blake nolan brown

I’ve been a filmmaker since the beginning of the Digital Revolution, which gave unprecedented access to the means to production and put the ability to create video right in our hands.

Since then, my career has led me all across America, as well as Internationally, learning, shooting, and working everywhere I’ve been. I lived in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Shenzhen, and Sydney, gleaning valuable insight about how video, technology, and commerce work synergistically to access amazing opportunities.

My heart truly lies in narrative, making stories, or at the very least, a point, and although
I claim the role of “Cinematographer”, my true intention is to give every project its due.
By necessity, I’ve developed into a Director, a Producer, an Editor, and a Colorist, all to make sure that I can offer each respective project precisely what it needs.

how it started

I was in college when social media began. Youtube was in its infancy, and I looked at what was happening and said to myself “video is never going away”. In fact, year by year production has only increased. I graduated with a BA in Film and Video Studies from the University of Oklahoma. It was a theory-based curriculum, and I was chomping at the bit to get on set. Fortunately, I had a great friend that was as equally enthusiastic about actually making film; shooting, lighting, and cutting footage.
He invited me to a filmmaking course at NYU and USC in the summers between semesters. I got my first taste of New York-Style filmmaking with actual film. I will never forget the first time I saw the palm trees rolling by as I cruised to the beach in L.A.

Once I graduated, I started working at a primo ad agency in OKC. It was a weird time because they wanted me to be a cog in their machine, hamstringing me to menial tasks that did not move the needle. I determined that I wasn’t going to learn the skills that I truly desired from the people on their staff over me that in fact did not have those skills either. At the time, their production was rooted in practices that were ponderous and tedious, instead of the responsive and intuitive way that seemed obvious to me. I tried to work “in the industry” in OKC, but I grew weary of telling people I was a Cinematographer (albeit, an amateur) and them asking me “what for?”.

tech + video

So I left. I said goodbye to my friends and family and went to San Francisco. It was a true eye opener.
I was exposed to the fever dreams of the tech world, think-tanks, incubators, and app designers. I saw a level of production that was based in pragmatism, answering relevant questions, and straight forward shooting of what this thing actually does. Although still clever and creative, it allowed me to consider how video could be utilitarian and serve as a clarifier for the audience. This skill set was suited to explainer videos, how-to, documentary, and products. Truly, a valuable lesson.


SF pushed me further and exposed me to my first few bigger commercial sets. It led me to a camera operating gig on an indie feature film in Hong Kong, as well as my first travel show. Here’s to indie producers that have the wherewithal to make productions happen without all the support of colossal production companies!

Despite my growth there, I realized that I couldn’t live in SF and dip to LA for the occasional production. I needed to get in the thick of it. I needed exposure to actual sets in the actual industry.

lights camera action

In LA, my technique started to really improve. I had access to industry standard gear, sophisticated lighting setups, high-end camera packages, and a plethora of lenses to create a ton of visually succinct looks for a vast spectrum of projects. I made friends with people who had years in the industry, had graduated from the premiere filmmaking programs in the US, and who were equally driven to succeed and held a special reverence for the amazing medium of video.

I had arrived. I found a thriving community of filmmakers, each taking pride in their respective role on set. I found my people.

This is where I learned the power of nuance. Anyone can show up and shoot a ton of footage, sling a camera around, and steal a bunch of shots. Some of them might even be great. This is the Videographer’s game. But to choose; to set a light, and select the lens, and place the camera… this is Cinematography. This is when I was able to actualize myself by learning and striving, consciously deciding how to make my footage look the way
I needed it to look. I busted my knuckles on lighting crews, pulled focus and supported other DPs, and shot everything I could with limited resources just to take a crack at being what I wanted to be. I scraped in LA, walking in with no connections and no mentorship, just to stick my face in the fire and see if it would melt off.

I learned technique for sure, but the crucial lesson was how to develop touch.

Video as commerce

The next crazy lesson I learned was earned abroad. I lived in Shenzhen, China, and it took me well outside of my comfort zone. I had to associate to the fact that perceived value is valuable. I had to communicate clearly and succinctly. People couldn’t grasp my turns of phrase or figures of speech. No one took my meaning, and sarcasm was lost in translation.

I got really good at doing my homework, putting together pitches that were clear and selling a project based on concept rather than referral. Shenzhen is a city built on commerce, and everyone vies for a better deal, more affordable work, and an uncomplicated approach to production.

The takeaway is that the craftsmanship that I cherish is less important to the undiscerning buyer. A business that needs video services is only as interested as the project helps them achieve their goals, and couldn’t care less if personal standards are upheld. That was the rawest truth I’d encountered about this medium. Companies don’t want the extra fancy work if they don’t need it, no matter how crucial it feels to the creator.

full circle

i’ve made my way back home. I live in Oklahoma City now, and despite a pandemic, multiple strikes, inflation, catastrophes, and general uncertainty, I’m still working to improve my cinematic craft and provide video support on a number of fronts.

Since I got back to OK, I’ve been able to substantially grow my camera package, improve my color grading, and make meaningful connections in the industry. I’ve worked with significant productions out of Prairie Surf Studios, Filmmaker’s Ranch, Cherokee Film Studios, Windswept Media, Ghost, Ackerman McQueen, and the list goes on and on.

My short films are winning awards like never before, and I’m leveraging every opportunity to allow for greater endeavors in the future. I’m raising my personal bar, but also looking to help my neighbors and collaborators elevate their respective interests.

Video Content and Filmmaking Approach:

  • Storytelling at its Core: Whether it’s a short film, a documentary, or a commercial, the power of storytelling is at the forefront of every production.

  • Technical Excellence: Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and software to ensure that every piece of content is of the highest quality.

  • Innovative Techniques: Constantly experimenting with new techniques in cinematography, editing, and visual effects to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

  • Emotional Resonance: Crafting content that not only looks great but also connects with the audience on an emotional level.

Client Relationships:

  • Partnership Approach: Viewing each client as a partner, working closely with them to bring their vision to life.

  • Transparency and Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Customized Solutions: Offering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs and goals of each client.

  • Long-Term Support: Providing ongoing support and advice, even after project completion, to ensure lasting success.

company culture:

  • Progressive and Impactful: Our company culture is built on a foundation of progressiveness, striving to make a positive impact in everything we do.

  • Collaborative Environment: Encouraging collaboration and the free exchange of ideas among team members, fostering a creative and supportive workplace.

  • Sustainability and Responsibility: Commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility in all aspects of our operations.

  • Continuous Learning: Promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that our team remains at the cutting edge of our industry.

At meteor, we’re more than just
a company; we’re a partner in
your digital journey.

Let us help you tell your story
and achieve
your goals,
creating a
lasting impact.

Welcome to meteor.

BLAKE NOLAN BROWN

Cinematographer / Director / Colorist

BLAKE SPENT THE LAST DECADE LIVING AND WORKING IN SAN FRANCISCO, LOS ANGELES, AND SHENZHEN. 

IMMERSED IN THESE CULTURAL CENTERS, EXPOSED TO CHARACTERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE; HE FOUND A DEEP APPRECIATION FOR THE ENTIRE SPECTRUM OF HUMAN EXISTENCE

HIS GREATEST APPRECIATION AND EXPRESSION OF MODERN VISUAL MEDIUM IS CINEMA. HE APPLIES HIS TECHNIQUE TO EVERYTHING FROM FILM TO COMMERCIAL PROJECTS.