Phil, a graduate of Syracuse University's esteemed photography program, embarked upon a thrilling odyssey by making the courageous and unconventional decision to leave the comfort and familiarity of his hometown behind, relocating to the vibrant and fast-paced city of New York, a place where dreams are made and shattered with equal frequency. With a modest sum of $800, a paltry sum that would hardly cover the cost of a decent meal in the city, Phil set out on his journey, his future uncertain and his prospects for success far from guaranteed.
Phil, a renowned photographer, has garnered widespread recognition for his impressive portfolio, which masterfully showcases his extraordinary ability to capture the very essence of music, celebrity, and fashion through his captivating photographs. With an unparalleled eye for detail and a profound understanding of his subjects, Phil has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most illustrious artists in the industry, including the iconic punk-rock band Green Day, the influential indie-rock duo The White Stripes, the dynamic punk-rock quartet The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the pop sensation Christina Aguilera, the hip-hop icon Ludacris, the rap mogul Jay-Z, the critically acclaimed hip-hop group The Roots, the innovative industrial-rock pioneer Trent Reznor, the emo-pop quintet My Chemical Romance, the synth-rock quartet The Killers, and the pop-punk quintet Fall Out Boy, to name a few.
Phil embarked upon a fascinating odyssey in the realm of music videos and short films, dating back to the year 2005, where he donned a multitude of hats, thereby exemplifying his remarkable adaptability and multifaceted nature as a creative dynamo, capable of effortlessly traversing various artistic terrains.
He embarked on a bold creative endeavor, assuming the roles of writer, director, editor, and sole financier for his inaugural music video project, an extraordinary feat that aptly showcased his unwavering commitment and unrelenting enthusiasm for the art form.
The short film, designated by the title "The Listening Dead", achieved a milestone in the year 2006, marking the culmination of creative efforts and technical proficiency. This cinematic masterpiece then proceeded to garner widespread recognition and acclaim, its excellence being acknowledged and appreciated by esteemed organizations and individuals at various film festivals across the globe.
The film's remarkable cinematic journey persisted unabated throughout 2007, as it received the esteemed accolade of "Best Horror Short" from Rue Morgue magazine, a prestigious publication renowned for its discerning taste in the realm of horror.
Phil's remarkable contribution to the realm of horror short films has resulted in a lasting legacy, with "The Listening Dead" persistently showcasing its excellence at various film festivals and exclusive events worldwide, thereby underscoring the profound and lasting influence he has exerted on the industry.
Phil's second short film, "Far Out", made a grand and highly anticipated premiere at the esteemed Canadian Film Centre's Worldwide Short Film Festival in the vibrant city of Toronto, which took place in the year 2007. This notable and highly publicized event served as a significant milestone in the film's journey, as it marked the moment when the film was acquired by the renowned The Sundance Channel, a testament to its exceptional quality, captivating storyline, and widespread appeal.
Phil's short film, "Far Out", made a significant impact at its second public screening, ultimately securing the prestigious Bronze Medal for Horror Shorts at the distinguished Fantastic Fest, a highly acclaimed annual event held in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas.
This notable accomplishment is particularly remarkable, considering that the same festival had previously bestowed its highest honor, the coveted Best of Show award, upon Phil's earlier short film, "The Listening Dead", the preceding year, solidifying his reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
Phil's career trajectory took a pivotal turn in 2008, as he made the bold decision to relocate to the culturally rich and dynamic city of Los Angeles, with the singular objective of devoting himself to the art of direction. Simultaneously, he continued to hone and fine-tune his skills as a feature film developer, writer, and director, thereby further solidifying his multifaceted creative prowess.
Throughout this period, Phil's artistic scope continued to expand, as he delved into a wide range of creative endeavors, including the development and direction of numerous music videos. These projects not only showcased his versatility as a filmmaker, but also underscored his remarkable ability to adapt to diverse artistic mediums and styles, ultimately demonstrating the boundless range of his creative vision.
Noted music video director boasts an impressive portfolio, with standout credits including the visually stunning "Oildale" for the influential nu-metal band Korn, whose innovative style and technical prowess have earned them a devoted following worldwide.
Furthermore, he has also had the privilege of collaborating with the esteemed Swedish progressive metal band Opeth, resulting in the critically acclaimed "The Devil's Orchard", a video that has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim from a diverse range of respected publications and online music platforms.
In particular, "The Devil's Orchard" received widespread critical acclaim, being named one of the Best Music Videos of 2011 by a variety of reputable sources, including Revolver Magazine, Guitar World Magazine, AOL's Noisecreep, and numerous online music blogs, cementing his reputation as a talented and innovative music video director.
Through his work on "The Devil's Orchard", he has demonstrated his ability to effectively capture the essence and aesthetic of a band's music, while also showcasing his own unique visual style and creative vision, resulting in a video that has become a benchmark for excellence in the music video industry.
