First Act Break How to Build a Cinematography Career in 2025 | Chase Shurtz
May 27, 2025
In this engaging dialogue, Chase Shurtz, a professional camera assistant and cinematographer in LA, unveils the secrets to shaping a successful cinematography career. He shares insights on navigating the evolving film industry and emphasizes the importance of building connections. Chase discusses the essential skills for working on set, the differences between roles within cinematography, and the power of positive leadership. With anecdotes about on-set dynamics and the changing landscape of content creation, he inspires a new generation of filmmakers.
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Early Hustle with Fake ID
- Chase started working young with a fake ID, showing early hustle and resilience in film industry roles.
- He often faced doubts due to his age but gained experience by throwing himself into jobs eagerly.
Storytelling and Collaboration Priority
- Chase sees himself primarily as a storyteller who values cohesive collaboration to craft meaningful stories.
- He acknowledges some projects won't impress, but team belief is key.
From Theater to Film Grind
- Starting in theater helped Chase understand story structure and the importance of being on set.
- Early roles threw him into various tasks, accelerating his learning and passion for film production.