If you would have asked me 20 years ago (I was five at the time), “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I would have told you: a dancer, a writer, a scientist, a firewoman, a movie maker, an actress, a singer, a rock star, a painter, a “drawer” (someone who made cartoons) a zoologist, an anthropologist (yes I knew that word at 5) a marine biologist and a fairy.

Twenty-five years later, I can honestly say, in many ways…I am all those things and still want to be all of them when I grow up.

After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in film and video production, I started at fig media as an intern in 2005. During my internship I produced a successful set of mini documentaries for an event at the Adler Planetarium. I mobilized the entire company to shoot and edit eight commercial spots in a two-week period. Needless to say, this impressed the staff.

I am now the Artistic Manager, among my many other hats as: a Director, Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Creative Manager. I have had my hands creatively in any project I can get my hands on and have produced/directed media for clients ranging from the Lookingglass Theater to International Truck and Engine. (see my list of projects below)

I am passionate about filmmaking and consider every project an opportunity to grow my skills and learn something new. I take this into my wedding work. While many filmmakers would consider weddings the end of a film career, I see it as the opposite. I can think of no better place to make a documentary film, then at a wedding.
This is how I approach my work. I tell stories. I tell stories that move people; from a couple getting married for the first time to people talking about what they are passionate about.
As a member of fig films, I am a highly creative powerhouse, from screen writing to storyboarding, Directing to Cinematography. I bring passion and heart to all my productions. 2008 is going to be a big film year for fig and I am excited to be a part of it.

In between my film endeavors I plan to record a couple albums, join local Boards for non-profit organizations, get published in a couple of magazines, have a photography exhibition in a gallery in Chicago, expand my love of film to other countries, back packing in exotic locations and continually grow and learn more about myself. And yes, I am single and make fun date!

Current Projects

Metro Documentary; title to be determined.

On Clark Street across from Wrigley field is one of the most influential privately owned clubs, The Metro. This club is responsible for fostering young Chicago artists (Most Famous being The Smashing Pumpkins), Chicago house music, and set the tone for clubs across the nation. This film will document the people behind the scenes.
Currently In Production.
My role: Assistant Director/Cinematographer: Melissa Martens

What Drives You? Navistar Corporation 2008 Expo.

For the 2008 parts and service Expo in Orlando Florida for International Truck and Engine; fig media is producing documentaries on “what drives you” an exploration of the peoples passions and drive that keeps them going in life. The documentaries take place across the country, with people from different age ranges and backgrounds. They get to the heart of what is common among us, and what drives us to keep moving.
Currently In Production
My role: Artistic Manager/Cinematographer

Aids Legal Council; 20 years in the Making.

A documentary produced for the aids legal council. An organization that assists educates and assists people who have aids to know more about their rights.
Shooting starts in Late Feb.
My Role: Art Director/Creative Director

Email: Melissa@figgy.net
check me out on Myspace:www.myspace.com/sunseteyes
Check me out on Facebook too, type in my email to add me.