Daily Inspiration: Meet Gavin Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gavin Johnson.

Hi Gavin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got into film in high school. I shot bad little films in my backyard with my friends, and they were a great time, However what was really interesting was what happened the more we made. The more films we made, the better and better they got. From the camera and visuals, to the editing to the ideas, and that is what really hooked me. This idea of constantly evolving, constantly doing better than you did before, and with film, it is very much visible in the final product. I especially became obsessed with the visual side of it. I thought “what if my home made films and weird ideas looked like a real movie, and felt like a real movie.” That’s when I was hooked, and I realized that if I could improve so much with just my friends and homemade films, what could I evolve into if I really took it seriously? From then on, I decided to dedicate to film. I went to college for film, with a focus on cinematography. It was a great experience, I learned more in those 4 years than I had in the last 10. With new connections, new friends, new projects, and a new idea of what I wanted out of myself. Through film school, I became very proficient in my craft, and most of it was not through the classroom but through the boots on the ground set life. A similar thing happened to what happened in high school. Everything I shot, became better and better each time, except this time, I knew I was doing things the professional way. Always improvement to be made, but nonetheless, professionally. I have been the cinematographer for over 30 projects from short films to music videos to commercials all giving me stepping stones into the visual identity and professionalism I want to be. There are so many epiphanies that happen when learning something like this that it is hard to count, but every time I had those lightbulb moments, going through my footage of old shoots and picking them apart, I felt so much more confident in my work. Not only from a professional technical perspective but also from an artistic, visual identity and style perspective too. I slowly chipped away to uncover what I truly liked in my work and in others and held onto that. I want to make other people feel emotions and character through my cinematography, and inspire others, the same way great film does to all of us, I just choose the visual avenue. Nowadays I am genuinely passionate about what I do, and to this day I am constantly evolving, and most likely, I will always be.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’ think this type of work has been a smooth road for most people and I’m no different. I am very self critical when it comes to my work and even if everyone around me told me it was great, I wouldn’t feel that unless it matched my idea of what I want to be. There is a struggle to go from beginner to good, and a lot of it is the atmosphere and learning how to deal with people, time constraints, and actually trying to apply new knowledge that you pick up after every project. Of course there is also the long hours, sleepless nights, impossible tasks, and intensive labor, but wow is it a unique and beautiful line of work. film is a stressful time, and it can make people become flustered, and irritable. Its just business and its not personal, but it can become personal very quick. there are a lot of people you may lose connection with through this journey, but its very necessary.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a filmmaker who specializes in cinematography and visuals. I would say that is what I’m most known for in my bubble. I am most proud of my most recent music videos. I think this because I finally feel like the final product is very close to the image I pictured in my head. That’s what its all about, creating, putting something that exists only in thought and imagination, into the physical reality. I think what sets me apart from others is a few things. I think I have a very optimistic and professional attitude. I have been on so many sets where the people can be hard to be around, and I chose not to cultivate that environment for anyone around me. I also am very story and emotion focused with my cinematography, and I love working with a director to adapt their vision together into something even better than we could’ve both wanted. I also have a way of doing things with framing and lighting that amounts to my visual style and how I like things to look, and if a director likes it, and can usually reproduce and adapt it pretty well. I have an absolute love for the art and love trying unique or strange styles.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the film as a whole is moving towards a place where more small indie projects can actually succeed. With social media and the ability to self market without needing millions for commercials and big distributors, it’s more accessible than ever. Why would you spend 100 million dollars on a mediocre Hollywood comedy with 2 big name actors when you could spend 1 million on an indie crew that makes a film full of heart, character and leaves you with a deep emotion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gavinwarnerjohnson.wixsite.com/my-site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gavin.johnsono/