Hi, I’m David — a documentary filmmaker from San Diego, CA.

I make playful, curiosity-driven films about science, nature, and culture.

Recent Work

Transforming a pest into a tragic hero

Editing a marine predation sequence for PBS Nature

Electrifying high school students with battery chemistry

Like many folks in this genre, I wear a lot of hats: I regularly direct, produce, shoot, write, and edit films and television. On a less frequent basis, I also design things and animate them. 

I currently work for Day’s Edge Productions (and the occasional freelance client). I’m an enthusiastic reader, surfer, runner, bassist, cook, hiker, and linocut artist, all of which intersect meaningfully with my documentary practice.

Image by Angel Morris

Core skills

    • Story producing

    • Project management

    • Research

    • Treatment/grant writing

    • Pitch deck design (InDesign)

    • Field producing

    • Directing

    • Cinema cameras (Arri, RED, Sony)

    • Telephoto

    • Macro

    • High-speed (Freefly Systems)

    • Motion control (Kessler, Rhino)

    • Part 107 certified drone pilot

    • Grip and Electric

    • Field sound (833 mixer)

    • PADI adanced open water diver

    • Script-writing

    • Film editing (Premiere)

    • Sound editing

    • Motion graphic design (After Effects)

    • Archival producing

Image by Georgia Krause

Video Resume

Back in 2018, Johnny Harris posted a link to the project that landed him a gig at Vox. That guy is talented! Since he had too many skills to fit into a traditional reel, he made an explainer video instead.

The same year, I borrowed the idea and put my own spin on it. This video resume helped make the difference when I applied to Day’s Edge. It’s old work now, but it still reflects my generalist approach to filmmaking.