Brian Machon starts his work day by packing a bag, jumping on a train and ringing doorbells.
He is greeted with handshakes, kisses, hugs and hellos.
At 45, Machon has been practicing his craft for over 20 years and has spent much of that time in his clients homes. His customers come from diverse backgrounds and he often develops close personal relationships with them.
Machon's own family lives in Copenhagen Denmark, where at the age of 16, he left home because of an abusive step-father.
"I hated being home. I always hated being home. I always hated him," says Machon.
After finishing school, Machon left Denmark and moved to New York City where he slowly generated the business he has today.
Then three years ago, Machon felt a pain in his chest. The doctor said he was two to three weeks from a major heart attack.
This close call raised questions, specifically about his biological father, a man he'd never met. Machon wondered if he also had heart disease, and if so, what other diseases he might need to be prepared for.
He also thought it might just be interesting to meet him.
Machon has watched his clients' families grow, and he has grown close enough to many of them to develop lasting friendships that extend beyond his role as their hairstylist.
His clients ask how his health is, and if he wouldn't mind changing a light bulb before he leaves. He listens to to their confessions, makes dinner, and helps their kids with their homework.
"They become like my extended family."
Running With Scissors is a product of the MediaStorm Storytelling Workshop, where participants work alongside MediaStorm staff to create an intimate, character-driven documentary in just one week. Learn more about upcoming MediaStorm workshops and online training at mediastorm.com/train.
Credits
Testimonials
Ricky John Molloy, Photography, Audio and Video
One hard, intense and thrilling week at MediaStorm got me shaped up for multimedia production. I was baptized by fire.
Thomas Tolstrup, Photography, Audio and Video
I have learned so much from this workshop. I now have a clear vision of what is needed to make a great multimedia production. The importance of teamwork, getting all the right shots from different angles and the importance of good audio. I feel I have an upgraded toolbox, ready to be used!
Nancy J. Haws, Assistant Producer
My primary motivation for participating in the MediaStorm workshop was to learn how to combine a vast array of talents and tools, recombine them and modify existing digital information to create a new derivative work. I never doubted for a minute that our team would complete a multi-media project. However, the real gems we mined during this workshop resided at the center of where all these pieces of data fit together - the story.
The workshop integrated chaos theory, asset management and controversial subject matter with a group of complete strangers traveling at warp speed in a compressed time frame of one week. Mind- boggling.
Thanks, Brian and team, for creating an invaluable experience. I'll be back.
Related Links
The MediaStorm One Day Master Class provides a general, yet precise, overview of documentary video and multimedia storytelling approaches. MediaStorm founder Brian Storm will walk you through specific examples as well as proven tips to improve your interviewing, editing and distribution techniques.
These are the upcoming one day workshop dates:
The MediaStorm Methodology Master Class gives participants a chance to look inside the workings of a successful film and interactive production company, while taking them step-by-step through both the creative and business aspects of digital storytelling.
Founder Brian Storm will share MediaStorm’s workflow and storytelling methods and discuss essential elements of project organization and storytelling concepts.
You can attend the workshop in Los Gatos, CA in person or online via Zoom.
Upcoming dates:
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MediaStorm's award-winning team of producers and cinematographers lead online training videos with lessons learned from their experience producing films and training groups and organizations around the world.
Developed over seven years and more than 100 projects, our downloadable post-production workflow covers every phase of editing, from organizing assets through outputting final projects and archiving.
Available for iPad on iTunes, the MediaStorm Field Guide outlines fundamental concepts for gathering multimedia content in the field for documentary films.
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The MediaStorm Platform is an advanced video platform that extends the user experience beyond linear video to include the interactive capabilities of the Internet.
The MediaStorm Platform is an advanced video platform that extends the user experience beyond linear video to include the interactive capabilities of the Internet.
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