Wreckless Crew Productions has hired MJD to lens the forthcoming music video from Reezy and his track "Only You". Directed by Brandon Frank, the music video goes to camera on the RED in London, Ontario on June 12, 2010. To find out more about Reezy, visit him at the BOC Entertainment website by clicking HERE.
From director Sam Catalfamo (OCAD University), the MJD lensed 35mm film Teen Getaway wins BEST FILM at the 2010 TIFF Student Film Showcase in Toronto on May 26, 2010. Jurors director Bruce Sweeney (Last Wedding), film critic Matthew Hays and Director Guild of Canada’s T.W. Peacocke selected Teen Getaway for the top spot from over 500 submissions across Canada.
Wreckless Crew Productions has hired MJD to lens the forthcoming music video from the highly anticipated solo album from veteran rocker Rose Cora Perry (ex Anti-Hero). Directed by Brandon Frank, the HD music video for the track "Mad World" goes to camera in London, Ontario on May 27, 2010. To find out more about Rose and to hear the new single, visit her on the web by clicking HERE.
Wreckless Crew Productions has hired MJD to lens the forthcoming music video from Jack Richardson Music Award winner, Ben G. Directed by Brandon Frank, the HD music video for the track "Getaway" goes to camera in London, Ontario on May 22, 2010. To find out more about Ben G and to hear the new single, visit him on the web by clicking HERE.
Trainhop Productions director Ken Galloway (Ways on Wheels) has hired MJD to lens the first music video from Freshly Fresh (URBnet / Stereoeagle), the forthcoming album from Don Cash, for the track Merry Go Round. The video goes to camera on the Canon 7D in riding Toronto's subway lines for the entire day, May 21, 2010. To find out more about Don Cash and his new record, visit him HERE.
The hilarious national broadcast spot lensed by MJD for TekSavvy Solutions Inc., starring former NHLer Georges Laraque, rolls out in the Cineplex theatres digital pre-show across Ontario on May 7, 2010 with the release of Iron Man II. Look out for a viral campaign to follow via social networking on the web.
From director Stephanie Joalland, MJD has been attached to lens the forthcoming feature film The Calling, a supernatural thriller produced by Sean McConville (Deadline, starring Brittany Murphy and Thora Birch). Synopsis: After a terrible accident claims the life of her beloved husband, Ellie tries to reclaim her life with the help of her new caregiver, Nathan. When strange things begin to happen around the old, empty house, Ellie begins to suspect that things may not be as they seem. The teaser trailer goes to camera on the RED in the Annex, Toronto on May 1, 2010.
Catch these MJD-lensed films gathering steam on the festival circuit:
Eyes Beyond (dir. Daniel Reininghaus)
Barebones International Film Fest, Muskogee Oklahoma USA, April 23
Indy Horror Film Festival, Somers Wisconsin USA, May 1
The Tragedy of Henry J. Bellini (dir. Martin Edralin)
Sharpcuts Film Festival, Guelph Ontario, May 5
Okanagan International Film Festival, Kelowna, BC. July 21 to July 25
Trainhop Productions director Ken Galloway (Ways on Wheels) has hired MJD to lens the first music video from Vaudeville, the forthcoming album from 2009 ECHO Songwriting Prize winner D-Sisive. The track West Coast features Jason Schwartzman (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, The Darjeeling Limited). The video goes to camera on the Canon 7D in High Park, Toronto April 19, 2010. To hear the single, visit D-Sisive on the web by clicking HERE.
The music video for Muneshine's single Gotta Feeling (feat. D-Sisive and ShadK) hit #2 on the Much Music Rap City playlist. MJD lensed the ShadK portions of the video, directed by Kew Galloway from Trainhop Productions and produced by Supinder Wraich (Textuality, The Border). Check it out HERE or the video itself on the Much site by clicking HERE.
