Not just a website but a blog too? Well, I figured this is a good way to keep those interested in my professional life informed. But this is not simply an outlet for an Otaño press release. It’ll be more personal than that. I plan on sharing things that get my creative wheels turning. You know, typical nerd stuff where art and technology collide. Everything from first hand equipment reviews to simply a good movie recommendation or a friends published work/event that I think is worth mentioning. OK, OK, it’s another blog. But it’s mine alright!? I hope you enjoy it.
917-796-3997
Otano@mac.com
Paradigm Agency
310-288-8000
Brian Goldberg -Features & TV
bgoldberg@paradigmagency.com
Michael Kirshner -Commercials
mkirschner@paradigmagency.com
Chanel Cottage video
CHANEL
Cottage video
various videos
PUMA
Various videos
DOG The Bounty Hunter
DOG The Bounty Hunter
French Culinary Institute
French Culinary Institute
Shivaree
Shivaree
JETS Trump
JETS Trump
OLAY
OLAY
ACLU
ACLU
Hernan Michael Otaño is a Director of Photography and Camera Operator based out of New York City. The first American-born son of Argentine parents, he was expected to be the future President of the United States. Alas, it was was not to be.
After a brief stint in college, Hernan moved to New York City to pursue a career in film. His career started auspiciously enough; running craft services on a the set of the 1991 feature film Strictly Business. Soon after he served as a Production Assistant to Director/Writer Paul Schrader on the 1992 film Light Sleeper. It was during this time that Hernan discovered his love of Cinematography.
Working his way up through the camera ranks starting off as a film loader and then graduating to focus pulling for cinematographers such as Harris Savides, Darius Khondji, Russell Carpenter and Dariusz Wolski. These years were priceless experiences; working alongside some of the most innovative cinematographers of the time.
He got his first big break in 2001 shooting a narrative short film directed by Dave Silver called GASLINE. This short film went on to win the Jury selection prize for Best Short Film at Sundance 2002. In 2004 the two collaborated again on the feature-length film CORN. His next career highlight came in 2007 as Director of Photography for the feature film TURN the RIVER; written and directed by Chris Eigemann. This film was well received and was nominated for an IFC SPIRIT award in 2007. Independent film continued to shape his career nuturing both a collaborative nature and innovative style.
Hernan made the transition to larger scale projects and studio films with a spate of camera operator duties on films such as Limitless, Man on a Ledge and others films, all the while taking on 2nd unit and additional Director of Photography work on movies such as Greg Araki’s Mysterious Skin, Stunt work on The Stepfather and recently shooting the Dream sequences for James Grey’s New Film Low Life. He also found a place behind the lens on multiple award-winning television shows such as 30 Rock, Lights Out and Royal Pains.
Currently Hernan works as a camera operator and DP on feature films and televisions shows and is the “A” camera operator and additional Cinematographer on the Emmy and Golden Globe award winning television series GIRLS (HBO). He is also the Tandem DP on the highly acclalmed FX show The AMERIKANS.
