Cinematographer Interview

I interviewed a local freelance cinematographer, Seth Whelden 

When and how did you become interested in cinematography?

My first interest in cinematography came in high school, however, though I studied cinematography in college (my first time around), it wasn't until years later that I went back to school (at PCC) with hopes of making a career of it. During that time, I fell back in love with the artistic component of camera and lighting, and since then, I've been completely immersed in the film/video industry.

Is there a struggle you faced when you first started out?

My initial struggle is much like anyone else: I wanted to be a cinematographer but needed to work my way up the ladder a bit first. To my fortune, I found a great internship right out of school that allowed me to grow and experience many different roles in the industry. I was officially hired as an audio engineer, something I kind of learned on the job, but eventually I was given some opportunity to shoot and just tried to own it. Confidence is important, as is knowledge. Do everything you can to learn from others early on, and make friends with some great gaffers!

If I want to pursue cinematography and wanting a lot of it being outdoors, what is the best way to do so other than just getting out and shoot?

Don't limit the stuff you work on super early in your career. Focus is okay, but work on anything you can because there are valuable lessons to be learned in any environment. Shooting a commercial in a studio will give you knowledge that could/will come in handy down the road some day when shooting outdoors. The more you can work with big crews, the more you'll be ready for that if the right budget comes your way. Beyond that, get out and shoot.

As a cinematographer trying to get my foot in the door, do you have any advice?

Work on anything you can, especially projects with people who are more experienced. Don't be afraid of seemingly boring content, just use those opportunities to learn process, terminology, and flow on set. Commercial content is all the same in some way or another, so if you see yourself in that space (which for outdoor stuff, you probably will be) you can learn a lot from a commercial production house.

Producer Interview - Austin Apon

David Cress - Producer.

Q1: what made you want to be a producer?
A1: At MHCC he was working in the studio with jack and saw a chair where no one was sitting and asked Jack who usually sits there and Jack told him the producer.
 Q2:Where did you get your first start as a producer
A1: He got an internship for Audacity commercials and that led to getting a P.A job where he worked closely with a producer.
Q3:What was your first production?
A3: A Lincon City commercial
Q4:How did you get that job?
A4: Its all who you know and having a good additude
Q5:Biggest suggestion for student film makers?
Q5: Dont waste your time and when you get a PA job go around and interview every one you possible can. Always be excited for work and show up early.
Q6:When hiring what is most important to you?
A6:Works well with others and goes above and beyond and is always dependable as well as shows quality in past work of course.
Q7: your biggest flaw?
A7: Expecting the best and not preparing enough. If he notices a flaw in himself he tries to correct it because the work he is in needs to be flawless.
Q8:Your greatest strength?
A8: He feels like he cares about his work more than other care about their own work. He finds his work to have a unique beauty and works hard to do his best.
Q9:Most common problem on set?
A9: Lack of prep. Most people forget something because the always expect the worst. so Always plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Q10: Who do you thank most for your success?
A10: He really has to thank Jack Schommer because he made him into the person he his today. "Tell Jack Hi for me and tell him thank you Jack, you mean a lot to me."

Cinemagraph

Interview- Katlyn Miller

This is Brian Michaels, he is based out of Seattle, Wa working for Hitman Productions. His positions consist of post production in documentaries and he also has a couple commercials in development. 

Here are the questions and answers from the interview. 

1.     Just a quick overview about you, how did you get started, what or who influenced you and where do you see yourself going moving forward?  

 I started working for Sony Pictures (Columbia Pictures, TriStar, and Sony Pictures Classics). For me it was key to understand the studio side of the business. Next I secured a job working for a feature film director, F. Gary Gray. This game me exposure to the creative side of making films. I was influenced by all the legendary film producers of the 80’s and 90’s that made blockbuster hits. I see myself producing and directing feature films for independent and major film studios.