The MJD-lensed horror feature Nostrum premiered at the Acacia Theatre in Toronto April 11, 2010. Super Channel has bought Canadian broadcast rights to the film and it premieres across Canada on Super Channel HD2 May 14, 2010 at 9:00PM. Directed by Jonathan Wright, and executive produced by Michael Baker, the film is also slated for a Canadian DVD release. Details to follow. For premiere details, check Nostrum out on Super Channel by clicking HERE.
Circle Research have launched the EPK for their forthcoming album Gardiner Express, to be release April 20, 2010 on URBNET Records (home to D-Sisive, Grand Analogue, Moka Only). Directed by Ken Galloway from Trainhop Productions (Ways on Wheels) and produced by Eric Sim, the MJD-lensed EPK is available for viewing by clicking HERE.
John "Skilly" Sciliberto, concert promoter and CEO of Indestructible Entertainment has hired MJD to shoot the Chatham Ontario finals of the MuchMusic disBAND Season 2 tour. The shoot will highlight performances by finalists and interviews with disBAND judges Greig Nori (Treble Charger, Sum41 producer/manager), Colin Lewis (VP The Agency Group) and Mark Spicoluk (A&R Universal Music Canada and Gene Simmons' Simmons Records). The project goes to camera in HD on Thursday, April 1st in Chatham Ontario Canada. To find out more about Indestructible, visit them on the web by clicking HERE and to find out more about disBAND Season 2 click HERE.
Trainhop Productions director Ken Galloway has brought MJD onboard to lens material for the upcoming Circle Research epk. The URBNET (home to D-Sisive, Grand Analogue, Moka Only, Muneshine) recording artists Circle Research, made up of well-respected hiphop producer duo Nik T and Gil, plan to launch the epk to coincide with their forthcoming URBNET album Gardiner Express dropping April 20, 2010. The EPK goes to camera in Toronto Canada on Saturday, March 20, 2010 in HD. To find out more about CR, visit them on the web by clicking HERE.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE It's official: CSC Associate member Michael Jari Davidson has been named as a Director Ex-officio of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers. Check 'From the President' in the March 2010 issue of Canadian Cinematographer for the announcement from Joan Hutton, CSC. Michael is both humbled and excited with the opportunity given to him by the CSC Executive.
Assistant Professor Kim Nelson has invited Michael as a guest speaker to deliver a cinematography lecture to her film production students at the University of Windsor, in Windsor, Ontario Canada. In keeping with his desire to give back to the community, Michael has accepted the invitation and will be speaking with students at length regarding the art and craft of cinematography on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010.
MJD-lensed music video for Kastro tha Mac's "Crush (On You)" now online for viewing. Watch in 720p full-screen. Click HERE to view the video online.
TekSavvy Solutions Inc. has hired MJD to lens their upcoming national broadcast commercial and accompanying viral campaign. Former Montreal Canadien and Edmonton Oiler (now free agent) Georges Laraque will be in Chatham, Ontario to announce that he is the new TekSavvy spokesperson February 27th. While in town, MJD will lens a national broadcast spot starring Mr. Laraque, which TekSavvy plans to air nationally on TSN during the NHL playoffs. The spot goes to camera on the RED One starting February 28, 2010 in Chatham Canada. Visit TekSavvy on the web by clicking HERE.
Zee Films has hired MJD to lens the forthcoming music video from indie rocker Jacelyn Holmes (Billy Madison, In the Mouth of Madness). Directed by Tony Smith, the video for the track "Growing Up" goes to camera on the RED One in Toronto, Ontario February 27, 2010.
Escape Studios Inc. has hired MJD to lens the forthcoming music video from hiphop / electro-pop artist Kastro tha Mac (AKA Kice Soroor). Directed by Jay Chaudhry, the HD music video for the track "Crush (On You)" goes to camera in Toronto, Ontario on February 21, 2010. To find out more about Kastro, visit him on the web by clicking HERE.
Wreckless Crew Productions has hired MJD to lens the forthcoming music video from RNB pop artist Laura G. Directed by Brandon Frank, the HD music video for the track "Tears are Falling" goes to camera in London, Ontario on February 13, 2010. To find out more about Laura G, visit her on the web by clicking HERE.
