John Harris Films
1138 Ripple Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
ph: 831.375.7534
john
WELCOME TO JOHN HARRIS FILMS
PURCHASE THE ORIGINAL BEST-SELLER NOW
STEINBECK COUNTRY - MONTEREY TO BIG SUR
...the world slipping through our fingers
NEW EXTENDED VERSION
Available on DVD, Blu-ray & Dual/Pak BLU-RAY+DVD!
As Seen in PSYCHOLOGY TODAY MAGAZINE
To purchase select the DVD & BLU-RAY sales page at the top of this page.
Also available
'THE LAST DAYS OF OLD CANNERY ROW"
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now filming
Paula, the Matriarch elephant from Monterey Zoo/Wild Things/Vision Quest,
appears through the courtesy of Charlie Sammut in
RETURN TO STEINBECK COUNTRY 3D.
Coming Soon!
WE'RE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER SCREEN.....
In Production Frame Grabs of our new 3D film.
Thanks to the Monterey Herald for awarding our Snowy White Egret "PHOTO OF THE DAY" Today, Friday March 22, 2013!
Filmed in 3D for ......
The Monterey String Quartet will be recording portrions of the original music score as well as appearing on screen in
RETURN TO STEINBECK COUNTRY 3D
Carol Heiland-Rosa will choreograph and appear in a dance segment in the 3D film at Pacfic Grove's Asilomar Beach
John Haris Films creates a wide array of corporate media. Commercials, music videos,
features, 3D video, large screen displays and more.
Contact us now for a media design that will enhance your brand.
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In Production - EXERCISE-THE ART OF AGING with ANN SMITH
Ann Smith, exercise personality, at age 85 exemplifies the value of daily exercise in her new PBS/DVD production.
Filmed on the Monterey Peninsula, The Carmel Foundation and at John Harris Films Studio.
Release date: 2013.
www.annsmithexercise.com
THIS WEEK'S CEDAR STREET TIMES COVER STORY
Purchase exclusive photographs from John Harris. 13 X 19 prints mounted on foam core ready for framing.
Watch this site for information coming soon.
In development THE LIGHTHOUSE 3D!
Thanks to Jodi Essex for participating in our development of THE LIGHTHOUSE
Choose John Harris Films, high definition cine photography for your next project.
John Harris in his studio with his photograph of Ann-Margret when they were rehearsing her big stage show. John was a singer, dancer and filmmaker for Ann-Margret's production.
A Scene from "Steinbeck Country - Monterey to Big Sur
Thank you Theresa Wright and KSBW for a terrific interview Sunday on "Feedback @ 5"
"Thank you for your film work- it touches me deeply!"
- George Bryant
Available online or at local merchants on the Monterey Peninsula. Myrick Photographic, Monterey. The Works & Bookmark Music, Pacific Grove. Pilgrim's Way Bookstore and Do-Re-Mi, Carmel. Henry Miller Library and The Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe, Big Sur.
Or Call 831.375.7534
The scene-stealing, outspoken squirrel of "Steinbeck Country - Monterey to Big Sur"
Read Barbara Rose Shuler's Review
•MONTEREY COUNTY HERALD REVIEW•
By Barbara Rose Shuler
Herald Correspondent
Pacific Grove, California
Last week a unique and magical hometown event took place at the Lighthouse Cinemas in Pacific Grove. The movie house collaborated with filmmaker John Harris in producing a multi-media happening to celebrate the theater premier of his critically acclaimed film “Monterey to Big Sur.” The word spread like wildfire. Tickets sold out fast and crowds were turned away.
One enthusiastic fan said to Harris, “"You have given the home you love it's very own crown."
Refreshing, whimsical and uplifting, “Monterey to Big Sur” explores the natural beauty and wonder of our region from the shores of Monterey and Pacific Grove to the inland valleys on south to the Big Sur coast. Harris has created a spectacular tribute to our beautiful regions, full of majestic vistas and marvelous creatures of the land, skies and ocean. It’s a local treasure as is Harris himself.
The screenings garnered such enthusiastic response that the filmmaker and the theater management worked swiftly to book another two showings on Dec. 29, complete with the event’s original live music and pre-film attractions—good news for those of you who were turned away or could not be there for other reasons. But do reserve your tickets right away as they are likely to sell out again.
Harris developed his love for filming as a young boy in central Oregon, a passion that remained with him throughout his life. He enjoyed a successful Hollywood career as a singer, dancer and filmmaker performing with legendary talents Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, Ann-Margret, Jim Morrison and Teri Garr. He left Hollywood and moved to the Monterey Peninsula over four decades ago. With his partner Alan Weber, he created the 812 Cinema, the famous “pillow theater” of Cannery Row, and the Dream Theater, another historic icon of the area. As always, he continued filming, including rare footage that is included in his film “The Last Days of Old Cannery Row.”
Harris excels at combining a variety of artistic elements in a single event to give people a sense of community and interconnection. Before each showing of “Monterey to Big Sur,” the Monterey String Quartet accompanies his charming film of Pacific Grove’s 2011 Parade of Lights. The ensemble playing 60’s music and holiday tunes in front of the screen as the parade moves down Lighthouse Avenue produces a surprisingly enchanting effect. It makes an delightful overture to the main event with its warm hometown feeling.
