Cinematography : Ask Me Anything (AMA) Wednesday 7/24 to Thursday 7/25- The Pros & Cons of Being Both DP & Director on Your Projects by Emily Skye

What up, Emily Skye! Congratulations on all your success! Thanks for having this AMA. What's one major pro of being a DP and Director?

Hi, thanks for the AMA! Any tips for balancing the creative and technical aspects effectively?

Hi Emily,

Congratulations on three feature films !

I guess the music videos helped prepare you for directing the feature films! ??

Being a musician / percussionist, I’m interested how to find work as a composer and working with a Director. The “On the Track” book has almost a whole chapter how the composer works with so many key people in a film. What were your past experiences with composers?

I maybe out of the DOP / Director range, though thought I would ask, especially since you’ve directed many music videos.

Hope to connect!

Sincerely,

Kerry Kennard

Emily Skye Hi Emily, thanks for doing this AMA. I loved your blog post, it really has challenged me to use social media to brand my work.

I was wondering about the Golden Hour of filming - an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset - and that many auteurs rave about this phenomenon. I was wondering, technically, how is the best way of capturing those golden moments on camera?

I have noticed the colours in my garden, appear more vivid at these times and have often gone out with my iPhone to try and capture the moment, but of course have failed. However, I’m thinking here of when filming a feature and if I was to use this golden hour in a scene, what technically should my conversation with the DP be? (I’m a writer-director btw).

Hi Emily Skye , thanks for being here. Amazing accomplishments. Do you feel having the DP skills help with getting your movies off the ground? Along with being the Director. Do you like not having to relay what you want to a DP or would you prefer to concentrate on Directing only? What positions will you be having on this new feature in GA?

Emily Skye - I just read your great blog after I asked these questions so no need to rewrite! Thanks a lot.

Hi Emily,

I’m a screenwriter who recently started producing my own short films. Editing was extremely challenging (especially because I had to learn to use Premiere Pro while doing it), but at the same time, it was so empowering. Having the freedom to choose the footage and music I liked without asking anyone for permission and seeing my stories come to life, was priceless.

How did you learn editing? Do you have any suggestions on how to properly learn to edit, especially for someone who is just starting and has very limited resources to invest?

Thank you for your time with us today.

Oftentimes, the Director and DP of a project lean on one other to problem solve and innovate when prepping a project and deciding on the best look for the story/vision. When you direct and DP your own projects, do you prefer to bounce ideas off of other department heads like your Gaffer to problem solve and make decisions in a similar way?

Hi Maurice Vaughan ! Thank you for the love. One major pro is being able to make in the moment changes and feeling so connected to your actors. I also know my own brain and what I'm looking for.

Hi Sydney Summers :) It's always hard to express what works for me balance wise, bc what can work for me may not work for you. My mind has been able to toggle between, technical and creative on all projects in the sense I look for how to be as efficient as I can be. My team also keeps me in check. It'll trial and error of figuring out what works best. Sometimes I glitch and have to recenter and just know it's totally ok to not have all things worked out in the moment, this is when trusting your team comes into play when needing to run thoughts.

Howdy Kerry Kennard Thanks so much for the support. I love bringing in my composer early on when making my film to help set the tone I'm envisioning. I think building relationships with filmmakers you wish to work with is key to the possibilities of working together.

Hello Geoff Hall . Magic hour is really the best times to use natural lighting, obv sometimes we don't have the luxury of time to get those shots. I say if you truly want a specific shot and time to film, have the prep work done so you can utilize that time and get everything you need. The sun comes up and sets very fast and the window is short.

Hi Gisele Orellana ! I self taught myself as well. There's so many YouTube tutorials that can help if you ever get stuck. Honestly the best is just jumping in and figuring it out. So congrats to you for taking those steps and doing it yourself. :)

Heyyyy Ashley Renee Smith I love bouncing ideas off my 1st AD, 1st AC and my gaffer if I'm feeling I need some Inso or thoughts. I typically get inspired from my actors as well during the blocking phase.

You're welcome, Emily Skye. Thanks for the answer. Should a director who's also a DP have one showreel or separate showreels?

Thank you, Emily. That's exactly what I did. I looked on YouTube to learn how to do this or that, or to find a solution when my video froze or wouldn't export properly. YouTubers saved me most of the time.

Great insights, Emily. You certainly are proving the old adage about learning as much as you can about every position and aspect of film-making. Not only does it make you more valuable on any set in any role, but helps you communicate more effectively with your crew and cast. // You seem to be doing that very well. Wishing you continuing success with all your creative projects.

I would like to know if you're open to mentoring me. I have a BA from Full Sail in digital cinematography. I am lost as to what my next move is. I have been applying for jobs and networking. My end goal is to be a director/ writer.

Wishing you all the best on your career moves, Barbara. May you connect well with people who can guide and collaborate with you. We at Stage32 look forward to hearing more about you and your creative path.

Hey Pamela! Thank you so much for the well wishes! what is it that you do as a career currently? how did you make your big break into the industry? @pamela jaye smith

Hi there, Barbara. You are most welcome. These days I'm a Story Consultant, Teacher, and Writer specializing in Mythology. For decades before that I was a producer and director and worked in many aspects of production in lots of different mediums. While still in film school at UT Austin I co-founded a production-talent-casting company and learned so much from that. Then a bunch of us from UT moved out to Hollywood and have been in the biz since then. May you enjoy a wide-ranging career and I hope you make as many long-lasting friends in it as I have. All the best to you.