Combining an extensive technical background with a visual eye trained in the arts, Russell Blair has been making pretty pictures professionally for over 17 years. Russell graduated with honors from Stephen F. Austin University with a BFA in Film. Moving to Dallas in 1986, he has been freelancing as a film and video Director of Photography ever since. He has worked in all areas of production, including documentary (PBS, National Geographic Explorer) music videos (VH-1, CMT), corporate/industrial, commercials, as well as short and feature films. Russell works as Director of Photography and as a Director/Cameraman, which enables him to write, direct, and edit projects as well as photograph them.

Russell is known for his attention to detail, being easy to work with, and his quest to always find the more unusual angle and lighting style in conveying the meaning of the subjects he photographs. In addition to his knowledge of the latest film and broadcast cameras, he is also fluent in the operation of AVID and Final Cut Pro non-linear editing systems.

SELECTED CREDIT HIGHLIGHTS:

Documentary:

VOICES IN DEMOCRACY; SHAPING AMERICA - LeCroy Center, D.C.C.C.D.

Broadcast on PBS stations for use in tele-education college courses.

“Ille Tikki expedition” - IGO Films, Dallas (16mm & video- shot in Ecuador)

Other broadcast clients include: KERA (PBS affiliate), 60 Minutes, Fox Sports, Dr. Phil

Corporate/Industrial:

Clients include: i2 technologies, JCPenney, ARCO, Frito Lay, Pepsico, American Airlines, Union Pacific, The American Red Cross, Pier 1, Brinker International, Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, EDS, Cisco Systems, Kinko’s, Office Depot, Suzuki Motor Corp.

Narrative:

AMONG THE DEAD - Desperation Pictures, Dallas (feature)

Set in Hollywood yet shot in Dallas, the film has been screened at the International Feature Film Market in New York, The USA Film Festival in Dallas, the Newport Film Festival, and the Berlin Film Festival as part of the Independents Showcase. The Dallas Observer magazine wrote in it’s review of the film: “Russell Blair’s rapturous 16mm photography...makes it worth a look. WINTER - Yorick Productions, Los Angeles (short)