Steven Ross
Director, School of Film; Associate Professor
Steven Ross remains active as a filmmaker and cinematographer. He came to Ohio University in Fall 2002. Prior to that, he was the filmmaking professor at Wesleyan University from 1994-2002.
ASSORTED CREDITS
Living Here: A Kamchatka Tale
Director of Photography
A feature documentary about life on the Kamchatka peninsula in the remote far East Russia across from Alaska. It focuses on the village of Dolinovka trapped between the old and the new Russia at a time when the free market chaos is replacing the old Soviet ideals.
The film is in progress. http://inparentheses.org/kamchatka/
Liberia: A Fragile Peace
Producer/Director
Liberia: A Fragile Peace tells the story of a war-weary people's struggle to rebuild their nation.
This timely film goes behind the headlines to explore what really happened to this nation founded by former American slaves, and to realistically appraise the hopes and fears about what may happen there next. As Liberia tries to refute a quarter century of bloodshed, corruption, and collapse, the film tells the story with a stunning diversity of perspectives, voices, and personal experiences. (2006)
This film is being distributed by California Newsreel and TVF International.
A Viking Landscape
Director/Director of Photography
Based on a reading of an Icelandic saga, an international team of archaeologists, forensic anthropologists, and literary historians set out to excavate a Viking age church and burial ground from the time of Iceland's conversion to Christianity (1000 AD). The short film documents the archaeological dig and archaeological methods. (2004)
View the film here - UCLA Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies site.
Fishers of Dar
Co-director/Director of Photography
This ethnographic film explores the continuity and integrity of traditional fishing practices in contemporary Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is a metropolis of three million people, yet the city's demand for fish is entirely met by equipment and methods practiced there for centuries. Fishers of Dar has been screened throughout the world in numerous festivals and venues including the Fine Arts Cinema in Berkeley, CA. It has also been selected to be part of two "Best of Festival" traveling tours throughout the United States. (2001)
Awards:
Best documentary (co-winner) 30th Athens International Film/Video Festival 2003
Juror's Choice (First Prize) 22nd Black Maria Film/Video Festival 2002
Golden Dhow Chairman's Choice 5th Zanzibar International Film Festival 2002
Best Cinematography 40th Ann Arbor Film Festival 2002
This film is being distributed by Documentary Educational Resources
American Experience: Stephen Foster
Director of photography
Documentary film in PBS series
Randall MacLowry, Beth Hager, co-producers; Randall MacLowry, director
Mark Twain's Neighborhood: Nook Farm
Director of photography
Connecticut Public Television
Directed, produced and written by Roynn Lisa Simmons in cooperation with the Mark Twain House, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, the Antiquarian & Landmarks Society.
Documentary on the Nook Farm neighborhood and its notable citizenry in Hartford, CT.
Award:
Telly Award Finalist in cinematography
Empire of Crime
Director of Photography
Towers Productions
Jonathan Towers and Bill Curtis, executive producers, Ariel Schaffner, producer.
A&E special on the history of the New York Mafia.
West Virginia: A Film History
Director of Photography
WNPB-TV [PBS – Morgantown, WV]
Mark Samels, producer/director
Six-hour historic documentary.
The Chair
Director of Photography
Feature film
Waldemar Korzeniosky, director.
Starring James Coco, Trini Alvarado and Paul Benedict.
Monsters
Director of Photography
Laurel-EFX, Inc.
Multiple episodes of anthology syndicated television series.
Cinemax Comedy Special: Norman's Corner
Director of Photography
Broadcast Arts/HBO
Peter Rosenthal, executive producer Larry David, writer/producer; Paul Miller, director Starring Gilbert Gottfried.
Saturday Night Live
Director of Photography
Broadway Video, Inc.
Lorne Michaels, executive producer; James Signorelli, director
Short film starring Madonna.
Tales From The Dark Side
Director of Photography
Laurel Entertainment, Inc.
Directors included Jody Foster, Bob Balaban, John Tillinger, Michael Gornick, Jeff Wolfe, John Coles.
Multiple episodes of anthology television series.
Educational Background:
B.A. Wesleyan University
Classes Being Taught:
Filmmaking, Cinematography