Meet Solomon Zivot

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

Hi Solomon, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t take that initial risk to move out to Los Angeles. I moved after college with almost no connections and no real solid plan. At the time I was living in a one-bedroom apartment shared with two girls in the room and me in the living room with a room divider, a bed, and a desk. A few months in out of pride and desperation I had a lemon from a tree for dinner because I wouldn’t dare of asking for help when I made this risk on my own. I moved out to be a professional cinematographer and photographer and told myself that success would be being in this city for five years. I’m now on year six, just wrapped two features and about to co-DP a documentary and DP an ultra-ambitious one-shot short film. I now have the updated goal of being here for ten years. Early in my career, before I had a network, those who didn’t know me took a risk to hire me for their creative projects. I would repay that kindness by being the best I could be for them.

Fast forward a few more years I took another big risk, volunteering my time and energy for the fellows at AFI on their student sets. There was no contract stating volunteering would lead paid work. Not only has it lead to ample paid work, I also gained valuable friends and a robust network of talented people from all walks of life. I think that’s what it boils down to in my time here. Taking those big risks because when it pays off it’s all worth it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For the first two years of my life I was deaf. It wasn’t until I had surgery at three that allowed me to hear. Because of that, it’s a physiological fact that my first language was visual. This is reflected in my work as a cinematographer and photographer. I am always looking out for the unique angles of stories, and how light and color interact with the world around me.

I’d say my career trajectory could be split into two categories, luck and perseverance. I’ve had countless work opportunities recently because I made a genuine connection with someone months or years ago who recently thought of me. This has led to working with Breakwater Studios, independent short films and features, and various corporate productions. But, I’m not saying getting to where I am now wasn’t hard work. I’ve had to play the waiting game many times, all for the hope that my work will lead to another opportunity to grow and showcase my talents and skills. I’d say the biggest lesson I learned is how to advocate for myself as a freelance contractor. I’ve dealt with productions that would ask me to do work way out of my comfort zone and pay level, just because it would save them money. In the first year of being here I was a PA on a YouTube show making just over $15/hour and being asked to drive a production truck full of equipment from Santa Clarita to Hollywood and back just to pick up a small cardboard box of props from their studio. I wish I had advocated for myself more in that situation, as I’m sure many of my peers have a similar story of being taken advantage of.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1 they are most likely tired from their travels so we take it easy and go for dinner at Figaro Bistrot on Vermont Ave and after watch an American Cinematheque movie at my favorite theater the Los Feliz 3. Day 2 we walk through Silverlake and Echo Park, checking out clothing and gift stores. For dinner we’d go to Mazel in Lincoln Heights. Day 3 is all about DTLA, starting with lunch in St Vincent Ct, which is hidden away and looks like a street in Eastern Europe. Afterwards I would impress them with the Last Bookstore and the small art galleries of the Arts District. Day 4 is a rest day, so we’d go to Griffith Park, specifically to Amir’s Garden at the top of a hill for a small hike and do a picnic with so much cheese and cheap wine from Trader Joe’s with other friends in the shade. Day 5 we walk around LACMA and the Original Farmers Market in Miracle Mile. Personally I’m a fan of Bob’s Coffee and Donuts. Day 6 we’d sleep in and head to Descanso Gardens to take in nature and shoot some photos, later we cool off from the sun with a drink or three at Alma’s Cider & Beer. Afterward we walk to Family Arcade for some drunken pinball. Our last day would be on the west side in Venice, walking down the beach and up Abbot Kinney Blvd, then grabbing some firewood and heading to Dockweiler Beach to catch the sunset with a bonfire and planes departing LAX from above. As I drop them off at the airport I promise to visit, but I probably won’t. Ha ha.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be remiss to not mention two individuals who have really encouraged me, lifted me up and supported me when I needed it. The first being my girlfriend/creative collaborator, Dylan Fox. When we first started dating I was looking to leave this city for other work, as I had none for months. She was the one who strongly encouraged me to put all of my effort into freelance. Since then, we have created our own films together. She writes, directs and acts, while I shoot and edit. We’ve jokingly been called a Hollywood power couple in this regard. Our short vampire film “Sanguisuga” had it’s LA premiere last year with American Cinematheque as part of their “Here’s To Her” program. We now have another film in pre-production that I’m really looking forward to. Her ability to understand and tell interesting stories is unparalleled, and I’m lucky to have her by my side.

The second person is my great aunt Beverly Walker, who I like to call my LA grandma. Beverly has been in this city for over 40 years. She worked on incredible films throughout her career like American Graffiti and Nosferatu, and has a rolodex of interesting stories about collaborating with the greats such as Francis F Coppola, Werner Herzog, Sydney Pollack, Dustin Hoffman, and even interviewing Jack Nicholson for six hours in what was considered his best interview at the time. She later wrote a book about him titled “Jack Nicholson: Anatomy of an Actor”. When I first came out to Los Angeles she was a beacon of familiarity and comfort. Being an academy member, she has brought me to interesting screenings and Q&A’s with talented filmmakers. Over the years I’ve gone over for meals paired with interesting conversations or films that we discussed what we liked or didn’t like about them. She is truly so special to me.

Website: https://www.solomonzivot.com/

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