Episode 43: The North Star with C.T. Robert

In this episode, we're thrilled to introduce you to the ingenious mind behind the lens, C.T. Robert. A luminary in the world of filmmaking, C.T. seamlessly embodies the roles of director, photographer, and editor, crafting a body of work that's nothing short of captivating. C.T. Robert has established a reputation as a visionary voice in a new era of cinema. His bespoke aesthetic sense, insatiable intellectual curiosity, and unwavering passion for the art of filmmaking converge to create a compelling motif that threads through all his creations.

Drawing from a journalistic background cultivated at Vevo and NPR's esteemed offices in D.C. and New York, C.T.'s projects are imbued with a unique thoughtfulness. A member of NPR's pioneering team responsible for bringing Tiny Desk Concerts to the forefront, he wields his journalist DNA to infuse depth into his projects.

Earning recognition from renowned institutions including Google, Aperture, The Getty, Vogue, and The New York Times, C.T. Robert's work is a testament to his unrivaled talent. Noteworthy accolades from the Webby Awards, the White House News Photographers Association, and SXSW further underscore his remarkable influence. His lens has captured the essence of musical icons like H.E.R., Lil Baby, Wale, and Saba while also leaving an indelible mark on commercial giants like Nike, Clinique, and Patron.

Timestamps

[01:15] Cam Robert’s life before picking the camera

[08:30] The obsessive nature of being a filmmaker

[17:42] The day Cam committed to photography

[22:41] How Cam’s work challenges the stereotype of Black people and rewrites the cultural narrative

[26:09] Is being a black artist political?

[34:02] Incorporating Black culture in films

[44:26] Cam’s thoughts on the commercial work that filmmakers do just for the bag

[50:24] Tips to not get discouraged as a filmmaker

[56:47] Cam’s new agency

[01:01:40] Cam’s advice to upcoming Black filmmakers

[01:05:14] The importance of community as a filmmaker

Notable quotes:

“There are lots of rhythms in visual language. The greatest people tap into the most rhythms.”

“What is understood does not need to be said.”

“Art is like a hero's journey. You need to take it alone.”

“A lot of times, people are result-oriented. They feel like if it doesn’t end in the result that they set out for, then it is a failure rather than taking it as a learning experience.”

“We should be considerate of what we make because other people will pick from that.”