Meet Kirill Yusim | Cinematographer & Teacher

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

Hi kirill, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
This is a very interesting question, the reason I say that is that artistic can be defined in many ways. Artistic is someone who thinks no only in the lines but may think of ways around the lines or creating your own lines. Now that being said I chose an artistic field for my career in a way that may seem accidental but I believe that all things happen for a reason. The reason or the path may not show it self at that moment but it will at some point. My story is kind of an interesting turn of events that lead me to here. It all kind of started in 5th grade when I got into a fight with someone who has since that day been my little brother. But at that time or that moment I hated him and we got into a fist fight. Our punishment was that we had to work on the school plays. The principal did not want to expel us but wanted to teach us a lesson. What is worse than being in school is having to stay after school and be a part of theater. At that age it was not cool to be in theater. But to take a long jump forward I love it so much and got to do my first lighting operator during the play and fell in love. I spent the next 10 years working on school plays, helping out teach students who were coming in and most of all got to be around an Emmy winning lighting designer. I got to build sets, do light plots, set up and operate sound, microphones, and program boards with lighting cues. To take this story forward in college when I was in the film program no one knew how to light or set up lights. I instantly because the talented one and everyone wanted me to be the director of photography. This was how the doors opened up for me and how I got to where I am today. I have always considered myself and artist that can think logically. I know you may say those two things do not go together but I made that work. I now work as a DP and producer doing music videos, feature films and documentaries. Along with my wife who is a director and editor we make a killer duo.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is that I am able to work creatively with a logical approach. I know that may sound insane especially for a DP. You would probably say how can you do things that are creative logically. The approach is that everything may have restrictions money, time, location you name it. What is the most creative way to achieve something that stays within a budget or limitation of what you are doing. This may sound simple and you may say that is how it’s supposed to be but no, everyone always tries to get more equipment, time, location, things that will make it easy to achieve what they want in the first place without thinking of anything or anyone else. That is not how I work, I am a problem solver you bring me on to make things happen. The journey has not been easy and I am still climbing the ladder to get to where I really want to be. But things happen to those who work hard. That is what I have been taught by my parents. What I want the world to know is that creativity comes from the heart you can not teach it. What my company and I do is open that ability and help you achieve what is in your mind on paper. Meaning we help you develop your idea and make it a reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think that Los Angels has a lot of hidden secrets that you really have to live here to know. Yes you have the touristy things like Hollywood walk of fame, beverly hills, Venice, the iconic things in LA. You for sure have to do those things if its your first time. So I feel that the first two days would be spent on those places just to see, take pictures and walk around. Then there are restaurants lots of places to eat from fast, to simple to magical to experimental. I feel that one of the places is The Oaks next to the scientology center they have the best breakfast burrito. Then you have to eat at the beach at little sister that place is really good. I also recommend Houstons for the tuna burger. What I am trying to say is there is a lot. I also feel you have to top it off with disney land or universal being in the movie industry those places are fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
David, He is an amazing human being with a huge heart that does so much for others for free.

Website: www.kirillyusim.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugotitpic/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirill-yusim-b79a3012/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pamplona-89-los-angeles