MediaZilla Filmmaker Feature: Spotlight on Andrew Kershenblatt and ExtraStep Films
At MediaZilla, we’re always thrilled to support filmmakers who bring artistry to life through their lens, and this week, we’re proud to feature Andrew Kershenblatt, the creative genius behind ExtraStep Films.
With a passion for dance filmmaking, Andrew has made a name for himself by capturing the dynamic beauty of movement through cinematic visuals. Specializing in performance-based storytelling, his films take you right to the heart of the action—whether it’s a bold outdoor performance or an intimate studio shoot.
One of Andrew's standout projects was filmed during the Covid-19 pandemic at an outdoor venue in Encinitas, CA. He was behind the camera, capturing stunning close-ups of dancers just inches from the lens, all while working with a Canon DSLR set to automatic mode. Andrew recalls, “I hardly even touched the camera. I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.” The result? A breathtaking dance performance filled with vibrant colors, authentic expressions, and raw energy. The performance took place on the lip of the stage, where the camera was almost knocked over several times, yet Andrew managed to capture the essence of the moment beautifully. You can watch this performance here: Encinitas, CA Performance (During Covid).
Another remarkable project of Andrew's was filmed in Cypress, CA, using the Panasonic CX350. This Promo Film captured the building energy and excitement of the dance performance, thanks to a second operated camera for close-ups and hero shots. The film perfectly conveys the escalating excitement of the dancers, bringing the audience closer to the action. Watch it here: Cypress Promo Film.
In addition to dance performances, Andrew has also worked on a heartwarming web commercial for one of his dance clients in Westminster, MD. The film highlights the close bond between the studio owner and her students, with each moment brimming with warmth and authenticity. Watch this touching commercial here: Web Commercial for Westminster Dance Studio.
What Makes Andrew’s Work Stand Out?
What sets Andrew apart is not just his impressive technical skills, but his commitment to presentation and ease of use. In his own words, “What’s NOT to love about MediaZilla’s platform? Overall ease of use tops my list. It doesn’t matter how fancy or powerful an application is if you can’t use it in a time-effective manner. Even I, not being an overly techie guy, can build a nice clean, effective homepage in about ten minutes."
Andrew has built a solid reputation for making complex processes simple for his clients. Many dance directors, particularly those who aren’t familiar with technology, are often hesitant about using online platforms to deliver their work. But with MediaZilla’s easy-to-use interface and one-button sharing features, even the most technically challenged clients navigate it with ease. Andrew notes, "So many older dance directors say they won’t be able to navigate the product. I send it to them, and they never contact me for any technical support. Ever."
Thoughts on using MediaZilla
Andrew has shared his thoughts on using MediaZilla, and we couldn’t be prouder of the results:
“What’s NOT to love about MediaZilla? Overall ease of use tops my list. It doesn’t matter how fancy or powerful an application is if you can’t use it in a time-effective manner. Even I, not being an overly techie guy, can build a nice clean, effective homepage in about ten minutes. And the one-button ability to share and download is a favorite function for my clients. So many older dance directors say to me, when we first discuss the online option, they won’t be able to navigate the product. I send it to them, and they never contact me for any technical support. Ever.”
Proud to Support Andrew Kershenblatt and ExtraStep Films
At MediaZilla, we’re proud to support filmmakers like Andrew Kershenblatt and ExtraStep Films, who are committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. His ability to seamlessly blend storytelling, performance, and technical skill is truly inspiring, and we are honored to be a part of his filmmaking journey.