DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING
2nd Unit Director, “Transcendent Man,” (2008-2009)
"Transcendent Man" documents Ray Kurzweil, the most pre-eminent futurist in the world. The film focuses on Kurzweil's world-wide speaking tour, as he describes a fast-approaching, radically different future in which we have merged with our computer creations. Through twenty major cities and four continents, Ray Kurzweil leads the filmmakers and the audience on a quest to reveal not only our humanity, but ultimately, our destiny. This documentary includes appearances by Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, William Shatner, Colin Powell, and many more.
This film is schedule to compete at The Tribeca Film Festival in April 2009.
Producer/Director/Editor, “A Good Whack – The Making of ‘Tonya and Nancy: The Opera,” (2005-2008)
“A Good Whack” documents the production of a small opera based upon the figure skating drama of the 1990s. This opera gained worldwide attention and transformed into a rock opera attended by Tonya Harding herself. MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann purchased footage from this film and various festivals throughout the country are currently considering the documentary.
Producer/Director/Editor, “Coventry,” (2008)
“Coventry” is a creative work, documenting a small Rhode Island locale. Winner of three Telly Awards for “Cinematography, ” “Use of HD,” and “Nature/Wildlife.”
Director of Photography, “Boundaries,” (2008 - present)
Currently still in production, “Boundaries” documents the lives and encounters of four individuals with unique careers and insights on life.
Camera, “The Banjo Project,” (2008)
The Banjo Project is a documentary film that chronicles the musical odyssey of America’s instrument—the banjo—from its African roots to the 21st century. It’s collaboration between Emmy-winning writer-producer Marc Fields and banjo virtuoso Tony Trischka.
Camera, “The Rolling Stones: Four Flicks” (2003)
Filmed The Rolling Stones’ concert tour throughout Massachusetts for filmmaker Michael Apted.
Camera/Associate Producer, “Nerd Girls,” (2002)
Helped produce and shoot a NSF funded short documentary on a team of female engineers who built a solar powered car.
Camera, “Bad Boy Made Good: The Revival of George Antheil's 1924 Ballet Mécanique,” (2001)
George Antheil was a brash, colorful, young "ultra-modern" American pianist and composer during the roaring '20s. His "Ballet Mécanique," for percussion, sound effects, and multiple player pianos called for technology that didn't exist at the time. It took a forward-thinking music publisher, a music technologist, a modern player-piano manufacturer, and the latest in computer technology before the piece was heard the way the composer wanted it-75 years after it was written.
Camera, “Head of the Charles,” (1997)
Documentary on a competitor in the Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge, MA.
Don Schechter produced the following documentaries through his co-teaching of “Producing Films for Social Change” at Tufts University
(2003)
Silent Screams: Modern Day Slavery in Sudan, Silencing Survivors: Budget Cuts to Rape Crisis Centers, Access Denied: The Polluted Malden River, False Promises: Education Budget Cuts
(2004)
Political Passions, Walking the Line: Cocaine, Color Coded: Battling the Law, Live! From the New Hampshire Primary, Homelessness: The Shelter vs. House Debate,
The Gay Marriage Debate, The Multi-Racial Experience, Finding the Lost Girls
(2005)
From the Fryer to the Freeway: Alternative Energy Today*, Waitlisted: The Battle Over the In-State Tuition Bill, Flip the Coin: The Somali Bantus' Journey to America, Melanie's Legacy: a Grandfather's Fight against Drunk Driving, Student Soldiers, Bio Safety or Bio Terror?, Hazard Children at Work, Taking it Back: Haitian Empowerment in Boston,
* (Winner of a College Emmy Award)
(2006)
Making Contact, Stuttering, Managing Drinking, Out-Dated, The Price of Education,
Hidden Obsession: Body Image and the Gay Male, Silent Killer: Asbestos, Talking Back
(2007)
Veteran's Day, Changing Uniforms, John School, Undocumented Dreams,
Drinking Under the Influence: The Fight Against Bottled Water
(2008)
Mapendo and the Crisis of African Refugees, Art in Your Face, Honkumentary: No Noise is Illegal, Tourette’s: Ticking Tolerance,
Technology Instructor, Conservatory Lab Charter School, Brighton, MA (2003-2005)
Contact:
Don Schechter
Charles River Media Group
111 Marion St
Brookline, MA 02446
don@charlesrivermedia.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3267443/resume
http://www.charlesrivermedia.com