3MS+ Contributor – Preston Kanak

Preston Kanak

Cinematographer, Producer & Filmmaker

Location: Saskatchewan, Canada

Rates, Bio & Kit

About Preston

My name is Preston Kanak and I am a filmmaker, DP and film producer based in Saskatchewan, Canada. I am also an assistant editor for Philipbloom.net. During 2010, I managed to produce a short film a day for a year and continue to publish at a rate of three shorts a week. I have produced over 450 videos over the last year and a half.

I have had the privilege of working with Philip Bloom on two documentaries — the first in 2010 on the film, Confluence shot in Lewiston, Idaho, and the second on the Kessler Crane Documentary in Plymouth, Indiana in 2011.

I have experience working with the RED One, RED Epic, Sony F3, Panasonic AF100, Canon 5D Mark II, as well as a few other cameras.

Rates & Kit

All rates are negotiable depending on what kit is needed. Please contact me by clicking here.

Working with Clients

The Selection

Clear communication is often the key. The client should know, at every stage, what is happening, why it’s happening, and how it’s happening. They should also know what to expect next, and ultimately, what to expect at the end of the process. Make sure you do your research and determine the needs of the client to get the best result.

The Squeeze

This is when the magic happens. A clear set of goals and a well planned out schedule helps make things roll smoothly. Expect delays and expect a few set backs but with a clear set of plans, you will be able to make it through these obstacles. Keep your objective in mind at all stages of the process.

The Chill

Re-evaluate your goals and values and determine if you have met your target. Decide if you are happy with the results and ready to seek the rewards.

Professional Development

- HD-DSLR: Moving From Still to Video with Vincent Laforet (2011)
- Harnessing the power of HD-DSLR’s with Philip Bloom in Toronto, Ontario (Profusion 2010)
- HD-DSLR Lighting with Rodney Charters in Toronto, Ontario (Profusion 2010)
- Internship with Philip Bloom in Lewiston, Idaho (2010)
- HD-DSLR Cinema Training with Vincent Laforet (2010)
- Set and Safety Protocol Course (SMPIA)
- Continuity Workshop Course (SMPIA)
- Entry / Emerging Grips Course (SMPIA)
- Trainee Assistant Director Course (SMPIA)
- Locations Flagging Course (SMPIA)

Featured Video

Into the Wild – Wilderness Cinematography

About the Film

I have a passion for the outdoors and try to explore it’s vastness as often as possible. For the last few years, I have tried to work in as many road trips that time has allowed. I’ve managed to explore many impressive locations such as Prince Albert National Park, Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, Lolo National Forest, Clearwater National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, Kaniksu National Forest, Colville National Forest, Jasper National Park, and many Provincial and Regional Parks through Saskatchewan as well as the rest of Canada. The video above features some of the footage from last year.

Recent Posts by Preston Kanak

• Projecting Reflections

  This film was shot over two days in Chicago, Illinois on the RED Epic & Canon 5D. The first day Karen, Austin & I spent timelapsing at various locations around the city. On the second day Joel, Karen, Austin, Eric & I filmed up and down Michi...

• Featured on Smartsound Sonficfire Website

  Working with Sonicfire Pro 5 I have been using Sonicfire Pro 5 off and on now for about a year and am very happy with what they have to offer for royalty free music. If you haven’t checked them out yet, they are definitely worth a look! I am plan...

• A Week in Montana

  About the Film I recently spent a week in Montana with F9 Photo & Eric Hines shooting some content for Carson’s film, Snow Guardians. ‘Snow Guardians’ is an immensely visual documentary on the life and work of Ski Patrol at several Mo...

• Working with Kessler Crane

  Kessler University I recently spent some time down in Plymouth Indiana and Austin Texas with the crew from Kessler Crane (KC) -- first to help shoot the Kessler Doc and then second to help with Masters in Motion. On both occasions I was blown away ...

• Gallatin Valley

  About the Film For this video, I wanted to create an atmospheric piece. I decided to head down to the Gallatin Valley and shoot for about an hour. Technical Specifications Date: January 16th, 2012 Location: Bozeman, Montana Film By: Preston...

