Meet Gianna Aquilina | Cinematographer

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

Hi Gianna, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I graduated from Columbia College Chicago, I left school knowing one thing was certain- any project that I was not personally shooting was a missed opportunity to excel in my talents and grow my career. My colleagues and I were hit over the head with the idea that if you were not on set working, you were losing. So I got to it.

I plunged into the competitive world of film by accepting every free job, every “will work for food” opportunity, and every “paid in experience” set. I began getting paid work, DP-ing my own work, and getting a few retainer clients. Companies reached out to me and began flying me out for shoots. One year, I averaged two flights a week – that’s 100+ flights in a year. I put every hour of every day into thinking about film and it did just what my teachers told me. It got me to a point in my career that I felt successful. In just a few years I had obtained two Emmy nominations, shot 5 features, and purchased, in full, my very own Arri Mini LF camera.

But then Covid hit, and for the first time since graduation, I saw through the fog. I was able to take a step back from my work-focused world and realized that I had nothing else to show as “success” other than my career. I did not have any hobbies outside of film, nothing expanding my knowledge of the world unless it involved making movies, and no friendships that were deeper beyond calling them up for a job. My personal life was non-existent and I had been utterly depressed for years. I think it goes without saying that film is a toxic industry that will beat you to the ground, and the only thing that makes it all worth it, is the community and support you surround yourself with. It was then that I realized something. The adults were wrong. I was loosing.

People tend to view the world as winners and losers so they resent other people getting recognition because they somehow believe that fewer opportunities are available to them. This is a false mindset. Another person’s accomplishments don’t diminish the ones available to you.

My priorities shifted and I decided to reform my life. I moved out of the windy city and in with a roommate to the big apple. There, I did not know many people in the industry. So, instead of my day-to-day being 12+ hours of trauma bonding with my colleagues, I decided to look into other parts of myself. I focused on meeting new people, exploring New York, and finding what made me happy outside of film. I realized that success goes far beyond one’s work. Accolades and awards mean nothing if you don’t have people to share them with. The only way one can thrive in this world is if they find the balance between working life, and actually living it. I am still on my way to finding the perfect balance but I am so grateful that I have an entirely new world outside of my work that allows me the escape when I need it, and the inspiration when I want it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others?

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

The three biggest lessons I have learned along the way-

1. It is okay to say NO.

2. If something/someone is not giving you the tools to effectively do your job, it is not on you. But if you do not speak up and say something, it is on you.

3.People will underestimate you, let them.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

What you are most proud of or excited about?

Filmmaking will forever be used as a tool to give a voice to stories that perhaps would not otherwise be heard. My hope is that it will also continue to continue for the people who are behind the making of those stories. When I’m asked what projects I’m most proud of, it is always assumed that I’ll answer with a well-known film or personal project that I was most pleased with in my career. In all sincerity, I’m propelled to acknowledge that some of the movies I am most proud of are due to the atmosphere that was crafted on set that resulted in a successful outcome. Last summer, I shot a pilot called “I Didn’t Mean to Go Mental”. The episode turned out great, got into many festivals, and ended up winning the audience choice award in Denver’s Series Fest. I am very proud of this but personally feel that one of the main components related to its success, for me, was the behind-the-camera environment and how I actually enjoyed showing up to set everyday. The crew was taken care of – our safety, wellbeing, and overall morale was always the top priority. A simple coffee run and a happy crew will always benefit what ultimately makes its way to the big screen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently reside in NYC and moved to Williamsburg Brooklyn just a year ago. Still new to the area- I don’t know if this question needs to be about LA so I will for now not answer that question <3

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout-out to anyone who ever witnessed me being mistreated on set and stood up for me- even if it was just letting me know I was seen.

Being on set can be an incredibly stressful environment. You are working with tight budgets, tighter schedules, and a group of people with a wide range of clashing personalities. Unfortunately, as a young woman entering this industry, it also means dealing with many deep-rooted misogynistic and agist ideologies. Whether it was people on set asking me where I was planning to set up hair and makeup when I was clearly arranging my grip tools for the day, or being grabbed by the arm and directed to where the PAs were meeting when I was actually approaching the DP to let him know that I, his camera operator, had arrived. The stigma is deeply ingrained in the industry. Being taken seriously can be a struggle, but there are people in this line of work that see this and let you know that they have your back when you need that little push to get you through the day.

While DP-ing a feature, I reminded the AD to say “roll camera”, as he kept missing the call. It had been an incredibly trying week of 12+ hour days, no dinners, and a crew that was ultimately being stretched thin. The AD’s response to my reminders was to publicly berate me in front of the entire crew, undermining me and my many years of experience in the industry. It was pure rage, maliciously intended to belittle and break me. I wanted so badly to return fire but I remained professional. With the room hovering at a level of painfully quiet, the 1AC called, “Camera speed,” and we went for the take. The director called, “Cut,” and it appeared like everyone was just going to move on past the incident. Then, I heard someone call my name behind me. I turned around to the costume designer asking me, “Who runs the world?” She then pointed directly at me and said, “Girls!” We all moved on to the next scene. I could have cried on the spot. I felt so seen. Thank you, Lola.

Website: www.giannaaquilina.com

Instagram: @dp_gigi

Facebook: Gianna Aquilina

Image Credits
These were all person stills with the exception of two photos of me holding the camera- One was by Abbi Chase (this one has the colored orange and green plant in the background) the other by Loren Toney (the one of me in the light blue face mask)