CULTURE OF COLLABORATION
"It takes two flints to make a fire."
If there’s one thing film and videomaking is not, it’s not a solo act. In fact, "It takes a village." In the film and video world, this is an adage as old as celluloid. And it couldn't be more true in todays fast-paced digital world. Of course, every now and then you can go off on your own and create something good, but for anyone wanting to make something amazing, something truly special, collaboration is key. Thankfully, the film and video world is a naturally collaborative environment, relying on a whole host of talented people, each with varying skill sets, all aiming to realize a single, shared vision. But collaboration is an artform, and approaches to honing this craft can differ dramatically. For some, collaboration simply means working in the presence of others. But it goes so much deeper than that. It's a willingness to improvise, to display humility, to show interest in points of view different from your own, points of view that may very well serve the project better in the long haul. Of course, friction may arise. But remember, friction births fire! A fire that produces the best results, a fire that happens only when people are passionate about the creative process. Usually, a team without friction means no one cares. And it’s nearly impossible to produce amazing work when no one cares. Good collaborators understand this. And the creative game is all the better for it.
Below are a handful of folks I'm privileged to call collaborators.
“Edwin was an absolute dream to work with! He was super flexible with schedule changes and took direction well. Always had a more elevated option and a fresh perspective. Will be working with him again.”
“Edwin is a media Renaissance man. He is a very rare find—a professional who can do video production well and graphic design (print and Internet) with ease. He is an absolute joy to work with and delivers service with a smile. He easily is one of my favorite colleagues.”
“I have worked with Ed in a variety of roles and he has proven to be a talented, creative professional in each one. As a graphic designer, photographer and filmmaker Ed brings a wonderful design perspective and technical expertise that combine to create great work. Together we have won a few Addys, created some brand defining photography and told some great stories through video. If you get a chance to work with Ed, take it”
“Edwin Koester was wonderful to work with and creates beautiful videos. As a photographer myself, I respect and admire his work. I would definitely recommend him as a skilled videographer for whatever event you may be recognizing. I love his artistic perspective and his well polished final products.”
“Ed is a masterful cinematographer with an iron work ethic, a discerning eye, an expansive command of visual narrative, and an unblemished aesthetic.”
“Thinking about what I wanted to say about Edwin has proven to be difficult, because writing the word “awesome” 100 times in a row doesn’t seem sufficient enough. It also wouldn’t help you understand what I already know about his creativity, eye for detail, work ethic, and cool personality. I get asked frequently by my clients for recommendations and referrals, and I will tell them, Edwin Koester, without hesitation. There is no one else that I would put my own reputation on the line for, and will continue to recommend him to anyone in need of a bad ass. ”
“Ed is a miracle worker! He has an uncanny ability to make people feel at ease in front of the camera, and routinely turns shooting sessions from what could be a stressful situation into an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Ed stays cool and calm in difficult situations, and regardless of the talent level or experience of his subjects, always manages to turn out an exceptional final product.”
“Ed is a talented storyteller who perfectly understands how to manage both creative and business interests to create a fantastic product. I’d recommend Ed to anyone looking for video support for their professional needs. Ed’s ability to listen and translate feedback into articulate and creative work is incredibly refreshing. I’ve found him to be the go-to guy when I have a creative idea. My products sell better because of the work that Ed does.”
“Ed has my complete confidence. From work quality to ethic and intensity, he delivers. Great vision yet practical........I highly recommend his work!”
“My wife and I debated having a videographer at our wedding. We had a photographer, and a videographer seemed like an additional expense. 3+ years later, having Ed Koester Videographer there was one of the best decisions we made. Throughout the day, the team was professional and flexible. They would take great candid footage, and then present creative ideas for staged shots. The resulting video was top notch, and we still watch it every anniversary. If you are still hesitant or unsure after reading this review, feel free to reach out to me directly.”
“Edwin is an absolute professional and an artist who truly cares about his clients!! He creates an exciting, comfortable, and collaborative working environment which results in an amazing final product!! I will definitely book him again and highly recommend anyone to trust him with their event!! Best of the best!!!”
“Edwin was an asset to our team and brought a wealth of creativity to our projects. His positive energy and “let’s get it done” attitude built strong relationships with our clients and team members. Edwin was able to deliver projects on time and established a process with the customer that allowed for flexibility in reviewing the assignments, providing feedback, and meeting their external customer’s needs and requirements.
His many years of experience in graphics and videography allowed our team to recommend ideas and concepts and create a communications library for future use. He added the right skills to the project and delivered quality work and hiring Edwin would be a great decision for any company! ”
“Ed is a gifted and creative storyteller with mastery of both the creative and technical sides of his role regardless of medium—video editing/production, 2D collateral design/development and messaging.
He is positive, energetic, and focuses on collaboration to provide the best possible solutions. He is great at bringing people together to work towards a common goal; his ability to brainstorm, openness to others’ ideas, professionalism, attention to detail makes him a great partner in any marketing related project.