• Home for the Holidays Short Film - Last Minute Collaboration

  Shooting with a timeline I was recently asked to shoot an impromptu short narrative piece. For the project, I was given a few notes in regards to the feel and style of the piece but no time for pre-production and no script to go off of. This pro...

• Visual Writing, Part 1 - Emotion

  Part 1 - Emotion It all starts with a feeling, right? Inspiration, from the music you just heard. Anger, at the person who betrayed you. Joy, for the joke you just cracked. Sadness, for the relationship you’ve lost. Guilt, for not finishing the s...

• How to Accomplish Push/Pull Moves Using Kessler Crane Gear

  Full Length Version About the Film In this film, I explore an abandoned grain elevator in Saskatchewan, Canada. I also showcase four different ways in which you can accomplish push/pull moves without seeing the track in the shot when using Kessler ...

• Nikon enters the video market with the D4!

  Introduction Okay, let me clarify. This isn't Nikon's first DSLR camera to have video but it IS the 1st that actually looks like it may be good at shooting video! Now, I don't want to comment at this point about the camera until I shoot with it but ...

• Positively No Smoking

  About the Film All my life, while driving to my family's vacation spot at Wakaw Lake, Saskatchewan, I have driven past a gravel road leading to a pair of old, abandoned grain elevators. I've always taken these buildings for granted, but just recen...

• Happy New Years!

  I recently put together a video for Kessler Crane for New Years. All the best in 2012!

• HL Commercial - Shooting a Low Budget Commerical on a Timeline

  Introduction I was recently hired by Studio 10 Productions to help shoot a commercial for a new development in Regina, Saskatchewan. We had a limited budget and only 5 hrs to shoot the commercial. We did a test shoot as well -- which I have included...

• Magic Lantern releases new HDR Firmware for Canon T2i/550D

  ** NOTE: USE WITH CAUTION. Please add to your cameras at your own risk! Hope you have a great Christmas!** Magic Lantern Warning: (As of September 2009 the software has been downloaded over two thousand times and there have been no reports of da...

• A Closer Look at the BASIC Controller Timelapse Estimator

  (If you are looking for a quick start guide for Connecting & Operating the BASIC Controller as well as the BASIC Controller Timelapse Estimator, you can view the shorter videos below) *** Note this estimator is currently a work in progress and i...

• Low Light - Colour Grading Low Light Cinestyle footage

  Low Light - Grading Technocolor Cinestyle Footage Side by Side Final Grade About the Film For this film I wanted to see how easy it was to grade cinestyle footage that was shot in low light. I decided to take the grading to the extreme and see ...

• Shape Wlb - The First Sony F65 Rig

  Initial Reactions Shape recently released the first ever F65 rig. I have yet to try it but it looks very enticing. One of the main features I am excited for is the way in which you are able to go from sticks to over the shoulder with just one clic...

• Tom Lowe's "TimeScapes 4K"

  Last night, Tom Lowe released some more footage from his upcoming film, "TimeScapes," a portrait of the American Southwest. Tom has spent approximately two years working on this masterpiece and I cannot WAIT to see it! It was shot on the RED Epic and...

• A Focus on Collaboration - Why It's Important

  **Note: I am not an expert -- these are just my opinions on collaboration. I will also be focusing on how it relates to film making and will provide some real world examples. Comments are encouraged :)** Collaboration is the Key to Success By Presto...

• Karrnnel - Coast/Rain

  About the Film When Amy Matysio asked if I wanted to do a project with her, I was intrigued. HER CONCEPT: Film her boyfriend, Karrnnel Sawitsky, Louis-charles Vigneau, and Daniel Koulack playing at an inner city school, a wartime house, a live-to...

• Endure.

  About the Film Six months ago, I filmed a friend talking about his passion, his work, and his struggles. Technical Specifications Date: November 21st 2011 Location: Regina, Saskatchewan Film By: Preston Kanak Equipment: Canon 5D Mark II, 2 ...