Life & Work with Andi Obarski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andi Obarski.

Hi Andi, 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 started out in New York City after college and lived and worked there for seven years before moving to Los Angeles. In the beginning, I worked as a gear tech at a small rental house to learn a lot of the technical know-how that I felt I missed in school. During that time, I met my business partner, and we bought of a bunch of camera gear and started working freelance in the camera department on every possible project you could imagine. I then worked through the camera department on indie sets and joined local 600 as a camera assistant. I also dipped my toe into the grip and electric world but eventually realized my true passion as a cinematographer. After shooting a bunch of shorts, commercials and a feature while in NYC, I realized I needed to hone my craft, so I relocated to Los Angeles a few years back to attend the American Film Institute. Since then, I’ve been busy with a myriad of commercial and narrative work and get to travel all over the world for projects.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I would say that it has been a pretty smooth road. Though, it’s hard to see the macro when you’re stuck in the micro. The day-to-day can be quite challenging when you’re not necessarily working as much as you want to be. But you have to remember this is a long game, and some years are going to be slower or faster than others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a cinematographer who loves to amplify the voices of stories that should be told. My favorite part of the creative process is having a fruitful collaboration with a director. The feeling I get when a director and I have the same idea about how to tell a story from concept to shot execution is incomparable.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I have learned to slow down and listen to my wants as an artist. It’s easy to lose yourself in the hustle of this industry, but with the slowdown of work and life in general during the pandemic, I learned that it is important for my mental, physical and creative health to follow my interests that will help me grow as a person outside of work. The film industry is a long game, and I’ve been working in it for ten years. I’ve found it’s important to remember what your goals are as a creative and to stay true to yourself as opposed to comparing yourself to where everyone else is. Everyone is on their own journey, and you’ve got to love yourself on that journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.andiobarski.com
• Instagram: @andiobarski
• Other: www.artekpictures.com

Image Credits
Personal Photo – Andi obarski Photo 1 – Charlee Harrison Photo 2 – Jared Hawkley Photo 3 – N/A Photo 4 – Andi Obarski Photo 5 – Jared Hawkley Photo 6 – Jared Hawkley