Cinematography Advice From Lachlan Milne DP of Minari, Stranger Things, Love and Monsters

TL;DR

Cinematographer shares advice on finding success in the film industry: don't compare yourself to others, embrace opportunities to learn, collaborate with your team, and maintain confidence without arrogance.

Transcript

this video is sponsored by art list don't always compare your level of success to those around you do you know what i mean because i think that i used to do that a lot and and it only makes you more unhappy a colorist is a very creative position a gaffer is a very creative position and you have to enable those people to be able to contribute as muc... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Comparing your success to others only leads to unhappiness, as everyone has their unique journey.
• 👻 Shooting personal projects allows for risk-taking, experimentation, and learning from mistakes.
• 😤 Collaboration with the team, including the director, gaffer, and colorist, is vital for creating a cohesive visual language.
• 🤗 Confidence without arrogance is essential. Back yourself and exude confidence, but remain open to learning from others.
• 🤑 Building relationships and word-of-mouth recommendations can lead to exciting opportunities in the industry.
• 👾 Patience is crucial in a long game, as there is always something new to learn in the ever-changing field of cinematography.
• ❓ Avoid mimicking other cinematographers and focus on developing your unique style and approach.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can comparing your level of success to others be detrimental?

Comparing yourself to others only leads to unhappiness, as everyone has their own unique path and interests. Focusing on your own journey is more productive and fulfilling.

Q: How can shooting personal projects help in gaining experience?

Personal projects provide a risk-free environment to experiment and learn. By trying new techniques and making mistakes, you can refine your skills and be better prepared for future projects.

Q: What is the importance of collaboration with the team, especially the gaffer and colorist?

Collaboration allows for diverse perspectives and creative input. The gaffer and colorist play essential roles in creating the visual language of the film, and their contributions should be valued.

Q: How can cinematographers maintain confidence without arrogance?

It's crucial to back yourself and exude confidence, even when you may feel out of your depth. However, it's essential to find a balance between confidence and arrogance, treating others with respect and openness.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Don't compare your level of success to others as everyone has their own unique path and trajectory.

• Embrace opportunities to learn and take risks, such as shooting personal projects to gain experience and avoid making mistakes on bigger projects.

• Collaboration with your team, including the director, gaffer, and colorist, is crucial for creating a cohesive visual language and achieving the best version of the film.