Episode 8: Three Degrees and My Gaffing Journey

Degree of separation and my lighting experience

Only a few win when they walk alone. Working with others, connecting with them and building outstanding relationships with them can help shape your life.

In my journey in the filmmaking industry, I started from being a still photographer and progressed to being a director of photography. I have worn different hats on the scene and this made me master various aspects of being a crew member.

Listen to the episode here.

My early days as a photographer were shaped by networking and connecting with others in the field. Meeting with people such as Mary Ellen Mark and other people associated with her influenced my art and journey in navigating from photography to Gaffer to director of photography.

 

Through the connections, I met people who on different stages allowed me to take up some roles in their production.

Filmmaking is versatile and while being in one part of a crew, knowing the other part is amazing. I remember taking up the role of a Gaffer in different productions handled by people in my network. Facing some challenges and resolving them through critical thinking.

Special BTS video.

Check out this video where Derek takes you through the lighting build of this showstopping commercial spot he was the Gaffer and producer on. You can also listen to the separate podcast video where Derek talks about lighting.

You’ll Learn

  • How My Connections Shaped My Career #1

  • The challenges of being a Gaffer#2

  • Real-life story from set#3

  • My hope for the future #4

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  • Link to other relevant listening platforms

Derek Johnson

I am a film producer, director, cinematographer, and sometimes writer.

I have a lifelong addiction to cameras, stories, and pizza. I am also known to go to unbelievable lengths to find a great cup of coffee.

I am known for creating powerful interviews that go really, really deep into storytelling and creative excellence in my cinematography. I am the founder of Kaifilms, a boutique film production company.

My first achievement in film production was documenting 9/11 in NYC, which led to 10 feature and 4 Emmy credits. I currently have several production films and an episodic true crime docuseries.

https://www.kaifilms.com
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Episode 9: A Conversation with Tatyana Gelfond

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Episode 7: The Oner, a Cinematographer’s dream scene.