Videographer Seeks To Unify, Expand Industry

Brad Watanabe PHOTO BY JONAS MAON

This month has been a sort of re-launch for production resource blog Hawaii Shoots, as it works to add a new membership portal to grant access to events, different types of content and more. Hawaii Shoots founder Brad Watanabe, who also is the owner of video production company Berad Studio, created the organization as a way to foster collaboration within the video production industry — and it has grown to encompass many related disciplines.

“Basically, we’re trying to design it to be an online resource,” explains Watanabe. “We want it to be a resource for anyone coming to Hawaii to shoot, as well as locally to be able to resource other talent that you need for production.”

His goal is to unite the production industry in Hawaii, while jumpstarting commerce within the state.

Over the past year and a half, Hawaii Shoots has been hosting workshops that cover industry-related topics at least once a month. Last month, it brought in an Adobe creative team, to discuss various projects they’re working on.

“One of the things we’re planning to do, we’re looking for funding, is take a small group of us up to Las Vegas for NAB (National Association of Broadcasters),” Watanabe says. “It’s an annual show where they feature all kinds of new camera technology for production.”

It hopes the group can be there, in the middle of the action, to report back home on the new technologies and gear, “focusing on how they relate to Hawaii and the production here,” Watanabe explains.

Hawaii Shoots will continue to host its workshops throughout the year, even as the business undergoes reorganization.

Its most recent event took place March 11 at Brain Eye Labs, located in Ward Warehouse, and focused on the space as a creative incubator, while inviting conversation and connection in the form of networking. Other topics include “8 Rookie Filmmaker Mistakes to Avoid” and “Cleaning Your Lenses in the Field.”

Hawaii Shoots also aims to help students hone their skills. Watanabe currently is collaborating with a student who is working on his senior thesis project.

“I’m a resource for him,” he explains.

To keep up with Hawaii Shoots, visit hawaiishoots.com.