What film do you think everyone should watch?
One movie that I think everyone should watch is Tree of Life directed by Terrence Malick and with Emmanuel Lubeski as director of photography. This film is an ambitious, experimental photo essay of life’s journey. It is radical, poetic and so beautiful in its raw form of cinematography it literally blows your mind. It makes you feel that cinematically, anything is possible with imagination and skill.
What’s your favorite part about living and working in the DC/MD/VA region?
My favorite thing about working in the DC area is collaborating with generous people who share contacts, help each other get hired, answer technical questions and support each other. The DMV area is truly a big city with a small town closeness and many opportunities.
Who inspires you?
I am truly inspired by young people coming up in the business. Daniela Mileykovsky is an amazing DP with a fantastic eye. You can never stop learning. I look to Daneila as a role model and someone I aspire to become more like her in evoking a creative approach and meticulous attention to detail.
I am inspired by Melissa Houghton, who is always pushing me to do more, to help the community more, to be more creative. She pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me continually improve.
Amy DeLouise is the ultimate hard worker, always growing, writing, learning the newest form of the business. She inspires me to keep adapting to an ever changing world.
And I am always inspired by the wonderful creative eye of Erich Roland. His cinematography is beautiful, someone I always strive to emulate.
What story do you wish someone would tell?
The story I wish someone would tell is the power of positive thinking. I feel that if you think things will go well, and prepare for the work, it increases the chances of success. This is probably a difficult topic to visualize, but if everyone could be more positive in their outlook, the world would be a better place.
What’s your favorite place to celebrate success with your crew?
My favorite place to celebrate success with the crew is, of course, a party, restaurant or bar, all of which are unsafe actions during the pandemic. In the meantime, we need to Zoom when we can, try to work with our friends if possible, with proper protection, and keep in touch anyway we can. I went on a female camera operator Zoom call last week and 105 women registered. We are not alone, even if we feel isolated at this time, we are all connected and can make each other stronger!