Ed is refreshingly self-aware and vocal about his own technical strengths and weaknesses factoring these and every external aspect of the project at hand (i.e. the intended audience, emotional impact & desired results, deadlines, budgets, etc.) taking them all into consideration to provide the best solution possible.
He is a tremendous asset to any company fortunate enough to have him. I would welcome any/all opportunities to work with him in the future. ”
“I would like to recommend my friend and colleague, Edwin Koester, for all photography and videography needs as pertains to your business or creative projects.
Several months ago, I had the fortune of working with Ed on a rather extensive, day-long video shoot. What began as a bit of a daunting project for my organization’s needs ended in a resounding affirmation of the beauty that is the artistic collaborative process. Ed is an exquisite photographer and videographer, and I believe that a large part of his skill is attributed to not only his prowess behind the camera, but equally in his ability to make his talent feel completely comfortable and empowered in the moment. An intuitive artist, Ed creates a joyful, human experience out of every single interaction he has with people behind the camera. The end result is nothing short of extraordinary as it relates to realness, depth, and the magnificence that is social connection. His work reflects an exuberant quality in human life that is squarely reminiscent of one’s best experiences—a precious vantage point to be sure.
I sincerely look forward to, and would be privileged to pursue future work with Edwin Koester.”
“Sound leads into the visual in these eye- and ear-pleasing videos featuring reeds and strings. The featured musicians clearly know what they are talking about, whether they’re selling string sets, a Buffet Crampon E12 France Intermediate Bb clarinet or a Mauriat System 76 Professional tenor saxophone. Watching the videos, you’ll learn how the instruments are made and get close-up views of key components, while the professionals share their impressions on sound, feel and look.”
“I’ve worked with Ed on many video projects and can say with certainty that he has a rare combination of talent, passion, and professionalism. Hire him now before his rates go up!”
“I had the opportunity to work with Edwin in April to make a promo video for my photography business. It was definitely the best thing I have done for my business. He was very professional and I received the video in exactly the manor in which he had said, no delays at all. It was more than what I thought it would be. I have already recommended him to a couple that I am photographing their wedding for him to do videography. I would certainly recommend him to anyone who wants a quality video, easy going guy and fun and professional to work with. Thanks again Edwin!”
“I was referred to Edwin Koester Videography through a mutual colleague for his corporate videography services. A2LA had been solicited by several large videography companies to create a branding video, but we decided to take a chance with a local provider and we are so glad we did!
Edwin’s approach to the project was consistently enthusiastic; he was personable and very easy to work with. He was able to truly grasp the vision we had for the video and was able to effectively articulate our company’s complex business in a succinct and easy-to-digest manner. Members of A2LA, from the Board of Directors to staff to international partners, were all extremely impressed with the final product and the message that was ultimately communicated through his work.
We have already committed to creating a series of videos in 2016 as follow-on to the main branding video. We are very excited to continue working with Edwin on future video projects, knowing he will provide a truly exemplary service!”
“I have absolutely loved collaborating with Ed Koester over the last four years in several films and photo shoots. Because he is genuinely interested in bringing your story to life, he applies his intuition and creativity to craft your experience. Ed becomes enthralled with your vision and if it’s possible, makes it BETTER than the original with his love of aesthetics! In an unassuming way, Ed commands his role as a director, producer and filmmaker.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ed on multiple occasions and projects - each time I have been more than pleased. He brings a high level of creativity and understanding which results in a final output that exceeds expectations. It is refreshing to work with someone who can balance a high level of creativity with the, many times limited, tools and budget available to an organization. Ed is a great partner for any creative project!”
“Any bride or groom looking for a top notch videographer with the technical AND artistic skill to capture your big day will find that and more with my friend and colleague Edwin Koester.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss the incredible work Edwin Koester has done for my bullying prevention project over the last year. As a professional actress who dabbles in writing in film, there were 3 major things I was looking for when hiring a cinematographer for the film aspect of my play.
1. Someone who was motivated to tell my story the most effective way possible.
2. Someone who had a collaborative nature and an upbeat, forward personality. Someone who could work as a team member who makes a project their own.
3. Someone who could problem solve using their knowledge of film, equipment, and storytelling to take the story to the next level.
If you care about the same criteria above, Edwin Koester is the man you need for your project. Not only is he determined to tell your story, but he will listen and give an incredible amount of time and energy into planning for the actual filming. Even if he is working on multiple projects, his response rate and time is exceptional. He took my script and goals and told my story in a way I could not have imagined. It exceeded my expectations.
Please take a peek at the trailer and teaser he filmed for “Catch: The Play & Film” on his Vimeo page. These video resources have helped raise money for this project, and reach all types of groups and people, resulting in business and networking. I am thankful for the work he has done for me, and will continue to use him over and over because of his professionalism, knowledge, and creative intellect. If Edwin is working with you, you will be guaranteed a professional, successful experience. ”