Melyssa profile picture

Melyssa

Party like its 1929!..Oh, wait.

About Me

I'm in the final stretch at Los Angeles Film School. It's been a long ride, but I'm ready to toss the cap 'n gown for outside work. I'm in love with the art of filmmaking. Nothing is better than being around a camera and a camera crew who ooze 'positive waves' because they know who they are and what they're doing. I never been happier in my life, well perhaps when I'm travelling.
To date I've enjoyed working with DV (including the PS), High Definition, 16mm and 35mm film and cameras. I am a Director, Director of Photography, Assistant Cameraman, Production Designer, and Screenwriter. Along with several other HD thesis films I have DP-ed, I have directed, written, designed, and produced my own thesis entitled HER VIETNAM. Check my film page out at www.myspace.com/hervietnam.
I enjoy art house films and prefer European and Asian-influenced cinematography. Favorite directors include, David Lean, Akira Kurosawa, Terrence Malick, Alfred Hitchcock, Sergio Leone, and Roberto Rossellini to name a few. I also admire women in film, both in front and behind the camera and would like to develop my relationship with organizations that support such.

My Interests

Film, Film, Film. Other than that, traveling throughout Europe. I've been to Austria several times. Bavaria is absolutely stunning. I've wandered England, Wales, Northern Ireland & Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium, and a tad bit of Italy. Random interests include US and European military history, Big Band/Jazz, Sci-Fi, horseback riding, anything that has to do with Ingrid Bergman, Roberto Rossellini, and Isabella Rossellini - now that's a talented family.Being with my family.

I'd like to meet:

1. All film students, women in film, Battlestar Galactica TNS fans, Indie Film lovers, directors, cinematographers, production designers, screenwriters, artists, Vietnam nurse vets, Clinton supporters, Linda & Michelle loyalists.

Music:

Favorite Song of All Time: Stardust (Artie Shaw and Orchestra recording). Genres: Modern Classical, Philip Glass, Bear McCreary, Massive Attack, The Bravery, Imogen Heap (formerly of Frou Frou), Aerosmith, Enya, Barbara Streisand (saw her live!), my cousin's band KiteEatingTree, Big Band (Miller, Goodman, Lucky Millinder, Vince Lombardo, Andrews Sisters), Madonna, Dylan, Dido, KEANE, The Killers, ColdPlay, 4 Strings, Chemical Bros., John Williams, Boston Pops

Movies:

In General: All About Eve, Notorious, Casablanca, Lawrence of Arabia, Gaslight, The Bells of Saint Mary's, Joan of Arc, The Inn of Sixth Happiness, Chinatown, Chronicles of Narnia, Manderlay, HBO's Elizabeth I, The Queen, To Have and to Have Not, Kill Bill 1 and 2, The English Patient, Once Upon a Time in the West, Bambi, Blue Velvet, Spaceballs, Thin Red Line, Key Largo, Some Like it Hot, Sound of Music, A League of Their Own, Robin Hood, Noises Off, Run Lola Run, Lost in Translation, Erin Brokovich, Ben Hur, Open CityWWII films: Downfall (Der Untergang), 13 Rue Madeleine, Charlotte Gray, Thin Red Line, Dirty Dozen, Kelly's Heroes, Bridge over River Kwai, Pianist, Amy & Jaguar, The Longest Day, Casablanca.

Television:

Battlestar Galactica TNS, The History Channel, Nat Geo Channel, Discovery Channel, IFC

Books:

I love anything by Jaqueline Carey, Dan Brown, Steinbeck, Hemmingway. Books on film subjects including cinematography, editing, writing, directing (and specific directors), you name it. The Book of Kells, all pop-ups, Hillary Clinton's autobio is amazing...font

Heroes:

My family: The Hunters, Paynes, Prills, Velas, Woods, Gores. Wartime vets.

My Blog

Personal Influence in Film - My Inspiration

Top Ten Films 1. Lawrence of Arabia - The reason I became a director and cinematographer: beautiful execution. - An emotional stamp via glorious filmmaking and wicked writing. - A true epic with an am...
Posted by Melyssa on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 06:51:00 PST

Her Vietnam Short Film Link

Please visit the myspace page for my short film entitled, Her Vietnam. Stay tuned for the official screening date and the trailer under construction.Her Vietnam Short Film Link...
Posted by Melyssa on Mon, 07 May 2007 12:43:00 PST

Ingrid Bergman, Isabella Rossellini, Roberto Rossellini

Alright. Alright. I've been obsessing about Ingrid Bergman for a while. I feel I should finally blog about it. Enough is enough, she should be discussed more. Let's bring her back.The root of obsessio...
Posted by Melyssa on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:24:00 PST

Thesis - that's a wrap

Alright, it's been a few days since I wrapped my thesis. It's been hard to get over it, an emotional break up, if you will. I loved the experience. Loved the cast. Adored the crew. Damn it's been toug...
Posted by Melyssa on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 02:15:00 PST