The Beginning
Michael Kovach began filming whitewater kayaking videos using a small waterproof camera. “I could get close to the action and not worry about getting my camera wet since it was waterproof,” he recalls.
That camera met its end while snorkelling in Saint Maarten. This experience inspired him to search for a new camera, and he found a used JVC semi-pro camcorder on Kijiji. Unfortunately, it performed poorly in low light, so he traded it for a Panasonic GH2 Micro Four Thirds camera system.
"This is where my love of filmmaking really began," Michael shares. "The image quality was incredible! I started shooting everything."
His first real film was a short he shot during a lunch break, and it turned out exceptionally well. Encouraged, he went on to shoot a cooking video of his wife making a French breakfast. To share his creations, he opened Vimeo and YouTube accounts, which now host over 70 or 80 videos for people to enjoy.
To further develop his skills, Michael filmed charity events for practice and volunteered at Rogers TV, gaining valuable exposure to the industry.
Real Estate
My wife and I put our home up for sale, and I shot a video of it for the realtor. The realtor was impressed with the video and shared it with her colleagues. Soon after, I received a call from Sylvie Roth, a local interior designer at Roth Designs. Sylvie admired my work and asked if I’d be interested in shooting a feature on one of their custom designer homes.
The property was stunning, filled with unique art and furniture, and the film turned out beautifully. I used it to showcase my skills as a filmmaker. The video received many views on YouTube and Vimeo, and soon other realtors started reaching out to me.
Since then, I’ve filmed several homes, and we’ve successfully sold all of them! One of my favourites was a farm in Belmont—a breathtaking $1.3 million property. The film turned out wonderfully and is now featured on my site.
I continue to craft my films one at a time, striving to improve with each project. I focus on making my shots as engaging as possible to hold viewers’ attention, which is essential for generating interest in the property. I truly enjoy shooting real estate videos—every home has unique features to highlight, and I love bringing those to life through film.
Wedding Films
While browsing Kijiji ads, I came across a listing for a DSLR shooter. I contacted the person who posted the ad and met Greg Idasz of AV Artisan Wedding Films. I told Greg that I loved filming and wanted to start making money doing it. To my surprise, he asked if I wanted to shoot a wedding that weekend!
I joined Greg to shoot a ceremony for free as a trial to prove I could handle the job. That opportunity opened the door to an entire summer of filming weddings! It was an incredible learning experience, especially working under pressure. I made a few mistakes, but Greg was patient and taught me many valuable cinematic techniques.
I plan to continue shooting weddings because I genuinely enjoy the work. Filming weddings offers a lot of creative freedom—the couples trust us with their special day, and we get to craft some of the most beautiful wedding films I’ve ever seen.
If you’re interested in checking out some of the films, you can visit AV Artisan’s site: http://www.avartisanproductions.com
Documentary Films
I really enjoy shooting documentary/News stories. I shot and edited several shows on Roger TV over the last few years. Some of the shows I have been involved in are :
Amazing Kids - Shoot and edited stories on local kids and their many talents
Newsmakers- A Rogers TV news show. Shot ENG and edited B-Roll
Neighbourhoods - A Rogers TV show on the different areas of the city and the homes within the city’s areas. Shooting and editing
Vito's Circus- A Comedy show on Roger TV- Shooting
EcoVox - assistant editor
Doggie House Calls- A show like the Dog Whisperer ,only local. Multi cam shoots and editing
LDNONT- A show about the Twitter community in London Ontario-TV operator, Graphics, floor manager, Audio Engineer
High School Project - A reality show following Beal High school students as they create the set, audition and finally perform the "Adams Family" at The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. Shot and edited
Zorba- A musical Comedy filmed at The Palace Theatre- DP and Editing
Corporate Films
I have started Corporate Films. I find this really rewarding and I enjoy putting a story together for clients using visual storytelling. My clients include Public speaking events, Concerts, Theatre, Industrial for GM division, Shell Manufacturing Centre, Adidas, accountants, Realtors and the list goes on.
Where to from Here ?
My plans include as many variety of shoots as possible. I hope to build Spectacle Cinema to the point where I can sustain myself full time and have an employee or two to help with events. If you have an event or idea, wedding, or anything that can use a visual story, let me know and I will make it happen.
Thanks for reading!