2.     What are some projects you've worked on? 

The Negotiator, The Italian Job, Cadillac commercials, The Hash After The Bash - documentary

Here is "Hash After the Bash Trailer" 

Here is "The Negotiator Trailer"

3.     Do you work with certain companies, are your projects typically your own?

Some projects are with producing partners and some Hitman owns. 

4.     How does business come to you?  Do you bid on a project, word of mouth etc.?

Hitman Productions gets referrals and actively markets itself. Hitman operates with a formal proposal process and written agreements.  

           5.     If you had a “favorite” project, or client who would it be?

I really enjoyed working with legendary filmmaker Warren Miller. Hitman produced two TV commercials featuring Warren. As a director, working with someone i’d admired growing up was very rewarding.

6.     What is the most outrages, funny thing that has happened to you when you are working on the set of project? 

 Filming Michael Bennett from the Seattle Seahawks last spring was amazing. Michael was super talented and very funny. He truly was a breath a fresh air for making the entire project a thrill to work on.

7.     Do you or your company offer internships? If so what type? For how long?  Are these paid or unpaid?

 Hitman Productions is a small company. We hire above the line, crew and talent for projects. There are some volunteer/unpaid positions from time to time depending on the project. I recommend rolling up your sleeves learning your passion from the inside out. 


If you are interested in checking out more of Brian and his company here is the link: Hitman Productions

Bryce Jacobson Filmworker Interview

Interview of Shelly Lipkin 

1. What movie(s) inspired you to be a film-worker?

There are almost too many to mention.  My favorites were:

Midnight Cowboy

The Graduate

Romeo & Juliet (Franco Zeffirelli's version) 

Chinatown

2. What was your favorite movie that you worked on and what was your job on that movie?

It was a small indie feature call "Population 2"  I played one of the lead roles.  

3. Which was the best job you had while working on a movie?

Same as above

4. What is one film-worker job that you wanted?

Actor, director and screenwriter.  (I like all three)

5. Any advice on being a film-worker

Persistence and hard work.  It is a highly competitive field and talent means a lot, but talent alone doesn't guarantee you will work.  

Blogger Profile - Zach

 Hello everybody my name is Zach and I'm trying to make films, but somehow always wind up on the internet!  Anyway I live in Washington State, north of Vancouver in the city of Longview.  That is basically all I feel like sharing.  Here is my picture.

Show-runner/director profile - Matana McIntire

Shonda Rhimes is a show-runner mogul in television, and one of my idols. She has made an incredible impact of the type of television aired today, starting with her hit show Grey's anatomy. Following, she has Private Practice, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder and now the newest show currently airing, The Catch. Granted, the last two shows she only executive produces, but why does she need to write if she has already established an empire under her name at ABC.

Show running for TV is kind of like the equivalent of a Director of a movie, right?

Joshua Christiansen's Amazing Director Feature of Wes Anderson and His Directorial Work

This is Wes Anderson.

     His art style is inspiring to me.  Fantastic.  Fun.  The main point I'm trying to make is his footprint in the film industry.  You watch a Wes Anderson film, you know it's a Wes Anderson film.  It sticks out, and can easily be picked out from a crowd of movies.

     He likes to keep everything in center-frame, which breaks every rule of filmmaking in a way that makes watching the movie fun, and look quirky.

    

     You almost never have to move your eyeballs in his movies. 90% of the movie will keep the same frame, and it is so lovely and a breath of fresh air.  The lighting is matched in every single scene, and it is so well done you could almost put all his movies together and it would look like just a different part of a Wes Anderson Universe.

Cinemagraph

Cinemagraph

Here is a Cinemagraph. It is alright.

Sean Connery "Shinnemagraphs"

1st:

2nd:

3rd:

Bill Nye The QuickScope Guy- Warning this may be offensive / too spooky4U

With Sound!

GIF- Katlyn Miller

Here is my GIF!!! I'm sorry it took so long..

Living Photo (revised)

Here is my first attempt at a living photo. I wanted to go subtle with what is moving. To me when things in the photo that should be moving aren't, it makes the effect better.