Today we’d like to introduce you to Steeven Petitteville.
Hi Steeven, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I m a cinematographer. I happened to have a call for a shoot eight years ago with a director in Los Angeles. I was supposed to just stay for the job but on day one the director asked me if I was available after this one for another job….and kept me busy for three months. I literally came for a week, with a carry on suitcase and stayed for eight years so far. Totally unexpected move which I still laugh about today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Weirdly has it was SO unexpected. I didn’t really: 1. Realize I was moving. 2. Put any pressure in the move. 3. Had a family and kids to take care of. And that made the full move super easy and smooth. I found an apartment to rent thru a friend when I realized I was going to stay. And that was it I was officially living in LA. Since then, I saw a couple of friends relocating themselves, or family and that’s a totally different story when you plan it or are in charge of a full logistic involving school, etc…
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
So I am a cinematographer aka director of photography. I would say (to make it short and easy) I m working with directors to achieve the look and mood they have in mind on film. It s partly esoterical, partly technical and partly mind reading and translation. I am mainly working on movies and commercials. I first got known in the US for a documentary about babies that I shoot with three other fellow DPs around the world. It s always hard to pick a specific project to be proud of because you always aim for the next one and you love projects for different reasons. More than a specific project, I m proud of the collaboration we have had with director Phil Joanou that brought me in the US and include my 1st US feature (the Veil) starring Jessica Alba, Thomas Jane and Lily Rabe. What sets me apart from others? You’re never the best to judge your own skills but I would say making the whole creative process as smooth and fun as possible. And being super-efficient and quick on the shoot without compromising quality.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up super shy (and if you know me well, you still can tell I am). and got a reveal thru music and photography that it was worth sharing ideas with people around you. I still play guitar and am crazy about electric guitars. And I love food and cooking you know I have to be French at some point.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.steevenp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steevendop/
Image Credits
Juan Solanas Melissa Sporn Dave Geghan Steeven Petitteville
