Rich Underwood, D.P.
5666 La Jolla Boulevard #215
La Jolla, CA 92037

Tel: 619-602-2719
Email: rich@filmspot.tv

From the first frame on his reel, you can see the powerful graphic structure of Rich's work. The images Rich creates are arresting and provocative. You can watch one of his scenes a hundred times and marvel at the artistic simplicity or discover yet another nuance that wasn't there the time before.

Borne in 56', Rich was raised in suburban Chicago and studied television, film and journalism at Southern Illinois University. While at SIU, he began shooting for the university run PBS affiliate and lensed the PBS' syndicated series "Outdoors With Art Reed". After graduating, Rich went KOTV in Tulsa as a photojournalist. In 1978, he chased tornadoes or tornados chased him - down 2 lane blacktops and in small airplanes. After assembling a National Press Photographers Association (N.P.P.A.) award winning reel, Rich was hired by KUSA in Denver.

While working at KUSA, Rich continued creating international award winning stories, mini - documentaries and promos. During his stay there, the photo staff won the N.P.P.A. "Station of the Year" three times. It was in the promo department that Rich returned to filmmaking. After creating several long form pieces and sixty second promos, he took his work and family to the west coast. For the first 3 months Rich lived aboard Solace II, a 50 ft British Channel Cutter and was signed to A&G Productions in San Diego. A year later and now living on dry land, Rich and two colleagues created Companion Pictures. Companion Pictures primarily made television commercials.

Companion Pictures disbanded in 1991 and Rich started freelancing for a variety of production companies and agencies. Rich's photographic assignments have taken him to Mainland China, London, Paris and Frankfurt as well as a good portion of urban and rural U.S. locations. Rich's work continues to garner national and international acclaim.

Rich's side interests have him producing software with titles in the alternative health and accounting fields, he has co-written two ebooks "The Herban Traveler" and "Homeopathy In Hand" and has a screenplay "Bumper Fish". Sailing, kayaking and all things aquatic fill the remaining moments between assignments.

Rich does annual volunteer work shooting Public Service Announcements for the S.P.C.A, St. Vincent De Paul Village (a homeless shelter) and Domestic Violence hotlines.