This month we sat down with production manager James Brown of the San Diego based studio, EPIC Productions. Read his story.
La Jolla-based EPIC Productions is an award winning creative agency specializing in video production. EPIC produces a variety of content for clients worldwide including television commercials, documercials, marketing videos and web videos. Besides its international projects, EPIC is working with an increasing number of clients in San Diego, helping them reach their targeted audiences with innovative multimedia campaigns.
NBFX: Hi James. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got into cinematography?
James: I started my TV production career as a ‘runner’ at MTV Europe in London back in 1997. I researched ideas for shows, wrote scripts, coordinated bands for live music shows, logged tapes, learned how to ‘floor manage’, oversaw edits, photocopied and generally ran around trying to make myself useful and learn…and I made a lot of cups of tea! I subsequently worked as an assistant producer and then producer on a variety of programing genres for different production companies including sports, TV drama, news, chat shows and business. These days I write, produce and direct commercials, documentaries, marketing videos and web videos for EPIC. I also shoot and edit my own films in my spare time.
NBFX: So tell us a little bit about EPIC and your role.
James: As Production Manager I oversee everything from research, concept development and scriptwriting through to filming and post production. We do a lot of filming in different parts of the world, particularly in emerging markets, so the logistics aspect is also a very important part of my job. Diversity is what makes the job fun and we enjoy getting involved in projects ranging from branding campaigns for countries to sleek web videos for start-up companies.
NBFX: So how did you hear about NewBlueFX?
James: A friend suggested I check out the site and trial a few products. I’m always on the lookout for innovative tools and software that can add some X factor to our productions. I was impressed by the product range and the value on offer.
NBFX: Give us an example of how you plug-ins enable you to streamline your work.
James: Having cost-effective, user-friendly tools for audio fixes/enhancements, color correction and special effects allows you to keep more of your edit in-house, streamline your workflow and ultimately control costs. Once you get to grips with any new piece of software, it quickly becomes invaluable and you wonder how you survived without it.
NBFX: Can you talk about any upcoming projects and why you’re excited about them?
James: We’re currently working on a documentary about Ghana. We have filmed quite extensively in Africa in recent years and are determined to continue bringing positive stories about Africa to an international audience. We have some green screen shoots coming up which I’m looking forward to, and I’m generally excited to be working with some really dynamic companies and organizations here in San Diego.
To see some recent examples of EPIC’s work check out the links below:
San Diego Beacon e Health Community – Overview Video
Beacon Project - Overview from EPIC Global Media on Vimeo.
Namport (Namibia Ports Authority) corporate video
