Meet Aaron Lieber | Film Director & Cinematographer

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

Hi Aaron, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is in everything we do in life and learning how to calculate it is key to finding successes. But I think a lot of us over think risk and fail to take the leap of faith that risk requires in order to get the results we desire.

In my career I think about risk in the sense of potential outcomes. I work through those potential out comes and just find the best path forward. And creatively speaking, that usually will mean one or two shots that will be incredible if we get them, but always making sure I have a foundation to lean on. Risk is also mitigated by having the right team in place, in the preparation, and just speeding the time to make sure you have thought of everything you can control. It’s in the risk that the best rewards are found and the more often you take risks the more often you’ll find you get better at the process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my deep connection to the surfing community and my commitment to authentic storytelling. I focus on capturing the intricate details of surfing, highlighting both the athletic prowess and the emotional journey of my subjects. This approach allows me to blend technical skill with an intimate understanding of the sport, creating unique and compelling content.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is “Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable.” This documentary chronicles the life and career of Bethany Hamilton, who continued to excel in surfing after losing her arm to a shark attack. This film is a testament to my dedication to telling powerful and inspiring stories. Additionally, working with top surfers like John John Florence and Mick Fanning has allowed me to capture their achievements with a unique cinematic touch.

Getting to where I am today professionally was not easy. I started as an intern, gradually building my skills and reputation. The transition from film to digital formats was a significant challenge, but it was necessary to keep up with the evolving demands of the industry. My passion for filmmaking and relentless pursuit of excellence helped me overcome numerous obstacles along the way.

I’ve learned several important lessons throughout my career. Adaptability and meticulous preparation are crucial. Every aspect of the filmmaking process, from shooting to data management, requires precision and foresight. Efficient workflows are essential, especially when dealing with high-resolution footage that demands substantial storage and backup solutions.

I want the world to know that Lieber Films represents my dedication to capturing the beauty and intensity of surfing and sports. My work not only documents extraordinary athletic achievements but also tells the personal stories behind them. I aim to inspire audiences by showcasing the resilience and passion of athletes, highlighting their journeys both in and out of the water.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d probably take them up to Malibu to enjoy the stunning views and grab a bite to eat. If the waves are good, we might go for a surf. Later, we’d head to the Comedy Store for a show, where some of the best comedians are usually practicing their routines.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I started my career as an intern at TransWorldSURF Magazine. So definitely want to thank everyone at TransWorldSURF, specifically Justin Cote, Christ Cote, Jason Young and many more. From there I had an opportunity to work with Nike so really want to thank everyone I worked with there. I also work with Shane Beschen son, Noah Beschen, for about 10 years, and really want to thank Shane and his family for all the years of mentorship, friendship, and creating together. More recently I’ve had the opportunity to work with Tim Tadder, who’s has been an incredible mentor and friend who’s given me a ton of opportunities to create with him along side some of the biggest athletes in the world.

Website: www.lieberfilms.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lieberfilms

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronrlieber/

Twitter: https://x.com/lieberfilms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lieberfilms

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/lieberfilms

Image Credits
Aaron Lieber