, a key piece of information about the target is left out.
Short film Directed by David Ellis, written by Evan Rosencrantz and produced by David Ellis & Bret Ellis. Movie Runtime: 36 minutes
Starring: Isabelle Delton, Ethan Pickard, Jacob Ellis, Mike Marambio & Evan Rosencrantz.
Short film Directed by David Ellis, written by Evan Rosencrantz and produced by David Ellis & Bret Ellis. Movie Runtime: 36 minutes
Starring: Isabelle Delton, Ethan Pickard, Jacob Ellis, Mike Marambio & Evan Rosencrantz.
"The Most Dangerous Game" - Feature Film (2019)
Story Synopsis: Sanger Rainsford (Evan Rosencrantz), a world-renowned hunter, is shipwrecked on an Island off the coast of the Caribbean. There he finds a man by the name of General Zaroff (Braxton Allgood) who is a private huntsman but is highly skilled. Rainsford soon discovers that Zaroff hunts men for sport and is challenged to a duel. Rainsford is given three days to avoid General Zaroff, and if he manages to... he leaves the Island. If he doesn't, he dies. The only problem is... General Zaroff has never lost.
Feature length student film Directed by David Ellis, written by Evan Rosencrantz and produced by David Ellis & Bret Ellis. Based on the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" written by Richard Connell (1920.) Project created for Senior Capstone. Movie Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Starring: Evan Rosencrantz, Braxton Allgood, Ethan Pickard, & Bryan Ellis. Featuring Jacob Ellis, Isabelle Delton, Brayden Hodges, & Devan Martinez.
Feature length student film Directed by David Ellis, written by Evan Rosencrantz and produced by David Ellis & Bret Ellis. Based on the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" written by Richard Connell (1920.) Project created for Senior Capstone. Movie Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Starring: Evan Rosencrantz, Braxton Allgood, Ethan Pickard, & Bryan Ellis. Featuring Jacob Ellis, Isabelle Delton, Brayden Hodges, & Devan Martinez.
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