In talks with Matt Compton and others involved, and considering the scope of the situation, we decided if it could be done, an Online Memorial for Neal Fredericks might be appropriate.

“Might” fast turned to “is” and “if” fast turned to “will.”

Thus I went to work immediately, creating as best I could (under the limited time frame) an alternate that would run parallel at the same moment for those who could not physically attend the service in California this past friday at noon pacific time.

This particular work differed so greatly from all others, it proved a massive challenge and risked a great fear in doing so (on my part), in that – unlike all other works – mind for the No War Series – I did not want to create a piece that was “entertaining” or anything within that scope. Nor did I want this piece to make a “statement,” yet rather offer the opportunity for the user to adopt their own statement and their own needs to be there, differing none from the physical service in tha respect.

Over 300+ attended the physical service, over 1,000 attended to Online Service. It proved worthy to do.

That Online Memorial remains online until we decide its long term fate, likely to be archived.

Meanwhile, we also launched a campaign to fund full-page memorial ads in Variety Magazine, American Cinematographer and the Hollywood Reporter. This also proved worthy, having raised sufficient funds to do so within a matter of hours. 100% of the remaining balance is to go towards the Neal Fredericks Memorial Scholarship, now being established at Neal’s Alma Mater.

The Variety and Hollywood Reporter ads are running today, Monday the 23rd.

Director Ann Lu has contacted me about screening Erosion, the last film completed and had collaborated with her, and is in part based on their life together. Post production completed a month ago and has yet had a public screening. Producer Peiti Feng has contacted the American Society of Cinematographers for assistance with reactions being positive from the start.

Updates on this coming later this week.

I’m sitting here at a new desk I assembled just last week for the computer and edit works. On the shelf above me I keep mementoes of proud times, be it mine, or gifts of works from friends containing equal, if not more – pride.

Pride need not be about one’s self, it can, and should be, that of others as we know.

‘Sitting here, swapping email and IMs with a few of you. As I pause, I look up and see that new shelf. Likely the only time it won’t have dust accumulated. On the first row are stack of reels and dvds Neal sent now and then. Works that perhaps the world knows nothing of.

But that doesn’t negate the pride in making them. What the audience might see is more-so a by-product of the art. You make it for yourself. And if you’re lucky, an audience will be there to witness it.

However the experience of creating it is yours, and yours alone.

Matt, Ben, Amorette and I are working diligently on creating a fund for both a memorial ad campaign in the trade magazines, as well as a memorial fund in general. A scholarship fund will also be established.

The funeral will be on Friday, August 20 @ 12:00 PM at

Westminster Memorial Park
14801 Beach Blvd.
Westminster, CA 92683
(714) 893-2421

Neal’s family has expressed how much they would appreciate as many of his friends attending as possible, to help say goodbye to him.

Anyone wishing to send flowers may do so at the above address. Anyone wishing to send a card should sent it to the Fredericks’ home address, which is:

Carl & Judy Fredericks
12333 Shadetree Lane
Laurel, MD 20708

Neal’s family has also asked that if anyone wishes to make donations, they can donate do some in his name to either of the two colleges that he attended.

Montgomery College
Visual Communications Technologies Department
51 Mannakee St.
Rockville, MD 20850

Towson University
Electronic Media & Film Department
8000 York Rd.
Towson, MD 21252-0001

Here’s the forum for people who wish to share their stories, thoughts and memories of Neal.

Neal’s younger sister Amy, a self proclaimed “wanna-be,” created a website for him only a month ago. Amy’s no wanna-be, she did just fine.

You were a friend, you were an inspiration, and made the world’s landscapes and anyone who was fortunate enough to cross your point of view… “look good.”

Thank you for being you, I hope we can live up to the bird’s eye shot you have of us all now.

God Bless,

Dan