Co-Field Director/Director Of Photography
Independent Documentary Film "Journey Home (Working Title)" (Dir. Minh Truong-George, 2011)
Vietnam
Documentary shoot of a Vietnamese Immigrant’s emotional first return journey to reconnect with family, friends and Vietnam after escaping to New Zealand during the Vietnam War.Key responsibilities/achievements:• Production Equipment Resourcing• Logistical planning• Story arc mapping and narrative development• Cinematography and shot list preparation• Total technical support for documentary teamStatement from Minh Truong-George, director, Journey Home (working title):“Sam’s enthusiasm and drive, combined with his methodical and calm way of getting things done under pressure, enabled him to pull together all the equipment and paperwork that was required within 10 days to come on the journey. “Throughout what was a highly intense and emotional project which lasted one month of travelling from place to place, not only was he superbly professional and skillful doing his job, we were struck by his reliability and trustworthiness, his intelligence, his practical know-how, his thoughtfulness towards his team members, his ability to work extremely hard when it was needed, while not losing his flexibility and humour; which was paramount to being part of this team.“However, what I think sets him aside from other young adults his age, is his absolute passion for filmmaking, his undeterred engagement with the world he lives in, and his willingness to learn whatever comes his way and applying those lessons on the spot.”