/ˈseməˌfôr/ • noun
A system of conveying information at a distance by means of visual signals with hand-held flags.
With a decade of experience, we approach every job, big and small, as an opportunity to make something beautiful. Life is too short for bad videos.
Douglas Gautraud
Director / Co-Founder
Doug started making short films to win scholarships while at university studying to become an architect. One such film won the My Rode Reel international film competition. His career as an architect ended and this college dropout became a commercial director where he went on to direct national campaigns for Nikon, Direct TV, and Bank of America. Doug partnered with Ben to self produce brand short films for up and coming startups such as Bombas and LOLA. These self produced films would be characterized by in depth research, graphic visuals, sincere tone and honest storytelling. If you ask Doug who he is he’ll tell you he’s a husband and a dad who happens to make videos.
Benjamin Nelson
Director of Photography / Co-Founder
Ben grew up traveling the world with his family and developing an appreciation for other cultures and ways of life. Taking photos along the way, Ben developed a passion for storytelling and a particular focus on crafting bold, cinematic visual imagery. Ben’s quick emergence on the filmmaking industry came with early success and opportunities with notable clients such as Pepsi, P&G, Bombas and NBA 2k. Through a partnership with Doug and the creation of Semaphore, Ben is excited by the opportunity to speak into the creative process beyond just the camera and lighting. Ben’s personal time is filled with his wonderful wife, dog and proclivity to all things internet and meme.
