Episode 31: True Colors as a Cinematographer with Dwayne Young
A cinematographer's role shines brightly in the realm of filmmaking, where visuals can transport audiences to mesmerizing worlds. Among the many tools at their disposal, intentional lighting has the most captivating power. The cinematographer creates a dance of shadows and highlights, breathing life into each frame like a maestro wielding a symphony of illumination. They paint emotions, shape narratives, and ignite the imagination with each carefully placed beam. The right lighting transforms ordinary scenes into unforgettable moments, leaving an indelible mark on the audience's psyche, from the soft caress of a warm glow to the stark contrast of deep shadows.
In this episode, I'm joined by Dwayne Young, a cinematographer, director, and producer based in Atlanta, Georgia, who has over 10 plus years of experience working on a variety of projects, including music videos, commercials, short films, pilots, and features, to discuss the power of intentional lighting in cinematography. Dwayne talks about how he got started in cinematography, the experiences that shaped him into a strong creator, and how to become a great cinematographer. He also discusses how to light black people in films. Tune in to find out more about this and other interesting topics!
Timestamps
[01:20] How the year has started for Dwayne Young
[02:44] The beginning of Dwayne’s journey in cinematography
[06:12] The first camera that Dwayne used
[12:16] Dwayne’s experience on his first gig on a union show
[16:59] The experience that shaped Dwayne to be a strong creator today
[19:00] What makes a great crew?
[19:46] What people struggle with nowadays when it comes to big sets
[21:12] The interview with Danny, the martial artist of IP Man
[28:51] Tips to becoming a great cinematographer
[29:27] How Dwayne learned his style and voice as a cinematographer
[35:08] Lighting Black people in films
[45:41] The cinematographers that Dwayne admires the most
[47:45] What makes a great film?
[56:04] Dwayne Young’s upcoming projects
[01:01:49] Focusing on changing the narrative of how Black men are seen in the world
Notable quotes:
“A great crew is one that knows how to effectively communicate what they need because communication is the number one tool for success.”
“Be intentional with your lighting. Understand what you are shooting, know who it's for, and know who your audience is.”
“Your true colors as a DP come when you are shooting a lot of dark work, and you are focusing on capturing the emotions and feelings of the person right then and there.”
Connect with Dwayne Young:
Website: https://www.dwayneyoung.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dweezy15/