Profile Spotlight: Michael LaFortune

[Profile Spotlights]

Who are you and what is your profession?

My name is Michael LaFortune and I founded Arcturus Productions in 2008 to produce visually appealing documentaries that inspire, motivate, educate and entertain.

 

Bonaire 10.10.10 for One Day on Earth from Michael LaFortune on Vimeo.

Can you tell us a little about your background and upbringing?

My first camera was a 35mm. I used that camera mostly to take scenic images of nature in and around the Pacific Northwest where I was raised and lived. I think of those early images as my foundation for a greater appreciation of nature, not only for its beauty but how much it's constantly changing. It wasn't until I started diving over ten years ago that I took more interest in underwater cinematography and trying to capture life in the oceans.

 

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

To tell a good story. That has always been my inspiration. A filmmaker has to draw from everything he has to communicate and keep an audience. Especially today with the internet and instant forms of communication. There is so much material and distractions out there. To tell a good story--it's the greatest challenge there is.

 

Who or what do you most admire?

I really don't have any one person that I admire. I do admire anyone with passion. If you don't have passion, no one is going to watch or support your project. One of my biggest influences is Stan Waterman--a pioneer in underwater cinematography. I feel he paved the way for what I do today.

 

What did you film on 10.10.10?

For 10.10.10 I chose to film people and places where I live that the usual tourist doesn't see. There was also a change in the government that day, so I wanted to put some of those images into the project.

 

What are you planning on filming for 11.11.11?

For the next project I'm hoping to capture more variety. Underwater. On land. People. Nature. Life. There is so much to film from the behavior of animals, to weather, to people. I see it as an opportunity to creatively incorporate new techniques and challenge myself and my equipment for one day to produce something that is unique and rarely seen.

 

Survival of an Ocean Species from Michael LaFortune on Vimeo.