Bio

MY TAKE ON FILMMAKING

I’m a firm believer in finding an interesting angle for every setup. Filmmaking often demands navigating tight schedules, budgets, and sometimes wildly arbitrary constraints—but it’s in these challenges that creativity thrives. For me, the hallmark of great filmmaking is the ability to consistently craft compelling imagery under these conditions. Each project presents its own unique opportunities, and discovering that perfect hook—the theme, idea, or message—is where the magic begins.

Let’s find that magic and have some fun!

— Hal

Hal Grey Beard

ABOUT ME

From a young age, I was never without a camera in hand. After high school, I went on to play lacrosse for Duke before attending USC’s prestigious Graduate Film School, where I was honored to receive the coveted Robert Zemeckis Mentorship. Since then, I’ve been lucky to pursue my passion for filmmaking, working with major global brands and collaborating with talents like Johnny Depp, Tiger Woods, Ashton Kutcher, Carol Burnett, Kathy Bates, and many more. One career highlight was earning an Emmy nomination for a groundbreaking project in the first broadband narrative category.

My lifelong dedication to the craft has led me to explore just about every aspect of filmmaking. I’ve shot, edited, worked in VFX, and color-graded some incredible projects. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of:

  • Lighting and shooting 300-foot pyramids deep in the Yucatan
  • Riding on motorcycle sidecars and ATV hoods through rugged backcountry
  • Filming from helicopters, camera cars, and in extraordinary locations
  • Collaborating with incredible teams on awe-inspiring projects

Got a unique location or an exciting project? Let’s make it happen!

Professional Awards

  • Emmy Nominated
  • Telly Awards: 100+ wins since 2011
  • Communicator Awards: 20
  • Golden Moose Award: Outdoor Channel
  • American Lung Association Volunteer of the Year: For a PSA campaign I wrote and directed

Film Festivals & Accolades

Projects I’ve worked on have been featured in hundreds of festivals, earning numerous accolades for cinematography, directing, and editing. Notable examples include:

  • Austin Film Festival
  • Taos Talking Pictures
  • Palm Springs International Film Festival
  • LA International Short Film Festival
  • HBO Comedy Arts Festival
  • And many more, including festivals in Tahoe, Moab, Aspen, and Denver

Festival Awards:

  • Hypnotic Million Dollar Film Fest: Runner-Up
  • Moab: Best Short, Best Cinematography
  • Houston Worldfest: Best Short
  • Antelope Valley Film Festival: Best Cinematography