Aaron Franks
My name is Aaron Franks and I am a freelance video editor based in Devonport, Auckland, NZ.
I have over 8 years experience in film-making, television production, editing, music composition, graphics and sound design, and am skilled in a wide range of software including Avid, Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, Sony Vegas Pro, Acid Pro, Adobe DVD Encore and Sony DVD Architect Pro.
In March of this year I left my job as senior editor at Legge Work Ltd (where I worked for almost 3 1/2 years) to pursue freelance work and start my own company, M THEORY. You can check out some samples of my work on the official page here: http://www.myspace.com/theory_m
While I intend to still pursue freelance work whenever it is available and continue to build up my name, I am keen to take on more part-time/full-time work to help pay the bills and expand my repertoire. I am therefore actively seeking work again within the New Zealand film & television industry.
- Excellent understanding of digital-editing software, such as Avid Express DV and Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects and Sony Vegas Pro.
- Sound understanding and operating skills of EFP cameras (Sony DSR 300, DSR 250, PD 150/170, HVR-A1P, HVR-Z1P and Canon XL-1)
- Excellent computer skills in a wide-range of programs (Word, Photoshop etc).
- I work well in a team environment and have excellent communication skills.
- I am highly organised and motivated.
- I am a fast learner and reliable.
- I am ambitious and dare to dream.
1995-2000 - Kristin School
Sixth Form Certificate in 7 subjects: (English, Geography, Physics, Media Studies, Photography, Theatre Arts, Drama.)
School Certificate in 5 subjects: (English, Maths, Science, Geography, French.)
2002 - New Zealand Film Academy
Certificate in Screen Arts.
2003 - South Seas Film & Television School
Certificate in Film and Television Studies & Production. Specialised in Drama Directing, Scriptwriting, Studio Directing.
2002-2004 - Kristin School – Albany
I have been employed by Kristin School to design the sound for numerous productions: Stage Challenge 2002/2003/2004, which is a nationwide event performed at the Aotea Centre; Danceworks 2002, a production dedicated to showcasing Kristin students’ talents in the field of dance; and “From Razzmatazz to Realism”, a Year 13 IB Theatre Arts production which was basically a random collection of some extremely powerful pieces of theatre. I also designed the sound for numerous productions while I was a student at Kristin.
2004 - Pearler Productions
I was employed as Assistant Editor for a comedy pilot. My responsibilities included tape copying, logging, and the transferring of footage from MiniDV onto the Avid.
2005 - Flying Start Pictures
I was hired to do some tape logging over a period of two days, basically writing down time code and describing the shots in detail, so as to make it easy for the director or producer to access them at a later date. On call for further work.
2005-2009 - Legge Work
I worked as senior editior at Legge Work since October 2005, editing numerous television shows including ‘Castrol Trucking TV’, ‘Speedmachine’, ‘Speights Coast to Coast’ (all on Sky/Prime) and most recently ‘The Road to Ellerslie’ on TV1. I have also worked on many television commercials for numerous brands including Ssangyong, KIA, DECA Training and Kea Trailers, to name a few.
- Completed the official ‘Highlife NYE Experience 08/09’ video for New Zealand’s biggest dance party promoters, ‘Highlife Entertainment’. This has been getting rave reviews on-line and is featured on the official Highlife website, www.highlifeentertainment.co.nz
- Completed a behind-the-scenes documentary of Elton John’s solo show in New Plymouth in December 2007, which was posted on eltonjohn.com in early 2008 and quickly became the most popular and highest rated video on the site.
- Competed in 2004/2005/2006 ’48 Hour Film Festival’ as Team Leader/Director.
- Designed the sound for the menus on the official 2004 eltonjohn.com DVD.
- Completed a behind-the-scenes documentary of two Elton John shows in Australia and Las Vegas. These are now posted on Elton’s official website - eltonjohn.com. (2004)
Reviews for 'Elton John: Backstage in New Zealand'
These were all emailed to me from the editors of eltonjohn.com...
"A hearty congratulations to Aaron and all involved on a truly intimate and informative piece on a man who for so many years has been as important as he's been unsung, in terms of getting Elton's music out there and maintaining the ultimate standard of product and professionalism.
It should not surprise anyone that what most caught my attention was the fabulous sound design at the beginning and end...VERY creative and engaging.
Also loved the use of GoogleEarth in the intro. That is one of my favorite applications ever, and I have some ideas about how something could be done with it for another Elton piece. But that is for another time.
For now, congratulations again to Aaron and the team. I applaud the film as both an Elton fan and a media producer. And, if anyone is tallying votes in this election year, I cast my ballot for more fly-on-the-wall things like this!!"
- John Higgins
"I LOVE the Aaron Franks film “Backstage Before A New Zealand Show.” I’ve always felt that Clive Franks should have a page devoted to just him in all tour programs and should be mandatory in programs for Elton’s solo tours.
While most “hardcore fans” have a good idea of Clive’s contributions the casual fans are often not aware and are almost always confused by many of the effects Clive employs, leading even critics (Who should no better) to assume that Elton plays with backing tapes. A page dedicated to Clive would clear this up and films such as this help even further. Happy New Year and keep these extra’s coming!"
- Wayne Martin
"What a master Clive Franks is and so humble at that! Not only is he totally dedicated to Elton and his musical legacy but his genuine concern with creating the best live experience for fans and concert goers is truly extraordinary. This well deserved video tribute shot by Clive’s son Aaron is eltonjohn.com as it should be- a heartfelt thank you! And to everyone out in Eltonland- don't miss it!"
- Richard Antoine
"Aaron Franks has a great flair. The Clive Franks piece was really fun to watch and the buildup - intro - was exciting! It was the best video on the site so far, superb, even!"
- Brian Stermer
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Re: Aaron Franks
Dear Sirs,
This letter is to confirm that Aaron Franks has worked at Legge Work for the last three years in the position of senior editor.
Aaron has decided to resign from the company and pursue further challenges.
He goes with our best regards and we wish him every success.
Aaron has been using an Avid edit suit and is a very capable operator of this equipment. He also has an extensive technical knowledge of the equipment and the operation of the Avid edit suite.
Aaron has also used DVCAM, DVCPRO and Betacam SP videotape equipment.
Aaron is a capable of producing excellent work and can edit to a high standard. He has good computer skills and will use these to problem solve.
Aaron is also a more than capable camera operator.
I would welcome any enquiry re Aaron at any time.
Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call or email me for further information.
Kind regards
Gordon Legge
+64 21 944985
gordon@leggework.co.nz
Referees
Gordon Legge - Head of Legge Work Ltd
Phone: 021 944 985
Lorna Rood - HOD Theatre Arts & Dance at Kristin School
Phone: 021 890 230
Gerben Cath - Head of South Seas Film & Television School
Phone: (09) 444 3253
Home Address: 7 Cambridge Tce, Devonport,
Auckland 9, New Zealand
Home Phone: (09) 445-0622
Mobile: 021-113-3778
E-mail: francomontana@gmail.com
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theory_m
Member Profile
M THEORY
