Meet Brad Alexander | Cinematographer & Documentary Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brad Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brad, how do you think about risk?
I think for me, I wouldn’t have any real milestone accomplishments without having taken risks. It can be hard to grow and master your craft if you play things too safe. I just try to calculate those risks as best as I can. I figure it’s either going to pay off in the way of a victory, or i’m going to learn something and adapt if it doesn’t go how I think it will, both can be valuable.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So my main focus the last couple of years has really shifted to documentary projects. For a long time I spent the bulk of my time in advertising and brand content, but during the pandemic advertising was shut down, the agency I was at went on hiatus, and there was only so much time I could spend at home. I loved the extra time with my wife and kids, but before long I felt the need to create and express myself again.

By 2020, I had been working sporadically on a film with the Auschwitz Study Foundation for about 3 years. We were carving out a documentary about Auschwitz survivor Mel Mermelstein, but it was really a “ I’ll shoot when I have the time” type project. Now with plenty of time, we started shooting interviews and logging footage very consistently. I also had the time to edit sequences, write the treatment, and figure out how to put all this footage together. So thats what I put my time into day after day.

Present day we’re actually finalizing that film right now, and theres already interest in distribution, and I’m so thankful because the unwanted break from work is what allowed me to focus on what I really wanted to do. And it had ups and downs, and many drafts, but it’s been a process of growth that probably would not have come any other way.

In 2021 I also did a documentary short film on a local artist named Adam Palmer. More on his desire to break through as an artist, without conforming, how he looks at art, and coming to terms with an alcohol problem. I decided to enter some film festivals just to see if I could stand up with my peers. That film ended up screening 3 festivals and a competition, and gathered 2 awards in the process. I was really blown away, I hadn’t expected it, but it really cemented something for me.

I’m also in principal photography for a documentary feature film dealing with addiction and recovery. It’s the story of a guy who went from a middle class upbringing, to life on the streets in addiction, to getting sober. He started a family, and a business, and now he’s been helping other people in recovery for about 8 years. Then there is actually 2 other film ideas in talks and just a lot of possibilities.

I guess the only reason this is worth talking about is to say, I was always happy working on commercials, I still do a little brand work when it comes up, but I also cant imagine not leaping in this direction. My faith is important to me and I look at it as God has put it on my heart to try to lift up other peoples voices, and highlight issues, in an authentic way.

Going back to the risk question, I have had a couple job offers since 2021 that could have added stability, and set hours, but my wife Alyssa and I made the decision it was worth staying on the bumpier road. Not everything decision I make pays off right away, but I feel very encouraged with the work I do and the accomplishments in that process. Im really just happy to be behind a camera as often as I can be telling stories I think are valuable hopefully to someone out there.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Our go to place lately has been Pizza Port in Bressi Ranch. My wife and I go over their a lot, and let the kids run around, but when friends visit from Orange County thats my go to. They have something on tap for everyone, friendly staff, and good Za! I’m comfortable in crowds, but I love deep conversations in casual environments, so you’ll often find me at Bird Rock coffee too.

Walking around Carlsbad Village is never a bad time either. We just did sushi at Blue Ocean off Madison St and i’m a new fan.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I had the privilege to work under a guy named Dave Brumbley for years. He really shaped my thinking. We had both come from Oakley sunglasses. I was on the training team at the time, he was on the video team, but we both had left when I was recruited to work under him at a production company.

He changed how I looked at pacing edits, how to light a scene, frame compositions, and use lens choices to add to stories. The things he taught me have shaped how I shoot brand content, and documentaries, and i’m so grateful to him.

Website: www.wiseoldcrowmedia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiseoldcrowmedia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-alexander-41865146/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.alexander.334/

Other: https://vimeo.com/bradalexander