Toronto-based production agency Studio M has hired MJD to lens a series of webinars for global giant Procter & Gamble. Hosted by Erica Ehm (of Much Music / Yummymummyclub.ca fame), the webinars will showcase sound advice from experts in the fields of décor, parenting and shopping. The webinars go to camera in midtown Toronto, shooting with dual Canon 7D's, on Thursday, January 28, 2010.
Another Woman Films has hired MJD to lens the upcoming film by co-writers / directors Chris Goodwin and Sonny Ganz, Words of Goodbye. A series of four concurrent stories run parallel and touch upon themes of loss, isolation, and despair in this short HD drama. Words of Goodbye goes to camera in Toronto, Ontario on January 16th, 2010.
Urban clothing company Classic and Park presents the music video release party for Muneshine's 'Gotta Feelin' music video, featuring D-Sisive and ShadK. (Ed. note MJD lensed the Juno-nominee ShadK's verses in the video). With live performances by Munshine and D-Sisive, $5 bucks at the door gets you a drink as well. Join us at The Baitshop, 358 Dufferin, Toronto Ontario. Check out the poster HERE for deets.
MJD was one of four professionals on hand at the annual Film 101 Festival in Chatham Ontario. Teachers from local high schools were invited to bring their communications / arts students to St. Clair College, Thames Campus for the one-day workshop series. The festival combines a student film competition with a series of film production workshops, and screenings of selected films from the National Film Board of Canada archives. The festival was presented by TVCOGECO in partnership with the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton regional Boards of Education.
The MJD lensed music video for Cambridge Ontario-based punk band Last One Out, saw it's Canadian broadcast premiere on Much Music in December 2009. The video, directed by Tony Smith, has been aired on MuchLOUD and The Punk Show. Check it out HERE or the video itself on the Much site by clicking HERE.
MJD made a guest appearance on the Toronto Jay show with director Daniel Reininghaus and actor Robert Nolan. Hosts Jay Stoyan and Sandy Duarte interviewed the trio for details on the short film Eyes Beyond, lensed by MJD on the RED One camera system in 4K. Find out exclusive details and see a sneak peak of the film by watching the interview HERE.
Media coverage from CHCH News Hamilton of the film Burning Amber. A new supernatural thriller from writer/director Paul Roberts, starring Veronika London, Wojtek Skrzeta, Robert Nolan, Scott Cavalheiro, Stefania Indelicato and John Board. Co-produced by cinematographer Michael Jari Davidson and Jeremy Shell. Click HERE to view the story.
The Windsor International Film Festival has invited MJD to speak at their "No Dreaming Aloud! The Facts and Future of Filmmaking in Windsor" panel discussion. Co-moderated by the Windsor Star’s Craig Pearson and WIFF programmer Otto Buj (Primordial Ties, The Eternal Present), the panel gathers ten filmmakers together to dismiss myths and to discuss the realities of what it will take to create a sustainable regional film industry. The discussion begins at 11:00AM at the Capitol Theatre & Arts Centre, in Windsor Ontario on Saturday, November 14th. Coincidentally, WIFF screens Lester Alfonso's NFB doc Twelve at the Capital Theatre the same day starting at 2:40PM. MJD worked camera department on one leg of the film's production and will be in attendance to reunite with the director.
Just announced, three of MJD's films are Official Selections at the London Short Film Showcase, happening November 6th to 8th, 2009 in London, Ontario, Canada. On Saturday, November 7th at 1:30PM, directors Colin Thomas Campbell and Brandon Frank's short film Down By the River Lived screens. On Saturday, November 7th at 3:00PM it's MJD's cult-classic zombie film Run Like Hell. Shot in super 16mm, the film stars Christina Notto (Max Payne, Saw V) and Robert Nolan (Eyes Beyond, Lucky 7, Cold Blood 2). Also screening, the teaser trailer for the upcoming feature film Burning Amber, written and directed by Paul Roberts, produced by MJD, executive produced by Jeremy Shell, and starring Veronika London (Lingerie). Time and date TBA. MJD is scheduled to produce and lens the feature in 2010. For tickets and more information, visit LSFS by clicking HERE.
