I recruited Jan to work with me on my documentary CORNERSTONE in 2015 as Director of Photography. I have mentored him over the years and have watched him grow professionally and felt this project was perfect for his first experience as a DP. In this role he was allowed to take the lead managing the crew, handling the day to day shoots and working with me on the look of the film. Jan handled it with the utmost professionalism. Considering the challenging conditions, lack of resources, and time frame and shoot schedule, Jan managed to capture a beautiful film, manage a crew and follow my direction perfectly. I observed a confident filmmaker, beyond his years with a competent eye that complimented mine. He led with a firm but gentle approach with an inexperienced crew. Jan researched the project ad nauseum, learning everything he could about the location, language, culture and history. Obviously, he came "technically" prepared but he also was prepared to understand the nuances necessary to adapt to local customs and protocols. (You have NO IDEA how difficult it is to get people to do this!) It was very easy for me to direct with Jan at my side. He worked flawlessly with the associate producer (who I would also hire in a second!) and created a schedule, which enabled the team to accomplish everything we set out to do. Jan's problem solving skills were often put to the test and he did not disappoint me. It was a treat for me to be able to work side by side with him, bounce ideas back and forth, watching him shoot, knowing his footage was going to be beautiful! Another thing about Jan...he is humble. He will not spout off and bloviate about himself. That is rare in this business and it is a quality I appreciate and seek out. I would hire him in a NY minute hands down and will hire him for future projects. I would recommend you hire him too, but he will be too busy working for me!

I recruited Jan to work with me on my documentary CORNERSTONE in 2015 as Director of Photography. I have mentored him over the years and have watched him grow professionally and felt this project was perfect for his first experience as a DP. In this role he was allowed to take the lead managing the crew, handling the day to day shoots and working with me on the look of the film. Jan handled it with the utmost professionalism. Considering the challenging conditions, lack of resources, and time frame and shoot schedule, Jan managed to capture a beautiful film, manage a crew and follow my direction perfectly. I observed a confident filmmaker, beyond his years with a competent eye that complimented mine. He led with a firm but gentle approach with an inexperienced crew. Jan researched the project ad nauseum, learning everything he could about the location, language, culture and history. Obviously, he came "technically" prepared but he also was prepared to understand the nuances necessary to adapt to local customs and protocols. (You have NO IDEA how difficult it is to get people to do this!) It was very easy for me to direct with Jan at my side. He worked flawlessly with the associate producer (who I would also hire in a second!) and created a schedule, which enabled the team to accomplish everything we set out to do. Jan's problem solving skills were often put to the test and he did not disappoint me. It was a treat for me to be able to work side by side with him, bounce ideas back and forth, watching him shoot, knowing his footage was going to be beautiful! Another thing about Jan...he is humble. He will not spout off and bloviate about himself. That is rare in this business and it is a quality I appreciate and seek out. I would hire him in a NY minute hands down and will hire him for future projects. I would recommend you hire him too, but he will be too busy working for me!

I recruited Jan to work with me on my documentary CORNERSTONE in 2015 as Director of Photography. I have mentored him over the years and have watched him grow professionally and felt this project was perfect for his first experience as a DP. In this role he was allowed to take the lead managing the crew, handling the day to day shoots and working with me on the look of the film. Jan handled it with the utmost professionalism. Considering the challenging conditions, lack of resources, and time frame and shoot schedule, Jan managed to capture a beautiful film, manage a crew and follow my direction perfectly. I observed a confident filmmaker, beyond his years with a competent eye that complimented mine. He led with a firm but gentle approach with an inexperienced crew. Jan researched the project ad nauseum, learning everything he could about the location, language, culture and history. Obviously, he came "technically" prepared but he also was prepared to understand the nuances necessary to adapt to local customs and protocols. (You have NO IDEA how difficult it is to get people to do this!) It was very easy for me to direct with Jan at my side. He worked flawlessly with the associate producer (who I would also hire in a second!) and created a schedule, which enabled the team to accomplish everything we set out to do. Jan's problem solving skills were often put to the test and he did not disappoint me. It was a treat for me to be able to work side by side with him, bounce ideas back and forth, watching him shoot, knowing his footage was going to be beautiful! Another thing about Jan...he is humble. He will not spout off and bloviate about himself. That is rare in this business and it is a quality I appreciate and seek out. I would hire him in a NY minute hands down and will hire him for future projects. I would recommend you hire him too, but he will be too busy working for me!