Meet Lucia Zavarcikova | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucia Zavarcikova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucia, how do you think about risk?
I think taking risks is a necessary part of any venture into the unknown, whether it be personal growth or a career. In my own experience, I’ve taken a few bigger risks and for most of them, I’m glad I did. My first biggest risk was moving to the United States from Slovakia alone at the age of 21 and leaving everything behind. I remember sitting on a plane in Vienna before take-off feeling overwhelming fear. In fact, I was calculating in my head if it would be too embarrassing to tell the flight attendant that I want to take my suitcase out and stay in Europe. Luckily I felt that the level of anger of other passengers would be too high so I stayed. Looking back at that moment nine years later, I’m really happy I did because I’ve built a life and a career in the US that I would have never even dreamed of if I stayed at home. I’ve faced difficult situations and learned that I can count on many amazing people I’ve met throughout the years and most importantly, I can count on myself. That means that with every problem handled, every future problem seems a bit less intimidating and I’m sure that I would have never managed to feel that way if there was still a safety net around me. I’ve since observed that every time I find myself in front of a potential risk that makes me feel anxious or intimidated, there is something positive coming my way and it’s worth facing it voluntarily.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a cinematographer currently based in Los Angeles but I often travel home to Slovakia and sometimes to San Francisco. I’m passionate about storytelling and crafting impactful visual design for narrative films, commercials, and music videos. My films have previously won awards at festivals such as GSA BAFTA, DGA Student Film Awards, 44th Asian American International Film Festival or Windrider Short Film Showcase (part of Sundance Institute). They have screened at major festivals all over the world and I’ve been lucky to collaborate with many amazing filmmakers. I’m an AFI Conservatory graduate and a current member of The Association of Slovak Cinematographers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love hiking around Griffith Park, strolling around coffee shops in Silverlake and Los Feliz, or going out around West Hollywood and DTLA. Los Angeles has quite a lot to offer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve met so many amazing people that have helped me so much throughout my career that I would probably need a whole separate article just to list all of them. But to name a few, my former teacher Mark Kohr has helped me so much in the beginning years of this path. He is an incredible person that has a unique talent for motivating and inspiring creativity in people (on top of being an amazing filmmaker himself). I often find myself thinking of his advice and using his techniques in projects even now, years later. He also introduced me to another important figure in my career, who is Steve Condiotti. As an established cinematographer, he has actively mentored me in navigating the rough waters of almost every aspect of this job for years. Every time I’m facing a decision or need help I can always count on his advice. He has helped me make a decision to apply for AFI, which has pushed me to a whole new level as a cinematographer, all under the wings of an endless supporter of all of his fellows, Stephen Lighthill, the current cinematography discipline head at AFI. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone I’ve met so far and without whom I would be nowhere.

Website: https://www.zavarcikova.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucia.zavarcikova/

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7341135/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1