TO BE A CHILD
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Protect Title:
To Be A Child
Client:
Erin Zhao
Production Company:
Dorsey Studios
Nick’s Role:
Director + DP + Edit
When I first met Erin I saw something very unique in her approach to art and creativity. I wanted to capture the way she pulls inspiration from the abstract natural world and translates those sensory experiences in art form. Her work is so diverse and she covers so many different mediums as an artist. I was impressed but also so inspired.
Together, we spent several months documenting her process as she developed one of her largest projects to date.
I love real stories about real people. There are so many amazing stories out there that you don't always need to create your own. When I find someone with a compelling perspective, I jump to capture it.
OVERVIEW
THE DETAILS
THE PROCESS
NO. 001 | PRE PRODUCTION
Get to know Erin - I wanted to really understand her process and inspirations.
Set Rules - Having limitations on small budget projects breeds creativity. I restricted myself to only using 2 lenses (with the exception of the timelapse footage) to create two distinct worlds within the film. One that's more observant and another that is immersed in her perspective.
Understand Timeline - Erin was commissioned to make this work we were capturing so filming needed to line up with her deadlines and artistic process.
NO. 002 | PRODUCTION
Studio Days - I spent 6 days with Erin in her studio, observing and capturing her process.
Nature Days - A lot of Erin’s inspiration comes from the natural world. I wanted to capture this part of her process so I joined her at some of her favorite spots around San Francisco.
NO. 003 | POST-PRODUCTION
Edit - developed a nonlinear narrative that captured Erin’s ethos as an artist.
THE DELIVERABLES
NO. 001
1 x Artist Statement Video
IN THE PRESS
“
I spent a few days in her studio just watching her sketch, watching her paint, and the way she approaches her art. That's when I realized she has this visceral way of experiencing the world, she notices the small patterns, details, and textures. The way she translates that on the paper isn't a direct correlation of what she's seeing, it’s more of a translation of the feelings that she's having.”
SONY CINEMATOGRAPHY | ARTICLE BY OAKLEY ANDERSON-MOORE
READ THE FULL ARTICLE ⟶
