Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Naifeh.
Erin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Whoa, there’s a lot of details for this type of question. To be brief, I’ll say that I started in Nashville, TN after I graduated high school. I already knew I wanted to be in the film industry specifically involving the camera. So I did as much networking as I could. Living off of 100 dollars a week that my dad would give me so I could have the freedom to network and take non-paying production jobs for the experience. Luckily, all that networking paid off, my film school professor wanted me to meet with this woman who was a successful 2nd assistant camera. This woman basically started my career. She taught me so much and took me with her on jobs as a camera assistant. My first feature was a huge 20th Century Fox film called Stoker. We then did the TV series Nashville together. I was on that show for 2 years. After that ended, I knew I needed to get out of Nashville and come to the “Mecca” Los Angeles. I wanted more for myself. I moved to Los Angeles in 2015. Didn’t tell anyone, ha! I literally just packed my jeep and left! I’m very all or nothing. But I had a plan. I knew people there. And I had a job lined up already in LA. So I left. And the real journey began! I’ve worked on so many feature films and tv shows as a 1st assistant camera since moving here. I’ve also been DP’ing smaller indie movies. I’m very grateful for getting in my car and leaving that day.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Well, that 100 dollars a week was rough, haha but it didn’t last long. I’m very focused on getting what I want. I’ve had struggles with being a woman in the film industry, especially in the camera department. Luckily, my mentor was a woman in the camera department. She gave me a lot of courage to stand my ground. But I’ve have had harassment issues. But, I would say most of the bumps in the road have been personal things, you know like figuring out who you are, haha! I think that’s above all the most significant bump to tackle. Because it affects everything you do, how you experience this physical reality. I try to experience life as much as I can and be open to any curiosity that comes up in my mind. You never know where it’s going to take you or where it’s going to take your art.
Please tell us about your work.
I’m self-employed. I’ve been freelancing for almost ten years now. Wild! My main source of work is 1st assistant camera work (focus puller). I’m in the camera union, ICG 600. I work on, mainly, union feature films and tv shows as a 1st AC. I also DP smaller independent feature films. I’m fascinated with visual communication and capturing real, raw emotion. I love creating surrealistic art. For about two years, I’ve been making these political, surrealistic, and sometimes sexual self-portraits. That’s my gem. I have a lot of ideas/imagery that I need to express. And I’m super proud of myself for letting go and expressing it. I don’t limit it to self-portraits. I, sometimes, videotape the ideas as experimental shorts. I also paint – the same kind of aesthetic.
What sets me apart? Hmm, well, I feel like we’re all different from one another because we don’t have the same mind. But I feel like I’ve established this connection with myself/ higher self and can dive into my emotions and be able to express those emotions in a satirical, surrealistic visual way. I get these sometimes bizarre images in head and usually, they have something to do with personal healing. I think that separates my mind apart from others.
I do have to say: crazy minds think a like. I did this immersive pop-up room in 2019. The way I designed the room (colors, dressing, the intention, etc.) was very specific. But I found out a couple of months after this pop-up show I did, Bansky released their art installation and they had a room in there very, very similar to my pop-up room. I was like wait for a second. How the hell? I doubt Bansky was in my room. But goes to show you that crazy minds think alike. It’s amazing!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
If we’re talking about expression/art creation, to me, success in that means being brutally honest with yourself, with your art. Actually, success is exactly that. It’s not a trophy or tons of money.
Contact Info:
- Website: erinnaifeh.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinnaifeh/
Image Credit:
Erin Naifeh
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