Cinematographer Martin Lisius explains what makes StormStock unique

Since 1993, StormStock has been the "go to" footage library for producers and directors who need something special in the weather imagery category. The collection, created by cinematographer Martin Lisius, features hard to find material including the only Super 35mm (to HD) footage in the world of Hurricane Katrina making landfall. "Katrina was a very difficult and dangerous storm to cover," Lisius said. "Of all the hurricanes I have shot, nothing compares to what I witnessed that day." Lisius, along with assistant Brandon Jennings, watched as record breaking storm surge reached several miles inland from the sea, engulfing cars and tossing dozens of refrigerators onto Interstate Highway 10. The shots captured that day helped to establish the top anthology of Hurricane Katrina footage anywhere.

"To do what I do, I have to not only be a skilled cinematographer, but I have to understand how to operate in and around storms safely. That's a pretty unique set of skills," Lisius said. Lisius has taken what he's learned about extreme weather and shared it with the public in a book titled, The Ultimate Severe Weather Safety Guide.

Although StormStock offers some editorial-style footage, it's the cinematic elements that set the brand apart. "Storms are incredible to me. I share my appreciation for them through the way I film them. I see storms as an incredible part of nature, not as disasters. They are disasters only if people are not prepared for them. Given that, I feel they deserve to be explored and revealed in a beautiful, cinematic style."

Recently, award-winning writer/director Terrence Malick contacted Lisius to acquire footage for his new IMAX movie "Voyage of Time: Life's Journey." "Terry contacted me because he specifically wanted something cinematic, something amazing," Lisius said. 

Speaking of 'something amazing,' Lisius just completed a short film titled "Wakinyan," which is Lakota for 'thunder spirit'. It features spectacular storm footage he captured earlier this year. The film is an official selection by Dallas VideoFest 2016 and the Raw Science Film Festival 2016.

What's next for StormStock? Lisius said he will make available some elements from his upcoming documentary about storms to a limited number of clients. The production is being filmed entirely on 4K.

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Press inquiries: Contact Kim George at (817) 276-9500 or kimgeorge@prairiepictures.com