Episode 217: Award-Winning Cinematography w/ Laela Kilbourn

Summary

In this episode, Christian and Chad interview award-winning cinematographer Laela Kilbourn. They discuss her work on the documentary film Girl State, which premiered at Sundance 2024. Laela shares her experiences working with directors and the importance of trust in the DP-director relationship. She also explains the role of prime lenses in cinematography and how they can create a more cinematic look. Laela shares her journey in the film industry, from starting as a film loader to becoming a cinematographer. She discusses the challenges of advancing in the industry and the need to take risks and make sacrifices to pursue your passion. In this conversation, Laela discusses the challenges of building a stable career in filmmaking and the importance of developing relationships with directors and producers. She shares her experiences with discouragement and the determination that kept her going. The impact of strikes and COVID-19 on the industry is also discussed. Laela emphasizes the changing landscape of filmmaking and the opportunities available to new filmmakers. She provides advice for aspiring filmmakers with limited resources and highlights the importance of collaboration. Last of all, Laela shares her experience filming underground in New York and recommends two documentaries: “Morena’s” and “Senna”.

DocuView Déjà Vu:

Laela:

1. Morena(s) 2022. 70 mins, IMDB Link:
   Morena(s) (2022) – IMDb
2. Senna 2010, 106mins, Watch on Amazon, IMDB Link:
   Senna (2010) – IMDb

Chad:

1. Keys to the City: Chronicles of a NY Locksmith, 2023, 32 mins, Link: Keys to the City: Chronicles of a New York Locksmith

Christian:

1. Sour Grapes, 2016, 85mins, Watch on multiple streamers (Freevee, Tubi, Plex, Pluto, Roku, Prime) IMDB Link:
   Sour Grapes (2016) – IMDb
2. Bottle Shock, 2008, Narrative, 110mins, Watch on multiple streamers (Freevee, Tubi, Plex, Pluto, Roku, Prime) , IMDB Link:
   Bottle Shock (2008) – IMDb

Takeaways

Trust and collaboration are key in the DP-director relationship.
Prime lenses can create a more cinematic look by narrowing the depth of field.
Advancing in the film industry often requires taking risks and making sacrifices.
Building a client base is crucial for cinematographers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Patreon Support
01:38 Introducing Layla Kilbourn and Her Work
03:35 Debut of Girl State at Sundance
06:35 Working with a Larger Budget
09:10 Working with Directors as a Cinematographer
12:05 The Importance of Trust in the DP-Director Relationship
14:35 The Role of Prime Lenses in Cinematography
16:37 Layla Kilbourn’s Background and Journey in Filmmaking
33:03 Transitioning from Assistant Camera to Cinematographer
38:10 The Challenges of Advancing in the Film Industry
39:50 The Challenges of Building a Stable Career
41:40 Dealing with Discouragement and Persistence
43:18 The Impact of Strikes and COVID-19 on Filmmaking
44:47 The Changing Landscape of Filmmaking
45:38 Advice for Filmmakers with Limited Resources
51:51 The Importance of Collaboration in Filmmaking
54:01 Laela’s Experience Filming Underground in New York
59:56 Recommended Documentaries