Today we’d like to introduce you to Gareth Taylor.
Hi Gareth, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a lover of cinema since I can remember. Growing up in Switzerland, it was something to enjoy on the big or small screen, but not a profession I could feasibly imagine pursuing. Thus, following high school, I left Europe for California to follow that dream. I studied screenwriting while aspiring to direct. On the side, I took up photography as a hobby. Upon graduating college, I shifted my focus to cinematography to better understand the craft. This led me to working on a wide variety of projects, including films, commercials and documentaries amongst other things. I’ve enjoyed 16 years in the industry so far, and am looking forward to the next chapter.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No road is ever without bumps and potholes. It’s a journey which takes its own course at times. The film industry is a tough one to break into and I’m still trying to figure out how to get to where I know I belong. I found that patience and not focusing on others are two of the most important traits to develop. In other words, don’t compare yourself to anyone else. That’s a deep rabbit hole where nothing good can be found. It leads to insecurities, lack of belief and depression. Instead, I stay zen and focus on what I have, love and how to better my craft.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is my passion. I’m lucky to do what I love. Not every job is great but I always put every bit of myself in each one. It’s important to show consistency in the work ethic and consistent ambition in perfecting the craft while trying new things. Beyond wanting interesting projects, I first and foremost seek good people to collaborate with. There’s nothing more important than to find those who are on the same wavelength. I look for professional, respectful, kind and caring collaborators. That’s how great work is achieved in a healthy environment.
Over the last 15 years I’ve worked on over 60 fiction and documentary films, as well as hundreds of commercials, music videos and other types of projects. My focus is on telling meaningful stories. I’ve been working primarily as a cinematographer, while sometimes directing. I also take still photographs and write.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always looking for new collaborators and interesting projects to get involved with. With that said, I only want to work with people who are kind and responsible human beings. Good scripts are hard to come by, but there are plenty of projects which offer great opportunities for learning new techniques and developing the craft while waiting for special projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.GarethTaylor.film
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gareth_taylor
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/garethtaylor
