Meet Minami Moriyama | Focus Puller

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

Hi Minami, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

I’m very fortunate that I can do what I love –working in film and in LA. It is like a child playing a game. I used to think that I wish I could work more and more without thinking about other things. But my mind for work-life balance has been gradually changing over time. Probably, I’m getting older and also getting more responsibility involved with work and personal life. I start considering and making a new approach to work & life management.

It’s important to keep the core, but simultaneously making changes is also essential; I’d say that flexibility is crucial for an enjoyable life. Interestingly, I realized that detour life is enriching my life and work mindset. “Doing something new as well as learning new skills and techniques to hone my craft give me new inspiration and cultivate my mind –which which also leads to better work quality.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a focus puller. The primary responsibility of a focus puller is to maintain and control focus within a shot as it is filmed in the filmmaking process on set. Moreover, taking care of everything related to the camera is part of my job. I think my observation skill, endurance, and quick-witted developed from my childhood to my past experiences.

I grew up in a small town in Japan. I didn’t imagine that I could be working as an focus puller and even living overseas when I was little.

I was an unadventurous kid. So, my mother let me access many types of art and gave me opportunities to cultivate an aesthetic eye, and I got interested in art. Among many various arts, movies were the most fascinating to me. I started having an interest in filmmaking after watching many behind-the-scenes, and knowing how people make movies. After a while, I decided to move to LA.

During learning filmmaking, I especially enjoyed the most of the pulling focus in the camera department, and it led me to pursue the career. On set, I need to observe carefully everything and check visual details, and at the same time, I also need to anticipate what the cinematography needs in any situations and conditions. The good sense of tension gives my work performance better and make me keep improving my skill.

Moving to LA and pursue the role was a quite big decision for me.
There was an easier path for jobs, life, etc, but none of them came into my sight and are not interesting to me. After I came to LA, I experienced and discovered many things.
I’d say that it is not an easy path, but I rather think that it’s such a fun path to come through. Probably, it must be a tough time at the time, but looking back now I think that it’s just a part of new experiences and learning.

I definitely think that I had many precious experiences that I would never be able to do if I would not choose this path. And even now and later, it would be continued. I just would like to keep learning and getting more enriched experiences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d like to take them to some art museums, galleries, and parks. Most of my friends like art and a calm atmosphere like me, so I’d go somewhere in less crowded places. If I give an example, Norton Simon Museum is a good spot. Although it is not a big museum, you can enjoy the various types of art. Additionally, you can relax at a cafeteria in a small garden after the art appreciation. For grabbing some food, I’d look for some gluten-free spots. I’m gluten intolerance as well as some of my friends. Fortunately, LA has many nice gluten/vegan spots, so I’d suggest some places and ask my friends to decide what they feel to eat.

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’d like to say thanks to lots of people around me who deserve it. I can’t thank the many talented hard-working cinematographers enough, my co-workers, and many of my friends who are very supportive. They have different styles which are great and give me inspiration and motivation. They also taught me the importance of teamwork, creativity and friendship.

However, I’d especially like to thank my family. They are always supportive and
believe in me although they know that my decision is not an easy path. They are optimistic I will achieve my aspirations, and that’s why I respect and appreciate them.

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

Image Credits
Main: Juliana Tan Additional: Juliana Tan, Dawn Lu ( b& w photo)