Meet Rose Saban | Cinematographer

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

Hi Rose, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Being in a creative industry can be difficult because there isn’t a roadmap. There isn’t a way to know if you are on the right track to reach your goal. There are plenty of times I thought about giving up, and it’s usually when I feel like I won’t get another opportunity or set foot on another set again that I get my next gig. However, when I am at those low points, I know I can never give this up because I cannot see myself doing anything else. Maybe it’s not the most helpful advice, but it’s more of a feeling that this is what I’m meant to do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think my style is constantly evolving with every project I shoot. The best style of cinematography is the style that most effectively tells the story. It should carry the visual language of the story seamlessly, and not distract from the narrative or message of the piece. Every project is an opportunity to learn and grow as a filmmaker. And of course, with every project comes its challenges, but solving problems creatively is half the fun of filmmaking. Currently, a project I shot at the beginning of last year is making it into several film festivals which is very exciting. The short is called “Split Decision”, and is directed by Parker Green. It’s been well-received and is the first film I’ve shot that has been awarded “Best Cinematography.” It was a wonderful collaborative effort on a passion project, and we faced many common challenges while shooting our short film: budget, location, equipment, and even a last-minute casting change. Luckily, we combined our respective resources and finished our shoot; including reshoots several months later. I couldn’t be prouder of the team or our film, and it pulled through beautifully as a final product. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that the limitations of indie filmmaking are not restrictive, but rather they can push you to be more creative. Most of the time, I find that we end up with something better than we originally intended due to a workaround for a problem we encountered.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow, there are so many options in LA, it’s sometimes overwhelming. I feel like I’m always discovering a new spot. One of my favorite areas to spend the day is on Magnolia Blvd in Burbank. There are several coffee shops, thrift stores, record stores, and other cute shops. My favorite thrift store on that street is probably “It’s a Wrap!” All the clothes, shoes, and accessories, sold there were part of the wardrobe department at various studios in LA. The clothes are even tagged to indicate which production or studio they’re from! Honestly, LA has no shortage of thrift stores and flea markets. I also love the Los Feliz and Silverlake Flea Markets (although it’s a bit tough during the summer). Other great activities are watching a movie at Rooftop Cinema Club or the Vista or New Beverly. Lastly, if I want a bookstore and coffee shop type of day, Village Well in Culver City is both! It’s a great place to read and grab coffee on your own, or with friends!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had the privilege of learning from many amazing people throughout the years, but there is one person who taught me a lot when I first decided I wanted to get into film production. When I started in the film and media department at my community college, Michael Grimes was the backbone of the whole department. Not only did he have extensive technical knowledge of cameras, lighting, editing, and storytelling, but he also had the greatest advice on how to carry yourself as a working professional. Learning how to navigate conflict and working with others is just as important as technical knowledge, and Michael was always a go-to person when I needed both creative and personal advice. He made a significant impact on each student he interacted with, and I can still hear his voice in my head whenever I’m facing a challenge with my work.

Website: https://www.rosesabandp.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rose.saban/