Rachel Goldberg, Director
"Austen Hoogen is an AMAZING collaborator. He is a true artist in every sense of the word. He is creative, thoughtful, caring and a joy to work with. I have had the great pleasure of collaborating with Austen on a number of different projects. As a cinematographer, he has an incredible eye, is able to take my ideas as a director and bring them to life, is respectful of the process, and is kind to every one on the set. He is also a knowledgable electrician and grip. I have hired him as a best boy and grip and he has worked just as hard, with as much efficiency, positive energy and stamina as he does as DP. I can also attest to his talents as a writer, director and editor. Austen is a phenomenal person and a caring artist. Anyone who has the pleasure of working with him, will be very lucky. I have referred Austen for numerous jobs and every one I have referred him to has been incredibly grateful."
Mark Cope, Director
"I can’t tell you how much it helps when you don’t have to worry about checking on the different members of your crew to make sure they were on top of things. You sir, were always on top of things.... No matter what I threw at you during this production you always simply nodded your head and made sure it got done. I’ve always seen how lighting could be the weak link in a fast moving production like this but you really blew me away last week. Every shot came out great and I loved that even if I was ok with a minor issue, you were not. I discovered that when your lighting guy is a hard working perfectionist you get one thing, perfect lighting."
Alison Winter, Producer / Actor
"When approaching the task of filming my own show, I knew I had one shot with which to showcase my work. I knew that unless the picture quality was immediately broadcast standard, I would never be taken seriously. Having seen Austen's work, I knew he could light and shoot a scene not just to broadcast standard, but way above, to create a stamp of unique excellence on any project. He did this in spades. He is the professional touch that would perfect any production."
Toby Birney, Director of Photography, LAC
"I've worked with Austen Hoogen several times now, and I can say without hesitation that he will be an asset to any project. He speaks the language of cinema, and his ability to light a set quickly and effortlessly certainly means I will be bringing him back on my projects in the future. Austen's on-set temperament matched with his work ethic are even more of the qualities that will keep producers and other D.o.P.'s bringing him back as well."
Jonathan Pezza, Producer / Director
"Austen is a cinematographer with true independent spirit. He brings not only a broad set of skills, and a refined eye to any production, but a collaborative approach that makes bringing your vision into the real-world the kind of fun it should be."
Chil Kong, Director / Actor
"Austen was a joy to work with. Dedicated, smart, hard working, Austen was that guy on the set you could count on to do what you wanted him to do BEFORE you even ask him. I trusted his insights, and trusted his visual eye. I will hire him on my next project."
Matt Rocklin, Director / Actor
"I’ve worked with a lot of cinematographers, seen a lot of talented people do their thing, and Austen trunks them all. He's the best DP I’ve worked with hands down. We shot for 15 hours in a humid parking garage and Austen never once complained. Even better, the footage was quite simply immaculate. He’s a director’s dream, a producer’s hero, and an actor’s best friend. I can’t wait to work with this guy again."
Phillip Giarratano, Producer / Director
"I've worked with Austen extensively on numerous projects including feature films, music videos, corporate videos, Web series and PSAs. In every situation, he has unfailingly shown a high degree commitment to the project, professionalism on set, and an inspiring level of dedication to his craft as a filmmaker. On a particularly hot and arduous 16-hour shoot in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Austen's resourcefulness, flexibility, and attention to detail saved the production hours of extra shooting time and a possible reshoot. And at the end of the day, he took an hour and a half to drive the director home!"
Gretchen Warthen, Director of Photography
"Amazing results from a mismosh of 'free' lights. All scenes looked great while still looking 'real,' even a potentially ugly hotel rooms scene. Made the budget look much bigger than it was. Thinks three scenes ahead. Works with lightning speed while being creative and maintaining integrity and continuity. Takes last minutes changes well (including a complete reorder of scenes). Thrives in a collaborative environment.... I'll hire him again in a second!"
Rebecca Sekulich, Producer
"I had the pleasure of working with Austen on a feature film shot on HD. Coming from an artistic background, and never wanting to leave the quality, depth and richness of 35mm film, I have been hesitant when choosing the digital route, especially when it comes to lighting. Austen worked magic, on an extremely limited budget, borrowed equipment and few modern resources. His attention to detail and filmic eye are incredible. I was so pleased with how the film turned out. It looks amazing and Austen played an integral role. Not only is he truly a luminary artist, he is also extremely easy to work with, knowledgeable beyond belief and will bend over backwards to make the team happy. He was a joy to work with and on top of it all, is an exceptional culinary genius, especially in the dessert department."
Imre Juhasz, Cinematographer
"I have worked with Austen Hoogen on a low budget feature film. He filled in the Gaffers role like a pro. He worked with a motivated and thoughtful attitude. He was always ready and resourceful. Kept himself and his crew on the top of their game making the best use of the gear that was available to us. I highly recommend Austen, he is a great asset to any production."
John Carrozza, Producer
"Austen is a great asset to have on set - he knows his stuff and pitches in wherever he can help. I have worked with him on many projects as a Gaffer and he always takes the right amount of time to light a scene to maximum effect. I would love to work with him again in the future."
Bryce Thompson, Director / Producer
"Austen Hoogen is that rare individual who thrives in the face of challenges. His conscientiousness, ingenuity, and strong outlook on life are some of my favorite characteristics about him. In my belief, Austen exemplifies what a driven, curious, and creative filmmaker should be. He takes real joy in the process of filmmaking as well as learning, and I give him my recommendation and look forward to his contributions to the art form."
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