Through The Lens - Scene 3 - Justin Berger
WHO: Justin Berger
WHAT: Film, Video, Web
WHERE: SF BAY - Twitter - Facebook - Blog
Justin Berger makes Videos. Lots of Videos! He’s worked with DJ Shadow, Z-Trip, BMW, DJ Premier and Epitaph Records just to name a few.
He’s been making music videos for a while.
Here is one from early 2008, “Funky Hit Records” by Lyrics Born
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One of his most recent videos “Moving On Up” features 2 8Questions guests, Headnodic and Lateef The Truth Speaker
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Music Videos and websites aren’t the only thing this guy is working on. The next thing you are about to see is pretty cool!
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I am really looking forward to this show! To keep updated on all things “Help! I’m Alive” head on over to the main site http://helpimalive.tv/ .
Good stuff Justin. Lets get on to some questions shall we!!
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1. Why Video?
I’ve loved capturing video since I was a kid using my parents VHS camcorder. Something about manipulating video and being able to edit it and create this unique reality and perspective has always fascinated me. Whether it’s commercials, TV shows, music videos or movies, video just offers a more visceral experience, in my opinion, than any other form of art.
I guess there’s less left up to the imagination, but I feel that it pulls you in deeper because of that and feels more real and less abstract.
Video to me is the best tool for storytelling and communication. If a picture says a 1,000 words the right video says 1,000,000.
2. What is the #1 thing on your list of things/places/people to work with and why are they #1?
That’s not an easy question because there are so many.
I would say as far as “things”, working with a real 35mm movie camera would be #1. I’ve seen so many movies through that camera that to be able to use it to create my own movie/story would be the ultimate full circle experience for me.
Regarding “places”, I would love to shoot something in my hometown of Ellensburg, WA. I grew up there so I have a very unique perspective on the place. It’s a small college town and I think it would be a great place to visually tell a story.
The hardest one to answer would be “people”. So many great artists, actors and musicians I’d love to work with. If I had to pick one and say that they are my #1 I’d probably go with Steven Spielberg. He’s been a huge part of my movie going experience and also been a giant inspiration regarding directing.
To work with Spielberg I think would be not only another one of those full circle moments, but what I would learn and take in from the experience would be invaluable.
3. What was your first job as a kid and what did you learn from it?
My first job as a kid was a pooper scooper. My parents ride horses and growing up they were always in parades and when you have horses in parades you have to have someone cleaning up the shit, because it’s inevitable that some of the horses are gonna drop a few surprises. My brother and I were tasked with following behind and using a broom and shovel to “scoop the poop”. We got paid for it and I think what I learned from it is that I never want to have to make money cleaning up shit ever again.
4. Do you have any skills in the kitchen? If yes, what’s your signature dish, if no why the hell not?
I can make mac & cheese out of the box if that counts. Honestly I’m not much of a cook.
I prefer eating out rather than cooking myself because others can do a much better job than I can.
I liken it to fixing a car. Yeah, I could probably do it, but I’d much rather pay a professional to do it, and do it right.
5. If you could offer an aspiring videographer 1 piece of advice for improving the quality of their videos what would that be?
Lighting. Stop shooting in the dark and buy some freakin’ lights. Even low quality video looks better if it’s lit right.
That and use a goddamn Tripod.
6. What is the #1 Junk Food you just can’t ever refuse?
Anything with chocolate and peanut butter. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups would be a prime contender for junk food I can’t refuse.
7. If you could have 1 super power, what would it be and how would you use it?
This question I’ve without a doubt spent the most time pondering.
There’s too many super powers to choose from to pick just one.
If I HAVE to pick just one it’d probably be flight. Either that or invisibility.
I’m sure I would abuse both, but I would most certainly use them for good as well.
8. If $100,000 dropped in your lap right now what would you do with it?
Buy a new car and finance my own indie film.
Bonus Question: Now that you’ve tried it, what’s your opinion of GreenLight Jerky?
Green Light Jerky is pretty amazing. A lot of flavor and great to snack on. If anyone ever asks me what jerky I recommend, I’ll tell ‘em Green Light.
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Thanks for Playing Justin!
