Meet Nobutaka Emura | Cinematographer

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

Hi Nobutaka, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I’m all about carving out my own slice of time that’s completely work-free. Since graduating and with these strikes causing turbulence in my industry, it’s been a bit of a juggling act to find those opportunities. But I’m getting there. I truly believe that maintaining a balance between personal and work time is a game-changer for mental well-being.

When I was dealing with two projects to film, I made a conscious effort to strike that balance. And it helped me big time. Not only did it help me stay cool as a cucumber in all sorts of situations, but it also meant I could give my full attention to each task at hand.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a cinematographer, my role extends far beyond simply pressing the record button on a camera. I am tasked with crafting visual narratives through the artful use of lighting, lenses, frame composition, and angles, all in service of the story being told on screen. What truly excites me about being a cinematographer is the collaborative nature of the process. Working closely with a team to bring a story to life is an exhilarating experience. Of course, inherent in this collaboration is the potential for creative conflicts between directors and crew members. Each individual brings their unique vision to the table, all with the common goal of achieving visual excellence.

Seeing the final product, the culmination of everyone’s efforts, captured in an image fills me with immense satisfaction and excitement. However, my journey to this point has not been without its challenges. Despite graduating from the Master’s program at USC this past May, my learning journey is ongoing. One vital lesson I’ve embraced is the significance of following my instincts. The future is uncertain, and making decisions can be daunting, but going with the flow has proven to yield unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

Before I came to USC, I was employed in the broadcasting industry in Japan. I held a stable position at a technical company, receiving a consistent monthly salary. When I received the acceptance letter from USC, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure whether to embark on this new journey. But I knew that this experience held the potential to foster personal and artistic growth. My approach of “going with the flow” does not imply laziness or complacency. During my time at USC, I navigated the challenges posed by remote learning, even executing short film projects from a distance. The pandemic’s constraints were beyond our control, but my dedication to these projects remained unwavering. Similarly, the recent strike following my graduation has limited immediate opportunities, yet I remain committed to continuous learning and proactive networking.

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 would definitely take my best friend to Estilo Tijuana Angeles Tacos, a street taco spot in Echo Park. I’d say this place offers the best street tacos in the city. Most of my close friends and best friends are back in Japan, where I am originally from. Mexican restaurants there are quite expensive, and since I’ve been exploring various street taco places in LA, Estilo Tijuana Angeles Tacos stands out as the top spot for me.

Additionally, I’d make sure to take them to the beach, such as Malibu, Santa Monica, and Venice. The beach culture in Japan and LA is a bit different. Firstly, palm trees aren’t as common on beaches in Japan, maybe with the exception of Okinawa, but the vibes are distinct. Moreover, there are numerous nice shops and malls lining the beach in LA, offering various activities like skateboarding, biking, and playground.

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 would like to shoutout to all the amazing cinematographers I’ve had the privilege of meeting and being inspired by over the past few years. I’ve learned an incredible amount from them, and I can’t thank them enough for the impact they’ve had on my journey. And, of course, I have to give a shoutout to my parents – they’ve been my biggest supporters from the moment I set foot in this industry, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Website: https://nobutakaemura.com

Instagram: itsnobugatti

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nobutaka-emura-028/

Image Credits
Michael Sparks