Meet Paul Maxwell (Paul D Maxwell) | Director of Photography / Director / Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Maxwell (Paul D Maxwell) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
It’s a common misconception that you work hard and push until you get your big break. Your big break is when the hard work really begins. Challenging yourself and the competition so you can create opportunities is crucial but continuing and building upon the momentum a big opportunity can give you is an essential part of growing your business and challenging your art form.

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.
One thing that sets me apart from other cinematographers and filmmakers is an involuntary unwavering dedication to the art. No matter the scale, budget or expectations of a project, I am completely unable to phone it in. There have been many times that it would just make more sense to cash the cheque and walk away but, for whatever reason, I am completely unable to give less than 110% percent of myself to protect the image and maintain the integrity of the art from conception to final delivery. This is not the most effective business trait, admittedly, as I could walk away from projects much sooner than I do and be more profitable but I do truly believe that this involuntary creative tick ensures I will always do my best to protect the efforts of my crew and do my very best to make sure their incredible work ethic and artistic vision is not invested in vain. The risk and challenge, of course, is to not develop a reputation for being difficult to work with because I do fight so fiercely for the art. I’m sure sometimes I miss the mark on that balance but it’s a journey. The directors and producers that I’m creatively aligned with understand that my process has only their project’s best interest in mind. Sometimes you have to commit to your process and know that if someone disagrees, they likely aren’t the right creative fit for you and your team anyway.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m guessing because this is Shoutout LA that this question is referring to Los Angeles. I’m Canadian but I love LA. Black Magic Rose Magic is a wild spot. Speakeasy vibes with a secret entrance to a magic show and other alternative performers. Mrs Fish has incredible Sushi. Korean BBQ in Koreatown is always a favorite and Korean Karaoke is a fun recommendation for more rambunctious friends. However, being from snow-covered Canada, absolutely nothing beats a motorcycle ride through the desert. Also, you can’t not have In-n-Out

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be nowhere without my incredibly talented crew. Starting in the music industry and naturally pivoting into small budget music videos, I was always a one-man-band. I didn’t know any other way of working. When I eventually grew into narrative films and television, I started building our little film family. The work has grown in complexity, quality and creativity exponentially now that I have a team of extremely talented artists around me. I highly recommend that creatives and business owners get over their own ego and embrace the skills and work ethic of those around them. No one can make it to the top of a competitive field without support of those around you who are as talented or more talented at their trade than you are.

Website: www.paulmaxwell.ca

Instagram: @paulmaxwellfilm

Other: www.imdb.me/paulmaxwellfilm