Today we’d like to introduce you to Gavin V Murray.
Gavin V, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in San Francisco to artist/musician parents, my father an illustrator from Pennsylvania and my Mom 3rd generation San Franciscan. They were extremely supportive (some might even say pushy) about me winding up in the arts.
I went to college at San Francisco State, studying Film Production. There I found mentorship through a club called The Cinema Collective, where upperclassmen taught underclassmen, which I was excited to take part in as a Junior and Senior. It felt really good to give back when I could, and it’s something I try and continue to do as we’re all in this together.
At the time, I was focused on assistant directing as much as cinematography. The way sets move and function has always fascinated me. I moved into gripping and eventually cinematography through my interest in the balance of communication, controlling light and image, problem solving, and finally artistic support of story. I really loved the challenge. It’s a thrill to support the director’s vision and tell a story visually in chorus with so many voices on set.
Eventually I moved down to LA to try and strike out for more narrative work, since then I’ve shot several features for some amazing directors. I continue to work on commercials, music videos, and narratives.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not always. Early on, I didn’t have a car and needed one, so I had to rent one each day I worked. There went most of my paycheck. I lived with my parents for a long time while starting out, and am eternally thankful my parents let me do that. Work has its slumps, projects never have enough budget and I’m continually having to find creative ways to combat that. However, thankfully along the way many people have continued to give me opportunities and speak my name in a glowing manner. Alun Lee, who is now an amazing AD and Producer, got me many of my first PA gigs. Jon Fantana and Steve Forbes got me many of my first grip and electric jobs. Andrew Callaway, DP turned director, gave me some of my first DP jobs that allowed me to pay rent. From there, it’s been about continuing to just confront all the obstacles this job throws at you creatively and be a positive and supportive presence on set.
Moving to LA has also been a challenge. It’s huge, and I’m still working on discovering all it has to offer.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a cinematographer with a lighting and AD background, I like to think my strengths lie in understanding story, crafting powerful images, and being economical with crew, equipment, and time. I work hard to understand and amplify the director’s vision. Breaking down scenes with the director and emphasizing the ways that blocking, lighting, and movement can help tell their story.
Coming from a Lighting and AD background gives me a strong understanding of the capabilities and needs of the crew to help complete our days. I like to have strong communication between departments, having sets pre lit or at least very well planned so that we can breeze through our days quickly and efficiently, giving as much time as possible for the directors and actors to rehearse and refine performance.
I’m grateful that I have amazing crews supporting me in what I do. I rely on communication and foresight to really be able to move fast and create impactful frames. Camera, G&E, AD departments and production design/art/hmu all continuously make me look good and I can’t sing their praises enough. Much love to sound mixers too, and I’m always happy to give a frame line.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
In terms of luck, I’m just appreciative that I’ve met as many wonderful people as I have. That I’ve been able to have two supportive parents and a really cool, artistic sister to talk to as well (Elia Murray Art, look her up). I’ve had fabulous teachers, people to look up to, and amazing collaborators to rely on.
Thankful for good weather on exteriors too when that does happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gavinvmurray.com
- Phone: 7072806764
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @gavinvmurray
Image Credit:
Albee Zhang, Ariel Min
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