Mike
Michael Kovach began filming whitewater kayaking videos using a small waterproof camera. “I could get close to the action and not worry about getting my camera wet since it was waterproof,” he recalls.
That camera met its end while snorkelling in Saint Maarten. This experience inspired him to search for a new camera, and he found a used JVC semi-pro camcorder on Kijiji. Unfortunately, it performed poorly in low light, so he traded it for a Panasonic GH2 Micro Four Thirds camera system.
"This is where my love of filmmaking really began," Michael shares. "The image quality was incredible! I started shooting everything."
His first real film was a short he shot during a lunch break, and it turned out exceptionally well. Encouraged, he went on to shoot a cooking video of his wife making a French breakfast. To share his creations, he opened Vimeo and YouTube accounts, which now host over 70 or 80 videos for people to enjoy.
To further develop his skills, Michael filmed charity events for practice and volunteered at Rogers TV, gaining valuable exposure to the industry.
Real Estate
My wife and I put our home up for sale, and I shot a video of it for the realtor. The realtor was impressed with the video and shared it with her colleagues. Soon after, I received a call from Sylvie Roth, a local interior designer at Roth Designs. Sylvie admired my work and asked if I’d be interested in shooting a feature on one of their custom designer homes.
The property was stunning, filled with unique art and furniture, and the film turned out beautifully. I used it to showcase my skills as a filmmaker. The video received many views on YouTube and Vimeo, and soon other realtors started reaching out to me.
Since then, I’ve filmed several homes, and we’ve successfully sold all of them! One of my favourites was a farm in Belmont—a breathtaking $1.3 million property. The film turned out wonderfully and is now featured on my site.
I continue to craft my films one at a time, striving to improve with each project. I focus on making my shots as engaging as possible to hold viewers’ attention, which is essential for generating interest in the property. I truly enjoy shooting real estate videos—every home has unique features to highlight, and I love bringing those to life through film.
Wedding Films
While browsing Kijiji ads, I came across a listing for a DSLR shooter. I contacted the person who posted the ad and met Greg Idasz of AV Artisan Wedding Films. I told Greg that I loved filming and wanted to start making money doing it. To my surprise, he asked if I wanted to shoot a wedding that weekend!
I joined Greg to shoot a ceremony for free as a trial to prove I could handle the job. That opportunity opened the door to an entire summer of filming weddings! It was an incredible learning experience, especially working under pressure. I made a few mistakes, but Greg was patient and taught me many valuable cinematic techniques.
I plan to continue shooting weddings because I genuinely enjoy the work. Filming weddings offers a lot of creative freedom—the couples trust us with their special day, and we get to craft some of the most beautiful wedding films I’ve ever seen.
If you’re interested in checking out some of the films, you can visit AV Artisan’s site: http://www.avartisanproductions.com
Documentary Films
I really enjoy shooting documentary/News stories. I shot and edited several shows on Roger TV over the last few years. Some of the shows I have been involved in are :
Amazing Kids - Shoot and edited stories on local kids and their many talents
Newsmakers- A Rogers TV news show. Shot ENG and edited B-Roll
Neighbourhoods - A Rogers TV show on the different areas of the city and the homes within the city’s areas. Shooting and editing
Vito's Circus- A Comedy show on Roger TV- Shooting
EcoVox - assistant editor
Doggie House Calls- A show like the Dog Whisperer ,only local. Multi cam shoots and editing
LDNONT- A show about the Twitter community in London Ontario-TV operator, Graphics, floor manager, Audio Engineer
High School Project - A reality show following Beal High school students as they create the set, audition and finally perform the "Adams Family" at The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. Shot and edited
Zorba- A musical Comedy filmed at The Palace Theatre- DP and Editing
Corporate Films
I have started Corporate Films. I find this really rewarding and I enjoy putting a story together for clients using visual storytelling. My clients include Public speaking events, Concerts, Theatre, Industrial for GM division, Shell Manufacturing Centre, Adidas, accountants, Realtors and the list goes on.
Where to from Here ?
My plans include as many variety of shoots as possible. I hope to build Spectacle Cinema to the point where I can sustain myself full time and have an employee or two to help with events. If you have an event or idea, wedding, or anything that can use a visual story, let me know and I will make it happen.
Thanks for reading!
Mike