Meet Drew Dawson | Cinematographer & Filmmaker

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

Hi Drew, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Joseph Campbell has a quote that goes, “If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.”

I think about this often. I am sure we can all relate to times of uncertainty, and when it comes to one’s “life path” or vision for themselves in the future, there can be a lot left to the imagination. At times, so much can be out of our control, how could we possibly expect ourselves to know every single step we will take along the way?  Do we embrace the mystery, or should we grasp for authority over self?

The hard part is allowing our selves to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. If you can find peace with that, then you don’t have to worry about the next ten steps, you are just thinking about the next step right in front of you.  The Campbell quote is a good reminder, and when in doubt, I try to keep this as a north star.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I’ve been working as a camera person professionally since 2009. A lot has changed in a 14 years.  I have fundamentally adjusted the way I work a few times over.  And, often you only realize you have to make a change when things aren’t working.  So it’s important to be kind to yourself in these transitionary periods.  It’s common to ungulate from the top of your game to feeling less than.

I would say that any success you could equate with any career would be in large part to keeping a mental check with the way you speak to yourself.  Is the voice inside your head being kind or do you have room to be kinder?  Usually that will track with what you are undulating towards.  If the voice is excited, it will reflect in the work.  If the voice is angry or judgmental, well, you can probably see where this is going…

You can work your butt off, but if that voice in your head is saying nasty things about you or others, then your are going to keep working your butt off, while not getting very far.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would probably take them on some of the hikes around Altadena. I’ve been exploring that area more and love the nature. Maybe visit some of the beaches in Malibu or head up to the Angeles National Forest.

For an afternoon activity I would probably go to The Huntington Gardens, The Getty Museum or The Broad.

If we wanted to go out for a good meal, I would probably try Bestia in DTLA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I have recently started an education program for virtual production with an awesome group called CGPro. The instructors there have been really amazing, everyone goes above and beyond. I would like to shout out Edd Dawson-Tyalor and Jacqueline Cooper, co-founders of the company. They have created an awesome community of people working professionals.

Anyone interested in the new technology of virtual production should get in touch with them!

Website: www.drewdawson.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew–dawson/

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