Howard Wexler, a Hollywood, California, native, embarked on a diverse array of formative experiences that would ultimately culminate in his career as a Director of Photography. As a Boy Scout, he became deeply entrenched in a variety of activities that would later influence his professional path. In addition to his scouting endeavors, Wexler's creative inclinations were further nurtured through his skillful mastery of the saxophone. Furthermore, his fascination with still photography allowed him to cultivate a profound passion for the art form.
A pivotal family gathering, centered around a 1964 cinematic masterpiece, The Professionals, with its striking visuals expertly captured by the renowned Conrad Hall, ASC, served as a transformative experience for Howard. The profound influence of Hall's artistry resonated deeply within him, catalyzing a sudden and resolute decision to embark on a journey to become a Director of Photography, a career path that would ultimately shape his professional trajectory.
Howard's academic odyssey commenced at the University of Southern California's esteemed Cinema program, a prestigious institution that would ultimately serve as a catalyst for his forthcoming triumphs. It was during his tenure at USC that Howard had the unparalleled opportunity to intern under the guidance of the illustrious Director of Photography, Mario Tosi, a luminary in his field. This formative experience had a profound impact on Howard's professional development, laying the foundation for his subsequent accomplishments and setting the stage for his future success.
Howard's career trajectory unfolded in a manner that led him to venture across the European continent, where he undertook a multifaceted array of roles within the realm of filmmaking and advertising. As a camera assistant, he lent his expertise to the technical aspects of the production process, ensuring the smooth operation of equipment and capturing high-quality footage. Additionally, he honed his skills as a driver, safely transporting personnel and equipment to various locations. His experience as a projectionist allowed him to fine-tune his attention to detail, carefully setting up and operating the machinery responsible for presenting visual content to audiences. Furthermore, he demonstrated his versatility as a copywriter, crafting compelling written content for English advertisements. Howard's diverse skill set also led him to collaborate with a Munich-based camera rental and film production company, where he had the privilege of photographing select segments of the 1972 Olympic Games, a prestigious and high-profile event that showcased his artistic talents on a global stage.
As Howard returned to the vibrant city of Hollywood, he embarked on a fruitful journey, leveraging his expertise to collaborate with numerous accomplished Directors of Photography, thereby refining his editing techniques and laying the groundwork for a successful Director of Photography career.
Howard's impressive portfolio extends far beyond his work in feature films, as he has also had the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of other projects, including educational productions, documentaries, and corporate videos.
In addition to his work in these areas, Howard has also been involved in numerous 2nd unit, aerial, and title sequence projects, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to a variety of different roles and responsibilities.
Furthermore, Howard has co-produced two feature films for 21st Century Inc., demonstrating his ability to collaborate with others and work as part of a team to bring projects to life.
One of his most notable achievements is the production, direction, and photography of a romantic comedy feature film, Loving Lulu, which premiered exclusively on HBO and received favorable reviews from Variety, a prominent and respected publication in the film industry.
In the year 2009, Howard embarked on a new creative venture, taking on the dual roles of director and co-producer for a science fiction feature film titled Infection: The Invasion Begins. This ambitious project was subsequently acquired by Moving Pictures Film and TV, a prominent entity in the film industry, for distribution purposes. As a result of this acquisition, the film was sold to Morningstar Entertainment, a company specializing in the acquisition and distribution of film and television content, for exclusive North American DVD rights.
Howard's impressive repertoire of feature films and made-for-television movies boasts a diverse range of titles, showcasing his versatility as a performer. His credits include the 1983 film Reform School Girls, a dramatic portrayal of teenage rebellion, as well as the 1981 film Angel 111, a thought-provoking exploration of spiritual themes. Additionally, Howard's filmography features the 1986 action-packed thriller Arizona Heat, the 1986 science fiction film Banzai Runner, and the 1984 drama Intimate Power. Furthermore, he has appeared in the 1994 documentary Echoes of Enlightenment, a thought-provoking examination of spiritual awakening. Howard has also lent his talents to the 1995 film Hope Ranch, a heartwarming tale of perseverance and redemption. Moreover, he has worked extensively with Producer/Director Andy Sidaris, appearing in seven of his films, including the 1989 action-adventure film Hard Ticket to Hawaii and the 1994 film Return to Savage Beach.
Howard's illustrious career has been marked by his remarkable proficiency in rapidly configuring cameras and lighting equipment, thereby solidifying his position as one of the most expeditious Directors of Photography in the industry, renowned for his exceptional aptitude in swiftly setting up cameras and lighting setups.
