Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Nuernberger.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Zach. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
My interest in filmmaking began at a young age. I had memories of my favorite films when I was a kid, and while watching them, I would reimagine them as if they were shot or edited differently, pondering the innumerable possibilities and choices a person could have as the Director or Editor of a feature-length film. I remember early on using an over-the-shoulder VHS camera to make little movies, manually editing these shorts within the camera playback feature.
I started making more short films with my brother and friends around when I was 12-13 years old, and after getting my hands on a digital camera, I taught myself to edit on a computer. I continued building a passion for movies and filmmaking, and by the time I was around 15-16 years old, I had already decided that I wanted to pursue filmmaking as a profession. Shortly thereafter, I attended Webster University in St. Louis, MO, and graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in Film Production.
During my time in college, I had grown to analyze and truly appreciate the work that editors and cinematographers put into the art and craft of filmmaking. I had always wanted to live and work in Los Angeles, CA, and after a brief stint in Seattle, WA, I decided to make the move in early 2015. From that point, I gained post-production experience as an intern at Therapy Studios and WorldWideInterweb, eventually being hired on as an assistant editor.
After that, I began work as a freelance editor and director of photography. I’ve done a lot of sketch comedy for Fat Potato Films and Alexia Verbeke Comedy, and web series such as ‘SportZ Night’ and ‘Not Dating,’ as well as many other short films, music videos, and commercials. For all the aspects of filmmaking, editing and cinematography are true passions of mine.
Currently, I am hard at work editing a short film, as well as building plans for various media projects with a handful of artists within the Los Angeles area this year.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say the road is as bumpy and surprising as it is easy or “smooth.” Professionally, things didn’t always work out the way I thought they would. Some projects should have turned out better, while some I am really proud of. Or some projects didn’t get made or never found an audience. However, there is one important thing I’ve come to find: Growth.
No matter, the most important thing I can say about the struggles in filmmaking is that I’ve learned something new from every project I’ve tackled. Whether it was a new editing trick, or finding a new way to shoot a scene, filmmaking never ceases to bring forth both a struggle and an equal reward for me in learning. I feel like I’ve become a better filmmaker with each new challenge that a project has presented.
Hopefully, I can take what I’ve learned from each new project, and do greater the next time around. The more obstacles, the better. Bring it on.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am known mostly for my editing and cinematography. Some of my work has been featured on TIME, A.V. Club, Entertainment Weekly, and Funny Or Die.
What sets me apart is my ability to visualize and construct scenes in a different way than most others would. To create laughter, or perhaps a few tears.
As an editor and cinematographer, it is always my goal to create something that looks and flows like effortless magic.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is growth, it’s not winning, to me, being successful is knowing how to learn, adapting to each challenge or obstacle, and doing better with each new opportunity that life or work offers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zachnuernberger.com
- Email: [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