Harris wisely presents the film using Lighthouse Cinemas’ new high-definition projection, which vividly displays the suppleness and detail of his film. The only spoken words come from a scene-stealing squirrel during a screen test with the director. Harris guides us through his breathtaking natural worlds with a lyric poet’s art and insight, allowing nature to speak for herself.
His attunement to light, the earth and the movements of life evokes a timeless feeling and a state of simple grace that reminds the soul of true home. "Monterey to Big Sur” reminds us to slow down to match the rhythms of nature so we can discover these wonders for ourselves, with or without a camera.
Harris also composed the score for the film—a lovely ever-changing soundscape that complements the landscapes and the intimate close-ups of cavorting harbor seals, newly hatched geese, pelicans, a snowy white egret and other sea birds, and mighty condors soaring over Big Sur. The music blends seamlessly with sounds of water, birds and animals.
“Monterey to Big Sur” is an outstanding film by an important local artist that is full of heart and goodness. Right now it is selling like hotcakes as a holiday gift. It’s terrific on the big screen. Now’s your chance.
There will be DVD signings by the filmmaker at the event. Patrons can purchase the film in high-definition or standard formats. For more information call 375-7534 or visit the web at www.johnharrisfilms.com
Barbara Rose Shuler is a longtime arts and culture writer who lives in Pacific Grove. Visit her website for up to the minute reviews and stories. www.barbarasbest.com
Words of love for STEINBECK COUNTRY - MONTEREY TO BIG SUR
Audiences Love it!
“A beautifully filmed masterpiece.”
“Awesome and Zen-some simultaneously.”
Viewer Reviews: "I received and watched "Monterey to Big Sur" in Blu-ray. It is spectacular! The music and photography is outstanding! - Marilyn Cavaliere Busch
" It is AWESOME! Great work!" - Budd Hawk
"I got a bit choked up while watching this film... Feeling the effects of art, love and beauty!" -Charles Ross
"I now know why the camera was invented.
....and you were born.
Your film is indescribably exquisite. I've been waiting for that film my whole life. Visual and aural beauty and no blah blah.
It is so beautiful, there are no words John. Visually it's breathtaking and the sound is rich. Your score is perfect in every way....just the perfect mood and placed perfectly within the piece.
Can you tell....I am awestruck!
The shot of the boy appearing within the moon may be the singularly most gorgeous shot I've ever seen! OMG."
"I loved it. It's very beautiful, and shows all the work you've lavished on it. I send you my congratulations. I love having it." - Sylvia Lewis
"Harris has an eye for nature that conveys its tranquil aliveness and majestic perfection. It's lovely throughout..."
-Barbara Rose Shuler - Monterey Herald GO!
RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour
Being a filmmaker of more than 40 years and having a love affair with nature since birth, I have a constant desire to celebrate on film, the feeling while enveloped in the beauty of our Mother Earth.
The endeavor of doing nature cinematography, for me, is to pay respect and honor this beautiful planet....and hopefully through this work it will impress at least one person to do likewise.
When I began filming nature on the Central Coast of California in 2008, it became clear to me I had found something very special. The area seemed to take to the idea of being filmed. Yes, I have to be liked before filming a subject. The area seemed to like me and my camera, so I persevered through good, bad and ugly days. There were some days and then there were SOME days .. meaning glorious.
The sequence of nestling harbor seals was a very special and rare moment. The mother was elegant and patient in care for her pup. Her pup was feeling carefree, goofy and demanding admiration. Mom patiently supplies a flipper-massage..and a very cool filmed moment.
A day with "Snowy White Egret". I capitalize his/her name because that day's performance was "Living Art". Preening, then flight and hunt. Wing-spread choreography and beauty against azure ocean. Spectacular!
There were lazy days with surf swirling beneath my feet and camera tripod. The light refracting and dancing to its own rhythm creating a subliminal kind of poetry for the senses. Compellingly different and mesmerizing.
The sequence of a pelican & bird feeding frenzy is an exciting, broiling swirl of feathers and sharing. A pelican dives deep for a sardine after which a seagull perched on its back nabbes it. A giving and obligatory sharing with no fighting. It is a display I was told by a fisherman, that only takes place maybe once or twice a year, if at all. It was a terrific filming day, yes it was!
Traveling to Carmel Valley, the fields of swaying grasses, moving clouds and buzzards made for a beautiful and sonic airshow. While I was captivated by this aerial display, a group of cattle nestled against the purple hills play head games and listen to farm dogs barking in the distance.
Cachagua Creek was sparkling in Spring. Lulling melodic in its shimmery, clear water elegance. Purple and yellow flowers peeking through sun sparkles.
Big Sur Lighthouse is an eery beauty. A moonlit night breathes melodies with the even sculpted tides. The cliffs of buzzard hawks and ocean space reflected gold and silver glitters.
The Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove projects a haunting air of Alfred Hitchcock, as fog takes over the night sky.
At Asilomar Beach I found a Felliniesque moment with children enjoying a natural discovery. One boy, taking time to explore something he wished to share with his brother, only to experience the mysteries by himself.
I hope you will take time to visit these special times and places within "Steinbeck Country - Monterey to Big Sur". For me, it is as close to a nature walk on film I have ever created.
John Harris
1138 Ripple Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
ph: 831.375.7534
john
