Since 1975 Len Aitken has produced a wide range of high-quality films including corporate promotions, TV commercials, PBS documentaries, network TV specials and theatrical motion pictures. Aitken has shot over 20 documentary films in Asia, Africa and South America. Educational documentaries such as “Avalanche a Question of Balance”, “River in the Desert” which ran on PBS and “Broadcast Blues” have won top awards in national and international film festivals. Aitken has also worked as a Director of Photography on feature films: “Kid Colter”, “Other Things Not Intended to Hurt”, “The Destroyer” and Disney’s “Aspen Extreme.”
Being In Motion
Following spinal fusion surgery, I immediately noticed unexpected benefits of movement during my rehabilitation. In an attempt to understand the changes both physical and mental, I set out to explore the science behind the phenomena of movement. I met with leading scientists who revealed their latest research on movement– as it effects our mitochondria/cellular activity, our cognitive abilities and our vascular system. My journey combines an intimate story with scientific insights to help us understand how being in motion keeps us healthy and vibrant as we age.
Water Water Everywhere?
An investigation into Denver Water’s plan to build a new dam and an expanded reservoir to provide for Denver’s future water needs. At a time when Denver’s population is expected to double in the next 50 years, conservation alternatives such as water recycling, storing water in aquifers or buying water from agriculture might be the answer. Water historians, hydrologists, and water managers offer their insights into an issue with broad implications for other cities dependent upon Colorado River water.
A Land Made from Water
The story of how irrigation ditches built on Boulder Creek gave rise to the city of Boulder, Colorado. This is a story repeated many times throughout the settlement of the western United States. It is only one example among many of how nature and human culture have worked together – often unintentionally – to turn the arid Great American Desert into a far more interesting and ecologically resilient environment.
Divine Madness
Harm’s Way
Kayak
INFANT SWIMMING
Six minute documentary on Carol Gnam’s research program to teach swimming and survival techniques to children from 6 months to 6 years.
Produced and Directed
ASPEN EXTREME
Action adventure theatrical film set in Aspen, Colorado.
Produced by Walt Disney Productions
Director of Second Unit Photography
DOOR OF HOPE
Documentary on a project aimed at salvaging homeless women in NYC. Produced by Gleam Productions, NY.
Director of Photography
NO SIMPLE ROAD
Documentary on children who participate in the Children’s Hospital Handicapped Sports Program in Denver, Colorado
Produced and Directed
RIVER IN THE DESERT
PBS Special focusing on the water crisis in the Southwest and on the use and misuse of technology to control the waters of the Colorado River. Funded by the Colorado Endowment for the Humanities, Gates and Colorado Humanities Program.
Produced and Directed
A DIVINE MADNESS
A 30 minute documentary for PBS on the lives of dancer, Portia Mansfield and actress, Charlotte Perry. Narrated by Julie Harris. Produced with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Colorado Arts and Humanities. Distributed by Films Inc.
Produced and Directed
HACK IT UP
ESPN looks at Nels Andreson, world’s greatest footbag (hackysack) sportsman.
Director of Photography
TALES OF A CAT HOUSE
Theatrical comedy feature produced by Patrician films.
Director of Photography
LEGENDS AND LIES
30 minute drama recreating 6 legends in Colorado history. Produced by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Director of Photography
AVALANCHE: A QUESTION OF BALANCE
Avalanche safety film produced by Alliance Productions, sponsored by Gates Foundation and National Forest Service.
Co-producer, Director of Photography
FREEDOM
60 minute music video with Kris Kristopherson
Produced by Idanha Films
Cameraman
SURVIVORS
30 minute documentary on spinal cord injury and aging. Sponsored by North American Reinsurance Company.
Director of Photography.
ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE
30 minute documentary on Colorado Outward Bound School
Produced by Durrance Productions
Director of Photography
THE DESTROYER
Theatrical film produced by Wind River Productions with Anthony Perkins. Distributed by Touchstone Pictures and HBO
Director of Second Unit Photography
FLIGHT OF THE DOUBLE EAGLE
One hour prime time special documenting the first successful Trans-Atlantic balloon flight from Maine to France for ABC Television. Televised on ABC in October, l979.
Director of Photography
IMPOSSIBLE DREAM – BALLOONS ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
A one hour television special produced for CBS Television documenting two attempts to cross the Atlantic by balloon. DREAM- Televised in November, 1979.
Produced and Directed
“Broadcast Blues”, documentary
Lookout Mtn. Towers
LA Productions, Golden CO
STRETCHING, THE VIDEO
60 minute video with Bob Anderson, author of the book, STRETCHING.
Producer/Director
HARMS WAY
Documentary on spinal cord injury.
Produced by Access Inc. Boulder,Colorado
Director of Photography
RUN SISTER RUN
Documentary on Cleo Parker Robinson’s dance portrayal of the drama of Angela Davis and her flight from the law. Produced by Margie Soo Hoo Lee
Director of Photography
KID COLTER
Theatrical film with Jim Stafford and Jerem Shamos. Distributed by CBS Fox and The Movie Store.
Television: HBO.
Director of Photography