Kenneth Corben

Last Login 05/09/12

• Venice, CA
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KENNETH CORBEN
The first year out of UCSD with a degree I was faced with an acceptance letter to law school or an intern position in the camera department on Renegade. I figured I could always go to law school. So, after working my way up to second unit director of photography on Silk Stalkings, I set out to explore the world through the lens of a camera.

Since making that choice I have survived two plane crashes (the cameras were lost but I saved the film), the worst storm at sea in recorded history with 50 foot swells and 100 knot winds in the Bering Sea in January (some of the best television I ever shot), several close calls with sharks including one great white the size of a city bus that lifted me and my camera completely out of the water (probably should have used a cage), a malfunctioning experimental rebreather that left me blind and narced out of my mind in 500 feet of water off Palau (the manufacturer said it was good to 500 feet), on a pay phone in Florida explaining to Sony executives just exactly how their only working prototype of the high definition camera caught fire (all production models now have new and improved cooling fans), and explaining at gunpoint to a Zapatista Rebel Commander deep in the Chiapas Jungle that, "NO I didn't work for the CIA and NO my camera was not linked to the Pentagon by satellite," (renegotiated my day rate on that one before turning over the negative).

It's true, directing and shooting film and television projects on location from Alaska to Zimbabwe is as exciting as it sounds-sometimes for different reasons. The best part for me is incorporating my passion for flying, diving and exploring the oceans with new production technology to push the envelope in image making and storytelling. I must admit though, during some of the more challenging times I often remind myself that it' s not to late for law school.

JOHN HARVEY
Growing up I felt my art was too static hanging on a wall or sitting on a pedestal. I wanted my energy invested in creating to be something that could be ridden, driven, or flown. Getting my dad’s permission to leave high school early to pursue apprenticeships in the areas of my interests allowed me to learn under the guidance of many giving industry professionals.

I went from fiberglass for surf boards, custom painting, custom bodywork for cars, special effects for Hollywood, machining, tool making, design, etc. Designed and built until I was hired to develop high-performance engine components for a record breaking factory Oldsmobile project A.J. Foyt drove. After this I then went on to Bombardier Corp. to help resurrect their Sea-Doo brand in the late 80's. Designed the first patented seat suspension for one model. I began my own company in 1998 that manufactures light weight Kevlar fuel tanks for high-end sport bikes such as Aprilia, Ducati, Bimota, etc. These tanks are sought after worldwide for their quality and durability.

After many successful years there I went onto designing and fabricating for many experimental aircraft companies in the late 90's. Designed and built my own aircraft along with the flight testing and over 200 hours of flight time. Adding to this high speed assembly machine design for the electronics industry from 2001 to 2009. In the last five years I have produced more than five different 3D camera systems for Hollywood feature productions with one of my systems used at the site of the last Space Shuttle launch and another going to Antarctica in a custom designed underwater housing early in 2012. Most recently I was providing aerodynamic consultation and fabrication for the current AMA championship Superbike team.

Every project is unique in its own way and I have enjoyed building a reputation for quality and service over the years with every one. I'm very excited to bring my 30 plus years of experience to our first Kickstart! Waba!