Meet Becky Sapp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Sapp.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Becky. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey to cinematography started with a love for theater. My Aunt Marie took my to see “A Christmas Carol” when I was five and I was giddy the entire show. In the 4th grade, I attended a play with my mom when my dad wasn’t able to go. The show was called “A Pack of Lies” and I was easily the youngest audience member. I remember sitting front row center completely enthralled with this Cold War spy thriller based on a true story.

I went on to usher and work backstage at that same theater while acting in plays and musicals in high school. On weekends I would take the train into Boston to see musicals and independent/foreign films. I knew I wanted to go to Emerson College, so when I bombed my acting audition I looked for other majors to pursue. When I saw there was a film program, it was like finding an answer to a question I didn’t know I had.

While in school, I worked almost every weekend on classmates’ films, learning as much as I could. Having played sports growing up, I also love the team/crew aspect of filmmaking. I worked as film loader, camera assistant and then as a director of photography. I enjoyed being able to visually interpret a script from preproduction to post while working with a crew. I love that cinematography is a combination of performance, art, science, project/team management and physical endurance.

After graduating, I moved out to Los Angeles and started working as a freelance photographer and cinematographer.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been struggles along the way but each has helped me become stronger. When I first moved out here, I had a difficult time getting onset. The flip side was it motivated me to work on personal projects, which kept me shooting, creating and learning.

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/director of photography specializing in narrative films (drama and comedy), music videos and documentaries. My tastes tend toward irreverent and whimsical. I’m proud and fortunate to be a working technical artist. I think what sets me apart from others is my persistence and a holistic approach to filmmaking.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as being able to create work I’m proud of while being able to support myself.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I was the cinematographer on the comedy web series “I’m Trying” by comedian Jonathan Giles. I loved the script and all the characters. It’s a project I’m proud of in terms of what we were able to accomplish within the time and budget. Our crew was small but mighty, and the cast had us in stitches. It was a joy working with that whole team.

Contact Info:

• Website: beckysapp.com
• Instagram: @becktographer
• Other: www.imtryingwebseries.com

Image Credit:
Photo of Becky Sapp by Christine McAuliffe IG: @christineandthescreens

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