How do you break into the film industry?

What does a Director of Photography actually do?

Today, Lalita welcomes LA native, Justin Aguirre, an accomplished Director of Photography (DP) in the film industry. Justin's work has been seen on Netflix, Apple Plus, Tribeca and more.

Justin discusses his unique story of becoming a DP. He addresses everyday DP responsibilities, common misconceptions, and the significance of communication, visual aesthetics, and collaboration in storytelling.

Topics include the challenges of breaking into the industry, renting versus owning gear, and personal anecdotes of career growth and education.

Highlights also cover the impactful use of visual interpretation tools like Shot Deck, practical advice for aspiring filmmakers, and the continuous journey of professional development in the cinematic world.

Enjoy!

Bravely,

Lalita Gabriella Ballesteros

What We discuss:

00:33 The Generosity of Sharing Knowledge

02:18 The Role of a Director of Photography (DP)

02:57 Challenges and Rewards in Narrative Filmmaking

06:46 Building Relationships in the Film Industry

08:43 The Importance of Collaboration and Communication

27:09 Misconceptions About the DP Role

02:13 Introduction to the DP Role

02:28 Responsibilities of a Director of Photography

02:57 Challenges in Narrative Storytelling

04:42 Recent Narrative Projects

08:59 Pre-Production Process

10:52 Production Phase Insights

57:37 Post-Production Involvement

01:01:05 Essential Skills for a DP

01:05:25 Common Misconceptions About DPs

01:07:05 Owning vs. Renting Gear

01:22:49 Personal Journey into Film

01:23:39 Discovering a Passion for Filmmaking

01:24:09 High School Broadcast Journalism

01:24:45 College and Career Beginnings

01:25:47 Craigslist Hustle and Film School Dropout

01:28:38 Working at the Academy Awards

01:29:59 Coping with Loss and Career Growth

01:39:07 Aspirations and Future Goals

02:04:00 Navigating Post-Production Challenges

02:07:32 The Importance of Collaboration and Communication

02:11:35 Misconceptions About the DP Role

01:22:43 The Journey to Becoming a DP

02:45:34 Aspirations for the Future

02:46:44 Current Projects and Film Focus

02:48:19 Social Media and Contact Information

02:57:45 The Journey into Film

03:09:12 Reflections on the Industry

03:18:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Resources:

• Justin Aguirre | Website

• Justin Aguirre | IMDB

• Justin Aguirre | Instagram

• Shot Deck: Website

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