Oren Soffer & Peter Pascucci: Navigating Challenges and Cultivating Growth
Aug 24, 2023
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Filmmaker Oren Soffer and cinematographer Peter Pascucci discuss challenges and growth in the film industry, including building relationships with directors, evolving from low-budget to big-budget shoots, navigating tough production environments, and the importance of preparation and testing in cinematography.
Building strong relationships with directors is more important than having specific examples on your reel.
Navigating the transition from low-budget projects to larger shoots requires adaptation, effective delegation, and maintaining respect with crew members.
Deep dives
How to convince potential collaborators and clients of your capability without previous examples
Convincing potential collaborators and clients of your capability to shoot a specific style of project without previous examples can be challenging. While there are practical steps you can take, such as shooting a spec commercial or finding niches within a specific style, constantly chasing after specific examples on your reel can be counterproductive. Instead, focus on building relationships with directors who can vouch for you and are willing to go to bat for you. Building a strong relationship with a director matters more than having specific examples on your reel.
Transitioning from small, low-budget crews to larger union shoots
The transition from working on small, low-budget crews to larger union shoots can be an interesting journey. As you move up in your commercial career, you may start with limited resources and crew, having to do multiple tasks yourself. As larger projects come your way, you might find yourself with bigger budgets, longer shoot days, and more experienced crew members. The key to navigating this transition is to adapt your approach, build relationships, and learn to delegate effectively. Maintaining mutual respect with your crew members, regardless of their experience, is crucial for a fruitful collaboration.
Planning your career in the film industry
The question of whether it's possible to plan your career in the film industry or if it's purely a matter of luck is a common one. While it may seem that luck plays a significant role, it's important to realize that you have some control over shaping your career. Planning involves putting in the work, taking opportunities, and establishing relationships with collaborators. However, it's crucial to understand that not everything will go according to plan, and unexpected doors may open along the way. Embracing the unknown, being flexible, and constantly growing and refining your craft will help you progress in your desired career path.
Managing creativity burnout and feelings of stagnation
Experiencing creativity burnout or feelings of stagnation is a common challenge in the creative process. To manage these feelings, it's important to take breaks and engage in activities that refill your creative well. This could include traveling, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies outside of your work. Setting boundaries between your personal life and work is also crucial to avoid burnout. Additionally, openly communicating with your team and seeking inspiration from external sources such as books, films, or art can help reignite your creative spark. Embracing the unknown and experimenting with new ideas is also a valuable approach to overcoming stagnation.
In this episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer answer your questions about the film industry. From building relationships with directors to evolving from low-budget projects to big-budget shoots, learn how to convince potential collaborators of your skills, even without past work to show, and discover strategies for career planning in an unpredictable industry. We dive into discussions about artistic voice, burnout, and navigating tough production environments. Plus, get practical tips for prepping in both commercial and narrative projects. Tune in to gain wisdom and inspiration as you navigate your creative path.
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