About — Counting Coup Media

once upon a time…

In 2011, they were just some film students at The Art Institute of Seattle. Michael Kane was making his first short film, Kristina, which required a director of photography. Via mutual friends, he hired a DOP named Ryan Abrahamson. As filming began, they met Geordey Sherrick, then later, Aaron Ling. In 2016, they decided to start a production company. But where? Ryan, a Spokane Tribal member, had the idea to start one in Spokane, Washington. Once decided, they left the Emerald City for the Lilac City where they stumbled upon Nick Bowers. His talent and dedication added new flare to the company. Now, they operate their production company: Counting Coup Media, out of Spokane living happily ever after…

MEET the filmmakers

Ryan Abrahamson owner and operator- director, dp, animator

Ryan Abrahamson has a life long love affair with art and cinema. He interjects his American Indian cultural motifs into every modern illustration, film and musical composition he creates.

Aaron ling
director, animator, editor

Aaron Ling has an eye for design. He brings a wide variety of skills to each project ranging from directing to gaffing. With a background in painting and animation he has an acute attention to detail!

Nickolas andrew bowers photographer, dp

Born in the Philippines and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Capturing the perfect moment has always been a passion for Nick, even before he had an understanding behind the technical knowledge of camera operation. Learning new skills and concepts with photography and cinematography over the past few years have allowed Nick to become a valued member of the Counting Coup Media crew!

Mike Kane
director, writer, and editor

Michael Kane has 10 years of related work experience with an aptitude in filmmaking: directing, DP, writing, editing, and producing. Has a unique view with an emphasis on finding the beauty in darkness. He is currently the lead writer, director and editor for Counting Coup Media.

Geordey Sherrick Director, animator, print

Geordey Sherrick has a background in graphic design, animation and various other media arts. He tutored animation in college, and continues to enjoy teaching animation and game creation in media camps for kids.

Chet Bluff Producer

Chet Bluff has is a member of the Flathead tribe. She has been involved in Indian affairs her entire life. Aside from being a producing wizard at Counting Coup Media she spends as much time as possible with her many horses.

“The spots and photography are beautiful and have brought the concepts to life in a very powerful way. The collaboration with you has been really wonderful and we truly appreciate your partnership.”

Michelle Hege CEO for Desautel Hege — Michelle Hege
*CEO for Desautel Hege*

How we Accomplish a project

Step 1

pre-production

Let’s get started! This is the road map of the film. We will plan the pacing and tone for the film along with acquiring any permits if needed. This is also where we will schedule when production will take place and decide on a proper timeline. We will also location scout, hire crew, and cast for the project.

Step 2

Production

We're rolling! This is where our professional crew of director of photography, sound engineers, and lighting techs do what they do best - make a great movie. We’ll invoice 50 percent of the budget for wages and expenses. We will execute interviews and b-roll as per the agreed upon timeline.

step 3

post production

Our editorial post-production team kicks your story in to shape, handle color-correction, record any voice overs, clean up the audio, add music, create graphics and in general make sure your video looks exactly like we planned. It's at this stage that you’ll see the first cut.

step 4

deliverables

Once you've seen the first cut, you’ll have a chance to share your thoughts with us. Then, with the final cut complete and your approval signed-off, we create high quality files of your video that can be used for a variety of formats, be it for the web, trade shows or broadcast television.