Episode 46: Emotional Truth in Absurdity with Ray Smiling

Ray Smiling is a director and screenwriter who has an uncanny ability to find the emotional truth in the most absurd moments. His work is a testament to the power of specificity and comedy, using these elements to heighten sentiment in surprisingly effective ways. From a drunk man comforted by a camgirl dressed as a Star Wars character to a virtual reality love letter and a requiem inspired by a vulgar rap song, Ray authors moments that linger in your heart and mind.

What sets Ray apart is his deep connection to subcultures, outsiders, and individuals experiencing darkly comic moments. His stories are naturalistic, beautiful, and infused with a distinct visual flair. You'll find yourself connecting with his characters on a personal level, as they navigate situations that are both funny and emotionally rich. When you're watching something created by Ray Smiling, you'll know it when you start feeling feelings about something you never thought you would.

In 2023, Ray was rightfully named Best New Director by AdAge, a testament to his innovative and emotionally resonant storytelling. He's best known for his award-winning quarantine web series, "KHAKI IS NOT LEATHER," which explores the loneliness of the internet magnified by lockdown. The series delves into the lives of camgirls and boys and their clients, offering deep insights into their desires and fears. It's a series where romance blossoms over a shared love of Tilda Swinton and where isolation is revealed through a love of ghosts. As Vulture aptly described it, it's "an A24 wet dream."

Ray's series "PLAY THIS AT MY FUNERAL" takes us on a musical journey through personal connections to music. It's a celebration of the joy and power of this art form, told through intimate NYC-specific vignettes. The series prompts you to consider the specific songs that make you cry or feel elation—the songs you'd play at your funeral, with meaning only a few people would truly understand. 

One of Ray's standout achievements is his short film "ORNAMENTATION IS A GIFT," which claimed the title of Best Short at the 2021 Bowery Film Fest. This poetic coming-of-age story follows a young girl grappling with the effects of bullying, death, and loneliness through beauty. It's a narrative that speaks to the armor we all wear to survive a hostile world. 

Music is at the core of everything Ray creates. With a past life as a music journalist and a boutique record label owner, he brings consistently diverse and unexpected music choices to his soundtracks, creating startling emotional triggers in his work. 

Ray has also made significant contributions to the world of advertising as a creative director for brands like Adidas, Under Armour, Covergirl, the NBA, Beats By Dre, and Amazon Music. His unique perspective and storytelling prowess have left an indelible mark on both the creative and cinematic landscapes. 

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Ray Smiling, a visionary director and screenwriter who continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and emotional connection through the lens of visual art. Visual Intonation is the podcast where we dive deep into the world of cinematography and visual storytelling. I'm your host, Vanté Gregory, and today we have a truly remarkable guest joining us, Todd A. Dos Reis, ASC. 

Todd's journey from the housing projects of New Bedford, Massachusetts, to becoming a celebrated cinematographer is nothing short of inspiring. From his early love of cinema, influenced by everything from Disney classics to the Blaxploitation genre, Todd found solace and imagination in the world of movies.

But that's just the beginning of his story. Todd's path to cinematography took an interesting turn through basketball courts and photography classes in high school. His passion for film production led him to the University of Southern California, where he honed his skills and embarked on a remarkable career in the world of cinematography.

In this episode, Todd shares his insights into collaborative work in the film industry, exploring the dynamics of television filmmaking versus traditional movies. He delves into the influence of cinematographers like Russell Carpenter and John Simmons on his work, drawing parallels with the artistry of legendary painters like Caravaggio.

Moreover, Todd opens up about his experiences as a black cinematographer in the industry, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities he's encountered along the way. His work on critically acclaimed shows like "David Makes Man," which earned a Peabody Award, demonstrates his dedication to pushing visual boundaries and telling compelling stories.

Join us as we journey through Todd A. Dos Reis's remarkable life and career, exploring the artistry of cinematography and the impact of diversity in storytelling. This is a conversation you won't want to miss, so make sure to tune in to Visual Intonation for this enlightening episode.