Meet Kathrin Asmus | Cinematographer

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

Hi Kathrin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I grew up in a small town about 40 minutes from Vienna, Austria. Looking back now, I’m grateful for that experience, but as a child, I often felt the urge to escape. I think that longing is a feeling many people who grow up in small towns can relate to. It’s only as we get older that we start to appreciate the charm of it.

Growing up, I spent much of my free time immersed in books, shows and movies. In school, I was known as the person who would read during class and knew every tv series that was currently airing in the American networks. I loved losing myself in different stories and imagining what it would be like to live in those worlds.

Around the same time I discovered books and films, I also found my love for cameras. My father was always very keen to keep up with new technologies. He would bring home every new development, including digital cameras. My mother, who used to be a hobby photographer herself must have passed her passion to me because the first time I was shown a camera, I fell in love with it. I’d constantly sneak it out of his office to the point where he gifted it to me for my birthday. As I grew older and cameras evolved, I wished for my first professional DSLR at 14, which only deepened my interest in photography.

Like many aspiring creatives, I tried to set aside my dream of working in film for something more sustainable which led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in media and communications, advertising, and event management. During my studies, I joined a summer filmmaking workshop in LA which made me realize what I truly wanted to do. Yet I finished my studies and internships. Once I had graduated, I gave in and moved to LA to be a part of a one-year intense workshop for filmmaking and that’s where my LA journey began.

I think my main reason of why I got drown so deeply into the world of cinematography is that it is a combination of everything that I loved growing up. Art has always been a great comfort for me – it still is. It helped me navigate life on so many levels, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without it. The thought of reaching someone who feels lost in the chaos of the world and offering them a sense of connection fills me with love and joy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I covered my journey in the first question, therefore I shall share more about my work.

I’m a cinematographer based in Los Angeles, California. I moved to LA in 2019 and since 2020 I have been fully specializing in the camera department. While I’ve also written, directed, and produced my own short films, my passion for all things related to cameras made it an easy decision to focus on cinematography.

As someone who moved from a small town across the ocean to Los Angeles without any connections in the film industry, I knew I would face numerous challenges – and there has been many. From unforeseeable ones like the pandemic or the industry strikes to other more predictable ones like the never-ending visa process as an international or trying to prove yourself in a male dominated field. Despite these hurdles, I can’t complain. Overall, things have been going well. The struggles I’ve encountered have been valuable learning experiences, and I’ve been able to grow and improve from them.

When it comes to my work, I personally love being attached to projects that speak about important matters while at the same time adding another genre to the mix to either ease the heaviness or to intensify it. For instance, I love the combination of drama with comedy or horror. Thrillers are another genre I’m particularly drawn to. I’ve been a true crime enthusiast for most of my life and I’ve been collecting ideas to outline and write my own crime series.

An important aspect for me in any project is having a well-developed main character who goes through a meaningful self-development and journey. I believe that characters are the heart of every film and I want to be able to connect with and root for them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m someone who seeks adventures in nature and loves the outdoors. One of the things I enjoy about LA is that it has many green spaces where you can escape and relax away from the city. So, in a way, this is my shoutout to California’s nature.

I absolutely love the ocean and therefore one of my favorite spots is Malibu. In my opinion, it has the most beautiful beaches around LA. My top three are El Matador, Point Dume, and The Broad Beach and I’d take my visitor there to see them. There’s a bunch of really good brunch spots by Topanga like the Topanga Living Café or the Inn Of The Seventh Ray. My favorite dinner spot, though, is the Malibu Pier Café. It might seem cliché, but I love the atmosphere and the food, which is all locally sourced and tastes incredibly fresh and delicious.

Another beach area that I love is Long Beach. It feels like LA’s version of San Diego with its laid-back energy and excellent seafood. The shoreline is fun to explore and there’s a beautiful aquarium which is worth a visit if you enjoy those kinds of attractions. For anyone who’s also a fellow ghost stories and myths enthusiast, the Queen Mary Ship, which is docked in Long Beach, is a must-see. My favorite food spot is the Parker’s Lighthouse. Their seafood is fantastic, and you get a great view of the Queen Mary when seated on their patio.

Since I’ve been giving shoutouts to beaches, I should also mention that I adore Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. Both piers are beautiful and there’s many little shops to explore in the area. I stumbled upon a brunch spot called Martha’s Hermosa Beach by accident when I was in the area, and it quickly became one of my favorites.

Another passion of mine is hiking. LA has many great trails, but if I had to recommend one, it would be the hike that leads up to the Wisdom Tree and then over to behind the Hollywood sign. It offers stunning views on the Valley and Griffith Park. After the hike a little treat sounds like the right choice. I’d recommend getting gelato from the Monte Carlo Italian deli also known as Pinocchio’s on Magnolia. Their passion fruit sorbet is my top choice, with key lime pie coming in as a close second.

Speaking of Griffith Park, I’d also take visitors to the Griffith Observatory. The view of Downtown LA is breathtaking, and the museum is a must-see for astronomy enthusiasts like myself. Their planetarium shows are exceptionally well done and beyond fascinating. During the pandemic, I discovered a wonderful place called Déjà Vu Cupcakes, which is conveniently located on my way. I’d stop there beforehand to pick up some delicious cupcakes for the road.

Another great spot is Mount Baldy in the LA forest. It’s just an hour’s drive from LA and serves as a perfect escape from the busy city life. Depending on the season, there’s a beautiful waterfall that creates a riverbed flowing down the mountain, where you can cool your feet and reconnect with nature. It always leaves me feeling relaxed and at peace. I also make sure to stop at Mt. Baldy Lodge to grab a bite to eat and have their homemade beer whenever I visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It took me a while, but I’ve come to believe that you can’t navigate life entirely on your own. No matter how much you think you can, there will be times when you need the love and support of others, just as they need yours. I also believe that the actions and words of others can influence your life and steer you in certain directions, whether you realize it or not—especially when you’re growing up. Looking back, I can think of several people who have shaped my life into what it is today.

My father, for example introduced me to cameras and photography at a young age – if not, I might have never fallen in love with cameras. And without my mother’s support for my interest in photography, I may never have discovered cinematography. My sister’s kind words and emotional support whenever I talked about my love for art encouraged me and moved me forwards as well.

Many of my friends have also had a huge impact on my life. While I could name several, a few stand out. My two closest friends in Vienna have always supported my decision to leave Austria. We still FaceTime regularly, updating each other on our lives, and whenever I visit Austria, it feels like no time has passed. Two of my other closest friends I met during my summer workshop in LA in 2017. One of them lives in Portugal now, and I can’t express how many times she’s been there for me, helping me through my toughest moments. The other one is here with me in LA, she moved back after finishing her degree, and we’ve become each other’s support system in the city. Also part of my LA chosen family is talented woman who has a family of her own. She’s the kindest, most patient person I know and always gives incredible advice. Another friend, who I worked with a while ago but only truly connected with a few years back, has become a partner in crime as well. Without his support and care, my life would be very different. All of them have in a way influenced my journey and I’d not be here without them.

Besides all the incredible people in my life, I’d also like to give the book “The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiza shoutout. Marked as wisdom book it is definitely such and I found great comfort in it during tough times. Originally, I got this book recommended by Natasha Lyonne – therefore a big shoutout to her as well for introducing it to me.

Website: https://www.kathrinasmus.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/kathrinasmus/