Here is a collection of some of my favorite scenes I have directed.

This scene is from Volume 8, Chapter 8 of RWBY. This episode was a lot of fun to Direct because it was the “horror” episode, so I was able to draw inspiration from some of my favorite films. Property of Rooster Teeth.

RWBY Volum9 Chapter 10. Property of Rooster Teeth.

This is the first part of the dinner scene from RWBY vol7 CH8. I liked the way the scene builds tension. The absurdity of the blocking is fun as well, in that the two sides dislike each other so much that they are on literal opposite sides of this huge table trying to have a political conversation. Property of Rooster Teeth.

This is an excerpt of a larger fight from RWBY Vol8 Ch03. This one was fun because of the way we designed the fight to happen on this stage, almost like a Smash Bros level. It was fun to explore the environment and how a fight with this many characters would play out with the restrictions of a narrow elevated walkway. Plus, this section of the fight its 1v4, which also adds an interesting dynamic in how to shoot it and when thinking about ways to keep everyone involved. Property of Rooster Teeth.

Our heroes find themselves having a conversation with their younger selves. I think this scene turned out great. The performances are stellar, and it’s visually stunning. The big orbit shot was challenging across departments, but we pulled it off. I especially thought the “rainbow smoke” turned out really neat. RWBY Vol9 Ch04 Property of Rooster Teeth.

Nothing too complex about this scene. I just really enjoyed showcasing the psychopathic, sadistic traits of this character. RWBY Vol7 Ch12. Property of Rooster Teeth.

I really liked the blocking in this scene. I like how I was able to convey to the audience who’s in control of this situation. Plus I really enjoy working on scenes with Villains. RWBY Vol7 Ch04 Property of Rooster Teeth.

Here is a short split-screen bit I directed. This one was challenging because so many moving pieces needed to come together from each department. RWBY Vol7 Ch08 Property of Rooster Teeth.

I Directed the Episodes these scenes are pulled from, but what did I do, really!?

I problem-solved a myriad of challenges with creative solutions. I stayed positive and reasonable throughout the process. I creatively drive the look from script to screen, Working with every part of the pipeline along the way. I balanced working on multiple episodes at a time in different stages of the pipeline. I had an in-depth “Kick off” with each department about how best to tell the story in relation to their work, so they had clear direction before beginning. I participated in regular reviews with each department to give notes and approvals. I also worked closely with the Supervisors and Producers at every stage of the pipeline to ensure we could tell the story we wanted while staying within production’s plan. I am in close contact with the Supervising Director to ensure my ideas align with the show as a whole.   

Once assigned a script, I take time to plan and prepare the episode. This requires me first to understand the story and the characters. I communicate any questions or ideas about the script to the Supervising Director and Writers. I develop ideas for scenes, shots, locations, and what everything should look and feel like. This initial planning stage is crucial and one of the most fun parts. Putting the work in here at the beginning, ensures the rest of the steps go smoothly. 

  • Helped with casting the actors for the parts. I direct the voice actors in the booth during VO sessions to get the performances I want for each line.

  • Provided the Art Department with any references and direction needed to help convey ideas for how things should look, be it rough sketches or references I found. I then work with the artists to finalize the concepts and, eventually, models, and look dev. 

  • Directed the Storyboard Artists and provided scene-blocking, top-downs, shot thumbnails, or rough storyboards, and a detailed script breakdown for how I wanted the scene to be shot.

  • I worked with the Edit team to time out the animatic with the storyboards and find the timing of the episodes before pushing down the pipe and eventually timing locking. 

  • Directed Layout when blocking out the scenes in 3D, based on storyboards and top downs. We get the first pass of locked cameras for the scenes before being passed off to animation.

  • Ensured the performances were what they should be based on each character and the story by working closely with the Animation Team.

  • Gave detailed notes to Final Camera Department for clean up/finesse that any cameras may need to new polished animation. 

  • Developed the Final look and feel of episodes with the Vis-Post team to get the lighting, comps, and VFX to match any of the Art Department’s concepts and provide reference and examples or drawovers needed to explain how any certain effects might look.

  • Wrote detailed breakdowns of each scene regarding mood and tone, character emotions, any callouts to previous cues or character motifs, and references for any song ideas to provide the Composers to determine what the music cues will sound like.

  • Worked with the Audio Department to help shape the episodes’ sound.

  • Provide any notes or ideas I may have per scene to the color team before they get started. I approve the final Color Correction 

  • Help with QC before final delivery.