Meet Landon Yost | Film Director & Photographer

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

Hi Landon, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first started working in the film / photography industry I was 19 and living in New York City. My mentality was say “Yes!” to every job that came my way, so I worked myself ragged. That being said, I was still finding time to socialize. I was burning the candle at both ends. After 7 years of nonstop work / play, it took the pandemic and a healthy relationship to realize I could still be highly productive and build time into my life for myself and the things that really matter. But that balance is always in-flux and I’m hoping to improve it everyday.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I currently work as a film director and photographer. I believe what sets me apart is my attention to the physicality and detail of my craft and my patience when approaching a story.

I have a deep love for the medium of celluloid and it’s connection to light, I work meticulously to manipulate that bond between the physical form (film) and the ethereal (life) to tell a story. I take great care in all aspects of that process and luckily, I have the ability to work directly with every step of the process. From exposing my negative to developing it in the chemistry and finally printing it by hand in the darkroom. Each step has it’s own significance in telling the story I want to convey. Having control over that process to me means that I’m intentional with each element and decision.

When it comes to filmmaking, although I’m not usually the one holding the camera and exposing the film – it’s vital that I am moving with the same level of intention and care. When I started in the film industry 9 years ago, I knew I wanted to be a director but the path there wasn’t straightforward. I needed experience..and money so I started working as a production assistant. Some might consider it a lowly position but for me it was one of the most insightful jobs I’ve ever had. I gained access to every single department on set and was able to observe all of the dynamics and processes. From that inside perspective I could decide which avenue to take. I realized that if I wanted to be a well-rounded and thoughtful director, I would need experience in every department of the industry. So I worked my way up into light, as a Key Grip and then Gaffer. I spent time laboring in the art department, which is the most overlooked and under valued piece of the puzzle in my opinion. I even had a stint working in sound. All of that to say, now that I work with larger teams to make a film – I feel confident that I can communicate in the same language as they speak and my requests are realistic and most importantly open to collaboration. The most significant thing I learned from working in all those different ventricles is that no one person knows everything. Trust the people you hire to do their job well and you will be happy with the outcome, every time. And listen to everyone’s opinion, the best ideas come from the places you’d least expect.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I was showing my best friend my favorite places around Los Angeles it would look like this:

I would pick them up from LAX because catching a taxi from the airport is a God awful experience.

We would head back to my apartment for coffee and some breakfast, because my partner would love to give them a tour of our small but beautiful home.

We would drive up to Mammoth Lakes and camp for a night, swim in the hot springs and explore the vast swaths of B.L.M. land up there.

Then we would drive out to Jawbone Canyon to ride dirt bikes in the desert.

The next day I would take them to a private beach, my favorite little spot passed Malibu that I can’t tell you the name of.

While we’re up there I take them to lunch at Neptune’s Net for some of the best fish and chips in LA.

Then the rest of the week would be more laid back because I have a tendency to ware people out.

We’d go to Found Oyster on a week-day to get some killer seafood.

I’d take them to Laemmle theatre for a matinee.

Get some coffee and pastries from Friends and Family or some other little cafe.

These are just a few of the things I do with my friends around the city. There are so many places to explore and experience, so it’s hard to choose. I’m grateful to live in such an accessible city with so many amazing things to do and I’m lucky to be able to take advantage of them!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My folks have always been the most supportive people in my life. I’m incredibly lucky to have parents who never questioned or judged my passions. Even as I was a kid, when I would cycle through sports and instruments trying to figure out what I liked – they never forced my hand. The art community they fostered around me was also unbelievably caring and thoughtful. It takes a village and thankfully, I grew up in a beautiful one. Shout out to Homer and Carol, they’re my rocks!

Website: https://landonyost.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/landonyost

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landon-yost-8975521bb

Other: https://vimeo.com/landonyost

Image Credits
Olya Anikina
Uno Hype