Responses by Michael Grecco, director/producer, Michael Grecco Productions

Background: The site was a much-needed renovation to my photography and directing portfolio. In addition to showing both my still and directing work, I also included some of the more innovative cinemagraphs I have created. I personally directed the entire site production and hired the crew. For me, the site is my statement, and it shows clients what I am about and what I can do.

Highlights: The homepage’s director’s reel. It elegantly combines the lighting and style of my stills; incorporating key moments from the spots I have directed and then adds a few of the creative cinemagraphs I have created. I wanted the work to be integrated in a way that makes sense and works together.

Challenges: Showing the challenges that we often overcome in our shoots. To do this, we added the Case Studies section where a client can really get a feel of what we do and how the directing I have done fits into the overall projects.

Favorite details: I personally love the home page video and the navigation. Both broadcast creative Jeremy Troy and creative director Michael McDonald really shine here. Jeremy was given the assets, we had a discussion and what he came back with on the first edit was remarkably close to what is on the site now. Michael laid out a cool and functional site and kept with the style and theme all the way through.

Navigational structure: For me, the navigation had to be fun but easy to get around. The last thing you want is to frustrate a potential client. I love the way the hamburger opens to a visual menu with the sub-navigation for each section.

Technical features: I love the animation of the banners on the Blog landing pages. I think too many designers overuse that motion, but Michael put it in the right place and used it appropriately to keep the site elegant.