Train Hop Productions has hired Michael to lens the upcoming music video for 2008 Juno Nominee, ShadK, featured on the track Gotta Feeling by Muneshine. Recently dubbed "Canada's best rapper" by the National Post and "one of the wittiest lyricists in hip hop" by Toronto's NOW Magazine, ShadK's video goes to camera Monday, September 28th at an undisclosed hardware store in downtown Toronto. For more info, visit ShadK online at ShadK.com.
Writer/director Daniel Reininghaus has hired Michael to lens his upcoming horror/thriller, Eyes Beyond. Staring Robert Nolan (Lucky 7, Cold Blood 2) and Kelly-Marie Murtha (The Asylum), the film follows the Morales brothers as they invite their next door neighbours over for lunch, but a moral dilemma turns lunch into a spiralling nightmare for the Rogers family. Also attached: SPFX makeup by the Brother's Gore FX (Scarce). Principle photography for Eyes Beyond, shooting on the RED, begins in the GTA October 5th, 2009.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Writer/Director Paul Roberts and Executive producer Jeremy Shell have hired DOP Michael Jari Davidson to produce/lens Roberts' latest project, Burning Amber. Shooting on the RED, the film follows its heroes as they escape a city in chaos, threatened by ancient evil, awakened by an arsonist. Starring Veronika London (Lingerie) and Robert Nolan (Lucky 7, Cold Blood 2). Also attached: Production designer Marc Gabbana (Star Wars 1&2, Matrix 2&3, Hellboy, War of the Worlds), CGI by GhostFX and SPFX makeup by the Brothers Gore FX. Trailer release date: early 2010. The production is seeking financing partners to finish the feature film in 2010.
Writer/director Sam Catalfamo has brought Michael onboard to lens his upcoming 35mm film, Teen Getaway. Reminiscent of Tarkovsky, the film follows two nouveau-riche teens Jamie and Zack, bored with their hazy, drug-induced scene, as they escape in search of something real and pure. Teen Getaway goes to camera in Brampton, Ontario on September 4, 2009.
The St. Clair Regional Conservation Authority (SCRCA) has contracted Michael to shoot a music video for their River RAP classroom education program to be distributed across the Province of Ontario. The video will be used to convey information on Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) and restoring Areas of Concern within the Great Lakes basin. The HD project goes to camera at various locations along the St. Clair River starting in Sarnia, Ontario on August 24, 2009.
Toronto production company Circus Zero has hired Michael to lens their forthcoming film, The Tragedy of Henry J. Written by Jeffrey Sotto, and directed by Martin Edralin, the film follows Henry as he spirals down into despair to his ultimate demise after his wife leaves him. The HD production goes to camera in Streetsville, Ontario on August 22, 2009.
Toronto-based ad firm Immersion Media hired Michael to shoot a series of dotspots for the Royal LePage Canada national campaign, August 5-6, 2009. With the aid of his trusted grip and lighting crew, Michael lit the greenscreen in the 7000 square foot Showline Studios in Toronto with 30 thousand watts of light (4x space lights, 2x Juniors, 2x Babys) and shot the spots on the RED One camera in 4K resolution.
Director Max Kosc from Lie Media has brought Michael onboard to lens their upcoming spec spot for Nike, entitled No Lights Out. Scheduled to shoot on the RED One with heavy post colour work, Lie Media contacted Michael to shoot the spot because, according to the director, "its all about the look: slick, intense, moody, moonlit, silhouettes, great composition and cinematography." The spot goes to camera August 18th, 2009 in Mississauga, Ontario.
