Charles Castilla

The 2004 hurricane season was among the most devastating on record. Florida was battered by Charley, Frances and Ivan. This 60 minute TLC documentary covered all three storms during a two month timeline. Battling the harsh environment and logistical nightmare of storm coverage, my team and I covered all three storms from August 15 to September 22, 2004. I ended up shooting and producing the majority of the field footage and reported to CBS executive producer Terrence Martin.

A reality series that focused on the daily drama and hilarious misadventures of a motley crew of crash addicts who join together to compete in a bizarre demolition derby racing event. I was brought in as DP to set up the camera packages, lighting and look of the show. I later moved to serve as a producer for the rest of the first season. This was Spike TV’s highest rated show.

Emmy Award winning regional documentary weekly series covering history and culture, lifestyles, people and legends of the Deep South. Working with supervising producer Jennifer Wysocki, our crew traveled throughout the southern states in search of unusual and interesting stories that make the south so unique and compelling.

In 1989 I was part of the camera crew that shot the pilot. Worked with creators John Langley and Malcolm Barbour. During the shooting of the pilot the team established the look and feel of television’s first major realty show. From 1993 to 1996 worked with producer Bertram van Munster. Shot in cinéma vérité, the two men camera crew follows the activities of police officers on patrol. The show is styled with no narration, scripted dialog and direction.

Prepped film during development, scouted initial locations with director Sheldon Lettich and producer Steven Menkin., Assisted producers and UPM in the hiring of department keys. Directed cut a-ways, transition shots and establishing sequences. Also shot the entire behind the scene sequences and interviews with cast, producers and crew.