The Filmmakers

John Gardiner - Producer / Director

In 1995, John Gardiner started his film career with the Network Group, which produced over 400 hours of aviation related programming for television. Clients included the Discovery Channel, History Channel, and Canal Plus. In 1998, the Network Group launched Wingspan Air and Space Channel, where Mr. Gardiner continued producing documentaries until the channel was acquired by Discovery Communications. In 2000, Mr. Gardiner moved to New York, where he was a producer for Trans Atlantique Films and worked on several projects for PBS. A chance meeting with New York City bluesman, Floyd Lee, prompted Mr. Gardiner to form Willow Tree Pictures. Mr. Gardiner has since relocated from New York to Washington D.C. with his wife and three children.

Marcus Smith - Director of Photography

Marcus Smith is an Emmy Award-winning cinematographer whose distinctive work represents 20 years in the film production business. Receiving his formal training in motion picture photography while in the service, Mr. Smith spent 7 years filming for the 7th Infantry Combat Documentary Division of the U.S. Army. Since 1983 he has worked as a cinematographer for clients all over the world including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, PBS, NFL Films, James Earl Jones and Bill Cosby. His artistic eye and attention to detail has made him a favorite of documentary, music video and commercial producers. Mr. Smiths professional affiliations include the American Film Institute and the Black Filmmakers Foundation. His work on Inside the Secret Service and Drawing the Line earned him a Cable ACE Award and an Emmy respectively. 