COLINHDUFFY: director

This was a tough video for us to do on a budget because it required not only like six locations, but like at least four people to act/be in each scenario. And for those of you wondering, the train conductors DO watch those security cameras on the train cars so in this case; good for safety = bad for filming.

It took about 1hr before we were stopped, and at that point we’d already shot a wide, a tight, with variations. We got greedy and tried to get the turnaround just in case we were short in the editing room (we weren’t), and THAT’s when we got stopped by a super grumpy rail worker (redundant? hmm.). 

DEMO REEL (spring 2012)

I had to update it eventually, so here it is. Thanks to everyone who worked on these projects with me! And for those of you who didn’t, I hope you are filled with regret and/or envy until the day you die. Or at least for a little while. And if not filled, maybe you could harbor just a tinge of regret/envy. Maybe? Please. Seriously. Be sad.

Sincerely,

Colin

PEPSI: One World

Sometimes you kill yourself over a video and it’s for stuff that no one will ever notice, but has to get done, and in the end, the viewer will appreciate the result with no idea how much work it took to get there. And that’s fine— I’ll curse like crazy while it’s happening but I know it’s just part of it. That was especially the case with the #*@! Pringles shoot, and to an extent, the *$%# Droid Bionic shoot (see both below).

But this video to me is one of those rare ones where I think all the effort put in really shows, be it in terms of location or vfx-work, etc, so I am pretty happy about that.  So f#*k yeah!

DP’s: Aaron Moorhead, and Brian Barron, Editing/VFX: Aaron Moorhead, Composer: Dan Martinez, Starring: Joe Sofranko and Anita Vora

CADILLAC: Before There Were Roads

Did you see those windmills? Cool, right? Well they were TWO AND A HALF HOURS AWAY and we only used them for TWO FARKING SECONDS.

Apparently though they are part of what is the largest wind farm in the United States, just a couple hours north of LA. It was a pain to get to, but really cool to see. Just sprawling over the mountains and into the desert in every direction. I would say it’s worth a trip if you’re ever in the area, but honestly— no one is ever just “in the area”. But if you’re looking for a day-trip or adventure, might be worth checking out.

DP: Aaron Moorhead, Composer: Dan Martinez, Starring: Ray Chase, Will Harris, Amy Vorpah, Bertie Higgins, Jack Guimon, Joe Sofranko, Tybee Diskin

BENJAMIN MOORE: The Dream Is Real

Watch out for the half-second cameos from Brian (the DP), myself and Gio (producer) screaming and flailing around like girls at the very end.

Producer: Giordany Orellana, DP: Brian Barrow, Composer: Dan Martinez, VFX/Colorist: Aaron Moorhead, Starring: Kendall Foote, Kelsey Scott, Jack Guimon, Rocky Collins, Amy Vorpahl, Ray Chase and Will Harris

THE DORITO SUPERHERO ZOMBIE GENIUS

Here’s a Crash the Superbowl ad we did. I mean— a million dollars is too much money NOT to try for, right? And any chance you get to see someone smash their head through a fake cinder-block, I say you should take.

DP/VFX/Editor: Aaron Moorhead, PD: Melissa Lyon, Starring: Robert Hardin, JJ Dunlap and Rocky Collins

DROID BIONIC: Control It and You Control Everything

The title of this ad should be “How to work with 10 million feet of fishing line strewn everywhere”. Or maybe: “Colin Gets a Crash Course in Wire Removal and Plate Shots”

This was my first collaboration with composer Mike Kramer, who KILLED this track. We’ve had great experiences with composers in the past but this is still the only track to date that people have requested to buy it on its own.

It also features my favorite pratfall of all time by Ben Hethcoat, who was able to replicate that hit like 10 times in a row no-problem. The first time he did it, there was this horrible CRACK sound and after he fell, there was this nervous silence over the set. Turns out the only thing that was cracked was the door which had broken on his knee. And yes, his knee was fine. Apparently Ben is unbreakable? Idk. I guess to be safe I just won’t cast him in scrips involving swimming pools.

DP: Eric Clark, PD: Morgan Hall, Starring: Ben Hethcoat, Will Harris, and Amy Vorpahl

FRESHPET

My first made-for-broadcast TV ad! (and another Freshpet commercial coming soon!)

DP/Editor: Aaron Moorhead, Composer: Dan Martinez, Starring: Joe Sofranko, Lili Fuller and Lizzie Fabie

LIFE LOCK: Partial Protection

The other LifeLock ad we did for them. Nothing says “fun on a Friday night” like dumping a gallon of paint on the floor and having to clean it all up 20 minutes later.

DP: Ben Verhulst, Producer/PD: Andrew Adams, Starring: Jack Guimon, and Amy Vorpah. VO: Joe Sofranko