Wreckless Crew Productions and writer/director Colin Campbell has selected Michael to shoot their Sergio Leone-esque film Down by the River Lived. Inspired by the original lyrics from the song "Oh My Darling, Clemintine" written in 1863, the stylized film takes hints from Leone, and John Ford. Principal photography on Down by the River Lived begins July 15th, 2009 in Melbourne, Ontario, Canada.
Zee Films brought Michael onboard to shoot the music video for punk band Last One Out's new single "Loser with the Snake Bite" in Waterloo, Ontario. Fun times had by all, especially operating in handheld mode during the onstage mosh pit! The video is now in post. Visit Last One Out online for more information by clicking HERE.
UPDATE! Video released September 2009. View it by clicking HERE.
Michael has been selected to lens the upcoming psychological thriller Fallen Before Falling from Toronto based writer / director James Dubbeldam. The film follows Anastasia, a successful actor left feeling unsettled as her turbulent past resurfaces, and her move to a rented farm in the country to deal with her personal demons. Anastasia's journey becomes complicated as chemistry develops between her and the landholder Matthew and with the sudden appearance of her mother Susan. Past events reveal that all is not as it seems in the present. Principal photography on Fallen Before Falling begins March 17th, 2009 in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.
Michael has been brought on to shoot the music video for hip hop artist Ali the Don and his new bangin' single 'Arab Blood'. The shoot is scheduled to take place in Windsor, Ontario, Canada March 12-13, 2009. For more on Ali the Don and to check out the track 'Arab Blood' find him on Myspace by clicking HERE.
Writer/director Jonathan Wright has brought Michael onboard as Director of Photography to lens his upcoming horror feature NOSTRUM. Synopsis: After a grisly heroin induced suicide of a friend, a group of 18 year old heroin addicts barricade themselves in an abandoned farm house in order to kick the habit, but first they have one last party. The heroin they shoot is tainted (planted by a doctor who created a suicide cocktail to rid the streets of junkies) and turns one of them into a psychotic, monstrous killer. With former THINKFilm VP Michael Baker executive producing and handling sales, and editor Ron Wisman Jr. onboard, NOSTRUM is shaping up to be one wild ride. Principal photography kicks off in Toronto February 9th. Stay tuned to michaeljaridavidson.com for exclusive updates.
The Afters video for the title track off their sophomore album 'Never Going Back to OK' gets its world broadcast premiere today in the U.S. on GMC (Gospel Music Channel). Michael was cinematographer on the video shoot in Windsor, Ontario, Canada at the end of October. To find out more about the Afters click here and to visit GMC click here.
Not only did the Canadian Society of Cinematographers honour Michael by upgrading him to Associate member in October 2008, but also the national magazine has printed an article on Michael in this month's issue. CSC News editor Wyndham Wise interviewed Michael regarding his cinematic accomplishments over the past year and aspirations for the future. Read the article in it's entirety in .pdf format by clicking here.
Michael has just returned from Toronto where he was brought on to the set of NSI alumnus Kris Booth's new feature film, "At Home, By Myself...With You". Having worked with Michael on three films in the past, veteran Toronto DP Mark Bochsler requested that the production invite Michael on as gaffer for his rotating crew. Good times were had by all and Michael is again excited to contribute to a thriving independent film scene. For more information on Kris Booth and the film, visit the NSI website by clicking here.
Michael spent this past weekend in Windsor, Ontario working in collaboration with Gavin Michael Booth and Mimetic Productions shooting the new music video for the track "Never Going Back to OK" for INO/Columbia Recording artists The Afters. This Texas-based band was propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit "Beautiful Love," earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV's "8th and Ocean". The band won an MTV music award for this song. To find out more, visit The Afters on the web by clicking here.
Michael's super 16mm film has been selected to screen at the Mitten Movie Project's ZOMBIE NIGHT, Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan USA. For more information visit the Mitten Movie Project on the web by clicking here.
