Brooks Grad Michael Givens is Director of Photography on Wide-Release Independent Film
‘The Celestine Prophecy’ Opens in Hollywood

May 1, 2006 -- SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Michael Givens, a Brooks Institute graduate who has achieved international acclaim for his commercial production work as a director, cinematographer and photographer, is currently being recognized for his efforts as director of photography on the film ‘The Celestine Prophecy’.  The movie, based upon the best-selling novel by James Redfield, opened on May 2 at Mann’s Chinese 6 theaters in Hollywood, and has already been previewed at select theaters nationwide.

The first of a trilogy of films, ‘The Celestine Prophecy’ is about a man’s search for a sacred manuscript in the Peruvian rain forest, and the many obstacles and amazements that come to him along the way.  The prophecy, itself, predicts a global awakening, arising within all religious traditions, that moves humanity toward a deeper experience of spirituality.  Upon its release, the book achieved worldwide popularity as a work of fiction, fantasy and hope. The film is directed by Armand Mastroianni and stars Matthew Settle, Thomas Kretschmann, Sarah Wayne Callies, Annabeth Gish, Hector Elizondo, Joaquim de Almeida and Jurgen Prochnow. 

Givens, whose photography and directing credits include 35 feature films and hundreds of commercial productions, was chosen by Mastroinanni for his ability to render the fantastical vision of the novel in an innovative yet cost-containing manner.   He elected to use digital imaging (DI) process as his creative tool.

“As an independent film, there was not a huge budget available,” he notes.  “I sold the director and producers on using DI both to offset production costs and to create some outstanding effects.  For a journeyman director of photography with solid filmmaking skills, who takes the time to light and shoot the scene properly, the sky is the limit on what can be achieved.”

Givens, who graduated from Brooks Institute in 1980 with a Bachelor’s degree in Motion Picture production, began his career as a still photographer.  He subsequently moved on to film, becoming a director of photography for noted directors including Ridley Scott, Steven Friers, Philip Borsos and others.  His film credits include ‘Coyote Ugly’ and ‘Rebel Private’, and numerous corporate projects for companies including UPS, Credit Swiss, Pepsi and Visa.

For more information about ‘The Celestine Prophecy’ and Michael Givens, visit http://www.thecelestineprophecymovie.com

About Brooks Institute
With campuses in Santa Barbara and Ventura, Calif., Brooks Institute of Photography has a 60-year legacy of providing world-class visual arts education. The Brooks Institute offers Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts and Associate of Arts degrees and Diploma programs in the following fields of study – professional photography, visual journalism, film and video production and Graphic Design.  Brooks’ graduates are visible nationally and internationally, working for distinguished organizations including National Geographic, Smithsonian, Los Angeles Times and other national media outlets, including Hallmark Publishing, Cousteau Society, HBO, Kodak and other industry leaders in visual media fields.  For more information about Brooks Institute of Photography, visit www.brooks.edu.