The Awakening Fire was often compared to BARAKA, this spiritually themed short documentary is an ethereal blend of ‘life in and out of balance’ visuals interlaced with pertinent and thought provoking interviews.
In the spring of 2007 the Shinnyo-en prayer ceremony for World Peace was opened to the public for the first time. People from all over the world attended this “Saito Homa' fire service. “The Awakening Fire: A Buddist Prayer for Peace” offers a fascinating glimpse into this unique sect of Buddhism. Shinnyo-en’s history, evolution, and humanitarian efforts around the world will be introduced.
With an accomplished career as a Director of Photography, Barry got his start
as a camera intern on Michael Ballhous’, Outbreak. Working his way up from focus puller to camera operator on both commercials and feature films such as John Gaitin’s Dreamer, Emilio Esteves’ Bobby, and most recently as 2nd unit cinematographer on Powder Blue, directed by Timothy Lin Bui, starring Forrest Whitaker and Jessica Biel.
As Barry’s feature film credits accrued, his career shooting commercials took off with clients like The US Navy, Snickers, Coors, Bacardi and State Farm. Working on more than 300 commercials under great cinematographers such as Vittorio Storaro and Darius Khondji, traveling the world and being exposed to a great variety of environments and circumstances, he continues to develop his aesthetic and expand his resumé.
Growing up with a race-car driver dad and spending his childhood shooting 8mm movies at racetracks around the country, Barry had automobiles in his DNA. So, entering the rarified world of television commercials for the automotive industry was a natural fit. Now taking his place beside the top talent in car commercials, he has shot highly creative and visually stunning spots for Ford, Chevrolet, Renault, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Alpha Romeo amongst others.
As digital technology exploded, Barry started incorporating CG in his work, combining his extensive knowledge of film and exploring brand new digital imaging, creating extremely imaginative spots. Continually breaking new creative ground with director Paul Street of Believe Media, the two pulled off such visual magic tricks as in the hit US Navy commercial where they seamlessly move one actor as multiple characters within through different scenarios within an a working aircraft carrier, using motion control, a first on such a vessel.
With a long-lasting love for documentaries and taking much inspiration from filmmakers like Erroll Morris and Ken Burns, Barry answered the call by co-directing and shooting a gorgeous and evocative short film called AWAKENING FIRE about a Buddhist sect, the Shinnyo-En, and their quest and prayer for peace. Pursuing this passion further, he has begun research on a feature documentary exploring the current state of Bluegrass and American roots music, with director Elleroy Kamihira.
Greg Daniels: Cinematographer/DP, Director
Having to move around the country several times as a young boy, Greg discovered that his passion for photography was a way of connecting with each new location. With an old Polaroid camera, Greg would shoot the landscapes and people of each new town he moved to. Limited funds for film however, meant having to determine each shot carefully. Little did he know, this early discipline with composition and exposure was the foundation for his first career as a cinematographer. Working up through the camera ranks, Greg drew from the experiences of working under two Academy award-winning cinematographers and has forged a style of photography where high energy converges with ethereal beauty.
Greg has shot for directors such as Ellen Von Unwerth, Theresa Wingert and legendary filmmaker Errol Morris. Recently collaborating with Paul Santana on an American Lung Association PSA, Greg has tapped the possibilities of the future by combining High Definition camera work with CG effects. The spot earned an AICP award for best PSA in 2006, and has become part of the permanent collection in New York’s Museum of Modern Art..
Recently, Greg settled into the role of Director/Cameraman blending his love of photography with the fine distinction of storytelling. Shooting in several countries throughout Asia, South America, Europe and Africa, has lent a worldly perspective to his projects.
