Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Pope.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Although I don’t come from a filmmaking family, I was introduced to movies early in life. My mom likes to say that I knew how to put Bambi in the VCR before I could even walk. She is a passionate photographer on the side, and my grandfather managed a movie theater once upon a time. So, I suppose there’s some precedent there.
From an early age, I decided I wanted to work in film. Until I was about thirteen, I thought I wanted to act, since it was really the only thing I knew of. Then, in high school, I took up editing as an after school hobby. I would take whatever I could get my hands on – movies, TV shows, video games – and recut it into music videos. Through this, as rudimentary as it was, I started to introduce myself to the world of filmmaking. But sitting at my computer and working with someone else’s footage only satisfied me so much. I found myself wanting to create the images. It wasn’t until late in high school that I discovered what a Cinematographer/Director of Photography was and my path was set.
After high school, I attended a small school in south Georgia called Georgia Southern University where I worked closely with the faculty to become their first film graduate in 2010. I then moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California’s prestigious School of Cinematic Arts and received a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production in 2013. All the while, and ever since I have pursued Cinematography with an undying passion.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has certainly not been an easy road. I think one of the greatest challenges of being in freelance, regardless of the field, is the uncertainty. Sometimes, you don’t know what next month, next week, or even tomorrow will bring. The job hunt never ends. That being said, I love that every day is different. It’s an adventure, and I have surrounded myself with friends and colleagues that I love dearly. Having that network of support and motivation is essential.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As a freelance Director of Photography, I work in feature films, shorts, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and digital. While I love to play around and experiment with different styles and techniques, I am particularly drawn to magical realism. The ways in which a carefully chosen camera angle, lens, and lighting setup can tell the audience so much without a single spoken word will never cease to amaze me.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
It’s hard for me to say what it would be like to move to LA without knowing a soul and just jumping into your desired industry successfully. For me, I had the structure of school to guide me. By attending USC, I met what are now some of my closest friends and colleagues. In fact, I would say that 90% of my work comes from my USC network – whether directly or indirectly.
For those moving to LA without that, I would say to find your niche. Apply to some job boards. Don’t be shy and introduce yourself. One of my favorite professors used to say “It’s not about who you know. It’s about who knows you.” And while I don’t believe in a narcissistic and selfish approach to career-building (none of us can do this alone), I do believe in not selling yourself short. Everyone has a voice and no two stories are alike. I would say find your story and embrace it because it’s one-of-a-kind.
And LA is a truly one-of-a-kind city. There really is nowhere else quite like it. Especially from a filmmaking perspective – the opportunities for creativity are limitless.
Contact Info:
- Website: jpopecinematography.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonmpope/
Image Credit:
Adam Tyree, Kamell Allaway, Jamie Holt, Tarek Tohme
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