Check Out Cortney Colvig’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortney Colvig.

Hi Cortney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
My life in film began when I was very young and wanted to be in the movies like my grandfather and great-grandfather. With them being incredibly accomplished actors/voiceover artists and my grandmother being one of the most iconic costume designers of her time, I was inspired to be someone great like them. I started out as a child actor, somehow landing roles on networks like Disney Channel and booking (but tragically lost because of my ethnicity) a big feature film. Sadly, due to my mixed heritage, I was never Asian enough or Caucasian enough for that time in entertainment. But I never let that get me down and found another passion in film, cameras. My father, in his youth, was an incredible camera operator (narrative and live TV) and captured some of the most incredible moments in history. As his passion for cameras started to come back, mine was just being lit. For six years now, I have been an assistant camera on commercials, music videos, promos, and feature films. I have just started my career as a cinematographer, and I have loved every second of it. Along with being a working cinematographer and first AC, I am currently attending UCLA for an MFA in Cinematography. I plan on using this degree to teach the technical art of cameras, as I feel this type of education lacks in many film schools today. Inspiring and mentoring young filmmakers has become a newfound passion of mine, as well as encouraging a more women-centric and diverse camera department. Only 7% of cinematographers are women according to SDSU. I feel that my chance to make an impact on this statistic is to elevate education and lead the next generation of minority cinematographers. 

Alright, 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?
I feel that I have been very fortunate in my ability to enter the film industry, as it is not an easy task. Having family already somewhat connected really helped me out. My biggest obstacle, I would say, would be jumping in without any knowledge or experience. I truly just learned the craft along the way. Starting out my first few jobs as a camera PA, I was extremely lucky to be mentored by kind and patient veteran ACs. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I am a first AC, I am meticulous about focus and making it its own artform. A lot of AC’s just think focus pulling is just keeping the subject in focus. But I think it’s creating emotion with the breath of the lens, for example knowing the timing of a rack that compliments the emotional nature of the scene. To me, focus pulling is an art and it is easily my favorite job on set. 

When I am DPing a project, I am known for my ability to mold with the director and script. I don’t believe in having a set style. Yes, I have my likes and preferences, but sometimes the script doesn’t call for it. I’m here to serve the directors vision and elevate their project visually. 

I am most proud of my strange little mind being able to soak in any information about cameras. I only have to learn it once and I will always remember it. This definitely does not apply to other aspects of my life. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
What has helped me greatly in my career in camera department are my lifelong sports. I am a 4th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a competitive equestrian show jumper. I absolutely attribute my discipline, organization, determination, and courage to these incredible sports. Without these developed traits, I wouldn’t have been as fast-tracked as I am. Not only that, I would not be where I am without my parents, mentors, and teachers I have had to honor to learn under. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.colvig?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/cortneyleecolvig?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Angélica Gonzales
Paisley Zerr
Emma Chang
Ryan Postas