Don Downey Director/Writer

Don Downey has 20 years experience as a television and film director, writer and reporter. He opened Sovereign Pictures in 1988 after eight years as a broadcast journalist.

Sovereign Pictures produces films, documentaries and videos in fields as diverse as news, public policy, education and business. Downey serves as executive producer, director and writer on all films. He works with a creative team that brings together years of experience.

Some of his most meaningful projects include "A Hopi Song of Water," a documentary filmed on the Hopi Indian reservation profiling the tribe’s fight to preserve its water in the face of exhaustive coal mining. Sovereign Pictures was granted rare access to the Hopi people and their story. Other films include profiles of many of the west’s most diverse and sensitive issues. Downey covered the proposed placement of the MX missile system in Nevada. As western bureau chief for the NBC affiliate in Denver, he reported on nuclear waste disposal and the shut down of Colorado's oil shale industry. The company’s film on higher education, "Carrying On The Spirit", was chosen as one of the top ten communication films in the nation by the PRSA.

In April 2001 Sovereign Pictures won the Telly award in the History & Biography category for "The Grants: A Life Out West," a film about a Denver ranching family. In 2000 the production group won two Telly awards for its work for Salomon Design Center and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Don Downey is a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College and holds a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California.

Mickey Booz Director of Photography

With an eye for detail and a wealth of experience, Mickey Booz creates startling visual images as Director of Photography. His experience spans 20 years shooting for clients ranging from Discovery Europe to The Learning Channel, Oxygen Network, ESPN and Showtime.

Owner of a digital Beta 600 and 35mm camera packages, he’s concentrated the last five years shooting live action and graphic design packages for many networks and national cable channels. His experience incorporates a wide range of elaborate camera rigs, aerial photography, motion control, models and live action lighting and photography for stage and sports.

Previously a production facility owner, Mickey has a unique ability to create high quality productions that stay on budget. His directorial projects have received a New York Art Director’s Association Award, Silver and Gold International Broadcast Design Association Awards, Emmys and Tellys.

Mickey’s productions include The Discovery Channel’s "Science of the Impossible," Ovation Network’s "Network Image," Starz Network’s "Hollywood One on One" and Burton Snowboard’s movie "Chill". His clients also include ABC Wide World of Sports, ESPN, Arnold Shapiro Productions, Neon, Neodata, Quark, Oracle, 3M, DuPont, Unidata, TCI Cable, and Jones Intercable.

Mickey is a graduate of Syracuse University and holds a BS in Communications.