I'm Rod Veal. I'm a southern California resident via Chicago, IL. I've worked the last 16 years as a photojournalist for the Orange County Register. During that time, I shot a lot of interesting events and people from all walks of life. I've always thought of it as a stepping stone to directing films. I know they are huge differences but I thought if I could capture pretty images I was halfway home. I've learned in the intervening years the importance of story, structure, planning, sound, etc. Although I never met the man, I really admire the late Life photographer Gordan Parks and his career. I haven't had quite the career he has a photographer but I would like to continue to follow in his footsteps as a filmmaker. During my years with the Register, I was always volunteering to do video projects as I felt it was practice to become a filmmaker. Well, as you may have read on the INTERNET the newspaper industry has been struggling so last year I departed to pursue my passion for film. The time and opportunity were right. I'm hoping to collaborate as well as learn from filmmakers especially those that might be willing to mentor a fast and humble learner such as myself. I've read quite a bit on film and filmmaking as well as produced three narrative shorts, twenty or so news videos. I've written a short and a feature in horror although, I'm clear that I want to work in the drama genre as a director. I am currently developing a new screenplay as well. You can view my short that I completed last year here:
https://youtu.be/Pt7k2yv52Bg
To view my photography visit:
Unique traits: 18 years as profession newspaper photojournalist and web videographer. I'm relatively tall at 6'5". Was a singer in a gospel choir at as a teen as well as in high school theater. Experience with a lot of different camera systems. Canon and Nikon DSLRs. I've also shot with a Panasonic P2 HDV cam. Using a Sony a6000 currently. Can edit video in Final Cut Pro X as well as After Effects. I'm a competent sound editor with Apple's Garageband and Soundtrack software.
Bachelor(ette) Party: He Got Invited
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Film (short)
Director/Co-Writer
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
(1992-1997)