Filmer Profile – Steve Cleveland
January 1, 2010 by Ahmad
Filed under Features, Filmer Profiles
NCS: How did you get into filming?
SC: I got into filming back in 1973 when I was taking photography at the University of Hawaii.
NCS: What was your first video camera?
SC: My first video camera was a Canon GL-1. Before the Canon, I was using film cameras.
NCS: What was your first surf flick?
SC: My first surf flick was called “On Safari to Stay”. We shot it in Super 8 film with a Beilu
NCS: Where is your favorite location to film?
SC: I like shooting any location where the light and waves are good and some of my boys are out. Indo and the Hawaiian Islands have some of the most compelling light and water.
NCS: Do you enjoy filming on land or in the water?
SC: I do like shooting both, but water is more challenging and you’re more involved so in my opinion it is a bit more fun
NCS: What kind of video camera (make/model) are you using now?
SC: On land, I’m currently using a Canon XH A-1 with several different adapter lenses depending on how close my subjects are. In the water I’m using a Canon HV-20. Both cameras are hi-definition
NCS: When you edit your videos, do you use a MAC or PC?
SC: We edit with Mac, the program we use is the Final Cut Pro.
NCS: How do you choose the music for your video sections?
SC: Musically speaking, we try to find the grooves we want, and search for the songs that fit it. CJ [Nelson] has been very helpful in this process.
NCS: What surf films do you enjoy watching?
SC: A couple of the surf flicks I like to watch are “Litmus” and “156 Tricks”.
NCS: Is there any surfer that you would want to film surfing that you have not filmed yet?
SC: I’d like to film Dave Rastavitch, I love his approach and that he’s a free surfer, not bound by the contest stuff.
NCS: What are your current surf flicks that are out now?
SC: All 4 of my movies, “On Safari to Stay”, “On Safari Again”, “Another State of Mind”, and “Fresh Fruit for Rotten Vegetables” are available at www.surfcraftmedia.com or other outlets like x-tremevideo.com. (they also available on digital down loads at www.thesurfnetwork.com)
NCS: Are you working on any special projects right now?
SC: I’m always working on my “next movie”.
NCS: What advice would you give to anyone who is looking to get into filming surfing?
SC: My advice for anyone looking to get into filming is to be persistent and do your own thing.
NCS: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
SC: I’d like to thank all the guys in my movies, CJ Nelson has been particularly generous with his time and collaboration; also my editor Nathan Apffel who makes it possible for me to do what I do. And especially all the people that buy and appreciate my movies.