The Canadian Society of Cinematographers has invited Michael to upgrade his membership from Affiliate to Associate member. In communiqué with CSC Executive Director, Susan Saranchuk and discussions with Membership Director, Phil Earnshaw csc, the Society has decided to waive the three-year probationary period in light of Michael's training and recent cinematic accomplishments. To find out more, visit the CSC on the web by clicking here.
Michael has been invited to screen his super 16mm horror short Run Like Hell at this year's Small Town Film Festival in Chatham, Ontario. The festival runs from Friday, October 31st to Saturday, November 1st at the Kiwanis Theatre, 75 William Street North, Chatham Ontario. A weekend pass is $15.00 or $8.00 per event. For more information, visit the Small Town Film Festival by clicking here.
Andreas Kyprianou, Manager of Marketing Services for the Mississauga Living Arts Centre, recently brought Michael onboard for a project to develop monthly one-minute 'Coming Soon' videos for the Centre. This is an exciting development for Michael, as 1.5 million people have visited the Centre's 225,000 square feet of multiple performance venues, studio spaces and exhibition display areas since it's opening eleven years ago. To learn more, visit the Mississauga Living Arts Centre website by clicking here.
In the month of September 2008, Michael shot projects for two Ontario-based marketing firms. After a successful video testimonial CD-ROM, London Ontario's A&E Restaurant Solutions brought Michael back to shoot a second project highlighting their recent print campaign. At the same time, Tilbury Ontario's Whitewolf Marketing brought Michael onboard to shoot web-based video for their upcoming website launch for Roden Machine Group. We can't be experts at everything and this is the main reason for these marketing firms to bring Michael on to deliver video for their projects.
Michael has been invited to screen his super 16 short horror film Run Like Hell at the University of Toronto's Hart House screening party on Wednesday, September 24th. A reception from 7:00-8:30PM provides an opportunity to schmooze with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, music, and loop installations. An open-air screening of RLH at the Hart House Quad (indoors in the Great Hall if raining) will take place from 8:30-10:00PM alongside some of the latest Hart House Film Board productions. Click here for a map to Hart House.
Mimetic Productions has brought Michael onboard as cinematographer to shoot their dramatic feature film 'Still Here'. Scheduled to shoot for 21 days starting August 10th, the HD feature will be shot on location in Windsor, Ontario and surrounding areas. 'Still Here', the fourth feature film by writer/director Gavin Michael Booth, is an emotion driven story about Aidan, a teenager struggling to cope with the premature and rather unexpected loss of his girlfriend, Natalie. Stay tuned to michaeljaridavidson.com for exciting details and photos from the production.
Michael's super16 short horror film Run Like Hell received multiple screenings in March and April. The film first debuted at the 2008 Western Film Festival, March 14-15, Rainbow Cinemas Galleria, London Ontario. Subsequently, Nicholas A. Longstaff who played Jean Laslow in the film and now CFC New Media lab resident, invited Michael to do a private screening at the Canadian Film Centre in Toronto. And finally on April 19th, in association with Vagrancy Films, Run Like Hell was paired with Lucio Fulci's 1979 cult classic Zombie for a midnight screening, again at Rainbow Cinemas Galleria, London Ontario.
The fifteenth annual HotDocs documentary film festival and conference in Toronto invited Michael to attend DocU. Through a competitive selection process that was open to emerging filmmakers from across Canada, Michael was among a group of fifteen invitees to be mentored by award-winning filmmaker Min Sook Lee (Tiger Spirit) for the week. Participants gained valuable knowledge through a series of workshops and intimate meetings with leading doc professionals and filmmakers.
On April 8, Michael filled the roles of cinematographer and project manager on the team that brought home gold in the first annual Fanshawe College / EK3 Technologies multimedia competition. The competition pit eighteen teams of five against each other over thirteen weeks to devise three components of a mobile communications marketing campaign: a website, a web-traffic driving strategy, and a digital in-store solution. Michael shot a broadcast spec spot for the campaign on 16mm film and some SD / HD green screen work for the website and the digital in-store solution, respectively. You can view samples of the work in the "Cinematography" section of this website.
