Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Kaufman.
Jay, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve had a camera in my hands for as long as I can remember, I used to make little short films with my friends with my dad’s VHS camcorder when I was in Ike 3rd grade. Snowboarding has been a huge part of my life and my love for cameras slowly transitioned into making snowboard videos with my friends through high school, and I still didn’t know how to properly use a camera until after I went to Arizona State for film school. I actually started in the design there, not knowing if cameras were more of a hobby for me at the time. I quickly realized that I should make filmmaking my career and switched majors.
I moved out to LA in 2014 and started AC’ing on random jobs, literally anything I could get until I met my friend Nathan Haugaard, a DP who took me under his wing and taught me basically everything I know about cameras. He brought me onto everything with him and eventually, I received a call to come Camera Operate Reference Camera on the Avatar Sequels with James Cameron, and I dropped everything to take the chance. Now I’ve been doing more and exploring how to use what I’ve learned about lighting and framing, as well as the technical aspects of camera work in my own projects.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not, I moved out here alone and didn’t know anyone. It was lonely and slow at first but I kept trying and eventually, things caught on. The most important thing I’ve learned is trying to keep positive about what you’re given and keep people close who value you the way you value others. LA is a cutthroat place, but you can’t let it get to you, everyone learns and grows at their own pace and if you want it bad enough, good things will happen for you.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a DP/Operator/AC working in the film and TV business. I’m proud that I can say I don’t do anything I don’t believe in to get ahead. I like to be honest and myself and work with people who accept that.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me, deep down, is being comfortable while also doing something I love. I don’t need to be rich or famous, I just want to do what I love, but not worrying about money is important as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jaykaufmandp.com
- Instagram: Jaybkaufman
Image Credit:
Chris Poplawski
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