about Dave

It was the summer of 1971 in Dallas, Texas. I was reeling from the collapse of my year old catering business, The Little Danish. Both of my previous startups - Hawaiian Swim School and The Pizza Inn -  had also quickly failed because at that time I did not know that the two essential functions of a business are innovation AND MARKETING. 

I'd become intrigued by a new thing called 'Video,' and decided I should move to Manhattan or San Francisco, where this new medium was blossoming. A college friend who lived in Sausalito offered me a place to stay until I got my feet on the ground.

Shortly after arriving, I got my hands on one of the early portable cameras imported from Japan and fell in with the Bay Area's community of 'video freaks.'  Because I was now 'following my bliss,' doors opened, I met the people I wanted to know, good luck followed me everywhere. I fell head over heels in love with the video camera.

During my career as a freelancer, I've been blessed with the time, support, and good health to help raise a child, produce documentaries, write books, and grow businesses.

My documentary  work has focused on extraordinary people - Staying Alive, The 5 Keys to Mastery, Amazing Place - and dimly lit corners of society - Life Without and Hotel Macedonia. I've been able to publish three books - The Laws of Camerawork, Video Rules, and The Mastery Class and create a line of video accessories - SteadyBag, PickupStix, LensEnd, and GelFile – used by video and photo professionals worldwide.

I live in Oakland, California with the wonderful Susan Burgess-Lent. I love making Neapolitan-ish pizza, sniping for gold in the Sierra Nevada, playing volleyball, being a dad and friend to my wonderful daughter Nikole, and hiking with Rocco, her 'Jackweiler' pup. Susan and I also enjoy serving supplemental meals to 14 species of birds at our two window feeders. (Below is a male Junco)

THE INVOICE production team. We're developing an 8 episode streaming series to help Americans understand and appreciate the importance and urgency of closing the black/white wealth gap.

John Antonelli, Owner, Mill Valley Film Group mvfg@icloud.com 415.225.3909

Jackie Hunt-Willis, Co-Founder, Jion Academy

jhuntwillis@gmail.com 510.415.1091

Celia Peacock, public health professional celia.peacock@yahoo.com 301.792.8549