Dan Kohne earned a BA in Math and Linguistics from UC Berkeley in 1973 and MA in
Linguistics (Syntax/Semantics) from the University of Southern California in 1978.
An Oakley Fellow at USC, concentrating on the logic of natural language (Austin,
Quine, Searle) with a view towards application to machine language comprehension.
Then a pivot, via programming, to involvement in computer assisted visual effects:
At Robert Abel and Associates in 1979-1980 as Technical Director, to program
optical effects sequences (Star Trek: The Motion Picture and CBS NEWS 1980
Election Campaign graphics) utilizing integration of Evans and Sullivan vector
graphic CGI with motion controlled optical systems.
At Mid Ocean Motion Pictures (1980-1981), Technical Director for research and
development of motion control, designing and testing curve fitting algorithms;
concurrent execution of visual effects sequences for use in TV commercials and film
titles.
Executive Producer and FX Supervisor at Stokes/Kohne Associates (1981-2012),
providing specialized cinematography for feature films, network and cable TV,
corporate and educational media. Directed expansion into related services,
including: optical compositing; blue and green screen cinematography for film,
video and digital media; 35mm, 65mm, Vista-Vision and Cinemascope negative and
interpositive handling and finishing; color correction- film, video and digital; film
preservation and conversions; stereoscopy; design and creation of light
manipulating filters; b&w photography- motion and still; darkroom techniques and
manipulation; time-lapse, high speed, macro cinematography; slit-scan; montage
sequences; title design and production; 2D cel animation; stop-motion animation;
digital capture; digital compositing; film to digital conversion.
Produced commercials, main title sequences, film inserts and effects, experimental
cinema sequences, TV series effects, broadcast graphics and promos.