Christopher (Topher) Maslanka
West Hollywood,CA
Summary
Talented freelance creative director offering an aptitude for developing innovative methods to bring creative visions to life. Possessing several years of demonstrated success in network and film projects to add value to the team.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Videographer
Montgomery Volunteer Fire Dept
Skillman, NJ
01.2013 - Current
- VP of website committee; Multimedia promotional content; Capture training exercises to improve teamwork; PR council.
- Set up and operate video cameras, audio recorders, lighting equipment, props, and other related production equipment.
- Edit raw footage into a final product using non-linear editing systems such as Adobe Premiere.
- Adjust sound levels of dialogue and music in order to create desired effects.
- Ensure continuity between shots by checking settings on equipment and positioning of subjects within the frame.
- Use professional grade drones to capture aerial footage from various heights.
Videographer & Editor
Timeshift Productions
New York
01.2010 - Current
- Freelance work that provides quick turnarounds of high quality cinematic videos for music, entertainment, and marketing purposes.
Creative Director/Cinematographer
Joji
NY & LA
01.2012 - Current
- Partnered with Joji Kusunoki from the early days.
- Evaluated new technologies and techniques to improve workflow efficiency.
- Negotiated contracts with acts while ensuring cost savings opportunities.
- Lead brainstorming sessions to generate ideas for upcoming videos.
- Reviewed and critiqued creative work, providing constructive feedback to ensure alignment with artist/brand standards and creative excellence.
- Created original concepts, art direction, and designs for multimedia projects.
- Oversaw the production of digital assets such as videos and websites.
- Capture live events such as concerts.
- Researched emerging trends in design and technology to stay ahead of industry changes.
B-Roll Coverage
Mr Beast
NJ
01.2022
- Coverage of the Opening of Mr Beast Burgers at the American Dream Mall and on stage
- Rollerbladed the line, getting fast-paced shots as well as interviews.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
MoCo Op/Set Designer
Buffalo Wild Wings
New York
01.2022
- Recreation of entire restaurant built inside studio within 5 days and use of high speed robotics.
- Collaborated with directors, producers, and other crew members to determine the overall look of a set.
- Inspected sets before filming began to ensure safety regulations were met.
- Attended rehearsals to make sure actors had enough room to move around comfortably within their environment.
- Assisted in dismantling completed sets once filming concluded.
- Managed project timelines and resources to remain under budget.
Specialty Shot
West Side Story
01.2021
- Opening Drone Shot and slow motion for Speilberg’s West Side Story.
- Performed pre-flight checks to ensure the drone was ready for operation.
- Operated drones in accordance with FAA regulations and safety guidelines.
- Analyzed aerial images to identify potential problems or areas of improvement.
- Researched applicable laws and regulations related to filming at specific locations.
- Managed communication between client and production team throughout the process of filming.
- Reviewed scripts prior to shoot days to identify potential issues or problems that could arise during filming.
- Provided support to production crew members throughout the filming process.
Robot Operator
Coca Cola
01.2019
- Macro slow motion liquid and product shots for the CocaCola Superbowl Commercial.
- Performed daily safety checks on robots and equipment to ensure optimal operation.
- Assisted in the set-up of cameras for studio productions as well as on-location shoots.
- Worked with directors and producers to determine best camera placement for production scenes.
- Operated remote control devices to adjust camera settings from afar during filming.
- Prepared shot lists prior to each shoot outlining specific frames needed for editing purposes.
- Ensured that all necessary cables were connected correctly before filming began.
- Conducted pre-production meetings with clients to discuss their needs and expectations for a project.
Album Movie
Beyonce “Black is King”
Brooklyn, NY
- Phantom Tech for Slow Motion Shots on Beyonce’s 2020 Album Movie.
- Set up and operate video cameras, audio recorders, lighting equipment, props, and other related production equipment.
- Organize and manage multiple camera angles during shoots.
- Direct actors during scenes to ensure the best results are achieved.
- Ensure continuity between shots by checking settings on equipment and positioning of subjects within the frame.
- Work with producers, directors and other staff members to discuss project goals before beginning filming process.
Education
Communication Arts - TV Radio Program Production Concentration
New York Institute of Technology
Manhattan01.2016
Skills
- Cinematographer experise
- Art Direction
- Phantom Slow Motion Tech
- Motion Control Operator
- Lighting/Color Design
- Video Editing Skills
- Equipment Setup
- Live event coverage
- Client Communication
- Commercial production
- Location Scouting
- Color Correction
- Timelapse/HyperLapse
- VHS Glitch
- Psychedelic Style
- Advanced experience Adobe Creative Suite
- Strategic Thinking
- Deadline-driven
Timeline
B-Roll Coverage
Mr Beast
01.2022
MoCo Op/Set Designer
Buffalo Wild Wings
01.2022
Specialty Shot
West Side Story
01.2021
Robot Operator
Coca Cola
01.2019
Videographer
Montgomery Volunteer Fire Dept
01.2013 - Current
Creative Director/Cinematographer
Joji
01.2012 - Current
Videographer & Editor
Timeshift Productions
01.2010 - Current
Album Movie
Beyonce “Black is King”
Communication Arts - TV Radio Program Production Concentration
New York Institute of Technology