Directing and cinematography are two essential components of filmmaking that play a crucial role in bringing a story to life on the big screen. The art of mastering directing and cinematography involves a deep understanding of storytelling, visual language, and technical expertise. This requires not only artistic creativity but also a strong ability to collaborate with others and manage the many moving parts of film production. 

In this episode, I am joined by Charles Kennedy Jr., director and cinematographer, to talk about mastering directing and cinematography. Charles shares the experience of growing up in Livonia, the experience of working as an audio editor at a church, and how he got into the film industry. 

Charles discovered his photographic talent during his sophomore year at Lawrence Technological University, where he studied Media Communication. He began his undergraduate career with an emphasis on audio engineering, but gradually changed to film production and photography. ​

He also talks about how to capture dark skin as a cinematographer, being great at both directing and cinematography, and the difference between the narrative brain and the cinematographer's brain in commercial work. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics! 

 

Timestamps 

[01:48] The experience of growing up in Livonia, Michigan 

[02:49] Charles’s Jamaican upbringing 

[06:09] The experience of being an audio editor for a church 

[09:32] How Charles got into the film industry 

[12:36] Charles’s first time on set as a director 

[20:13] How to capture dark skin as a cinematographer 

[28:48] Being at war with an art form that you love but don’t like it 

[31:12] Charles’s work relationship with Zach 

[35:52] The difference between the narrative brain and the cinematographer's brain in commercial work 

[39:40] About the series that Charles worked on 

[48:47] The piece of advice that Professor Beth has shared with Charles that he carries till today 

Notable quotes: 

“It’s good that you know what you want to do, but learn how to do all of it because you will make yourself more marketable.” 

“With every movie you make or capture, be intentional about what it is that you are doing.” 

Connect with Charles Kennedy: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-kennedy-5b7a3035/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckennedyjr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ckennedyjr

Website: https://www.charleskennedyjr.com/

Website: https://www.mis-fitted.com/

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