2012 Digital Video All Stars: Kevin Shahinian

Kevin Shahinian is an award-winning filmmaker, graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts and founder of Los Angeles-based boutique production company Pacific Pictures, which produces live event, corporate and original concept projects for clients around the world. His groundbreaking work has been featured in EventDV, HDVideoPro, Videography and American Photo magazines, among others, which has led to partnerships with such companies as Canon, Adobe, Zacuto, Kessler and Cinevate.

Shahinian was featured in Zacuto’s original web series FilmFellas (discussions with influential and emerging new filmmakers making, creating and challenging the independent film scene), and he has been voted one of EventDV magazine’s Top 25 most influential event filmmakers numerous times. But perhaps the highest praise of all comes from DSLR proponent Philip Bloom, who calls him “one talented bastard.”

“Flawless,” Shahinian’s concept film shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II, was widely praised when it was presented at the 2011 NAB Show. It continues to inspire HDSLR filmmakers with its high production values and lush cinematography. A bold mix of action and romance, the film’s production spanned four nights on location in Los Angeles and included the use of a process trailer, a Porsche Cayenne stunt car and Gemini crane for a police chase scene.

Shahinian attributes his breakthrough work to his deep-rooted ties to storytelling. “It’s the medium itself, and my respect for the medium, that drives and inspires me,” he says. “The power to capture our dreams and relive memories is what I think film is all about, and exploring those themes is what I try to do in my work.”

Combining fiction and documentary filmmaking gives Shahinian a unique perspective as a filmmaker. “Having come from a traditional production background, it was natural for me to try to infuse fiction into a documentary piece,” he comments. “Live events, about real people and things, help me break down the role of fiction to understand which type of narrative best represents an historical event.”

It’s safe to say that we can continue to expect innovative work from Shahinian. “We try to do something new and different with every project,” he says. “Pushing the boundaries with no precedent can be scary, but hugely rewarding when you’re successful.”

Toolkit
Bogen/Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod and fluid head
Steadicam Flyer
Jimmy Jib Triangle
Glidecam HD-4000 camera stabilizer
Cinevate Ballare dolly
Cinevate mattebox and follow focus
Zacuto EVF
Zacuto Z-Finder
Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly Traveler
Kessler Crane Pocket Jib
Zoom H4n field recorders
Olympus handheld field recorders
Microphone Madness MatchStick lapel mics
FloLight MicroBeam LED light
Lowel Pro-light kit