Meet John Honoré

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Honoré.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m a cinematographer based out of North Hollywood, CA. Growing up I had a tremendous interest in watching movies in the theatre. The visual impact the big screen created had a lasting effect, but I always wanted to know more about how the film was made. I finally discovered the role of a cinematographer while taking film classes at a local community college in Orange County. This set the stage for me to study at Chapman University for my MFA in film production with an emphasis in cinematography.

My mentor at Chapman University Bill Dill, ASC, shaped my perception of narrative storytelling. He would give endless lectures on the technical aspects of filmmaking but more importantly how to use camera, lighting, and blocking to create a scene that drives the story. Bill would always ask the class, “What’s your story?”

Upon graduating from Chapman University, I was nominated for best cinematography for one of my thesis films “Free Lunch” directed by Rick Curnutt. In addition, he recommends me for a student ASC award which was a big honor.

My teacher Bill Dill, ASC, said he purchased a 16mm film camera when he first started out so that’s what I sought out to do. I was planning on buying a film camera at the time but during that same year, Red camera announced their first 4k camera. I decided the Red camera was the best way to go and it would future proof my career and I definitely made the right decision.

During the past ten years since graduating, I have shot over 15 feature films, 60 short films, and dozens of commercials, music videos, and web content. Notable highlights include the film “Life In Color” director by Katherine Emmer which premiered at the SXSW film festival. In addition, I shot the documentary feature film for the band Chicago entitled “Now More Than Ever, the History of Chicago,” It premiered on CNN and millions of viewers tuned in to watch it. Lastly, I shot a series of commercials for Vine Vera and Orogold cosmetics with Gal Gadot and Denise Richards.

Recently, I wrapped a feature film entitled “Shooting Heroin” starring Sherilyn Fenn, Cathy Moriarty, and Alan Powell.

Please tell us about your art.
A cinematographer is a multifaceted role including a manager, technician, and also an artist. Prep is the biggest key factor in deciding a films outcome. I normally prep months in advance for a feature film. With a film thoroughly prepped it lets you be more apt for improvisation on set which can lead to amazing moments. Most of my inspiration comes from movies and I use that to discuss the visual language of the film with the director.

I truly love the collaborative process with the director. Filmmaking is a very exhausting process but well worth it when you see the results of your passion project. There is no glass ceiling to learning more about the art of cinematography, this is what I love about the craft. I try and visit my past work from time to time. It’s interesting to see the different choices that I made during that time and how my experience has changed based on my life experience. On each project, I try and push myself to take certain risks and face certain challenges. People ask me what is my favorite project that I worked on and I reply “my current film.” Fear of the unknown is something that we all face on a daily basis and being a freelance cinematographer can have its highs and lows. But I wouldn’t trade my career for anything else.

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
You never know when you will be an overnight success in this industry. My advice for aspiring cinematographers is to not give up and keep shooting. It’s all about the story, find a story that moves you and that you are passionate about. It’s all about who you know in the film industry, so get out there and start creating!

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can visit my website www.johnhonore.tv to view my current work. In addition, you can visit my Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/john_honore, to see dozens of stills from films I have worked on in the past.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6255 Agnes Ave.
  North Hollywood, CA 91606
• Website: www.johnhonore.tv
• Phone: 818-416-4156
• Email: johnhonoredp@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_honore/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnhonore

Image Credit:
Personal photo shot by Michael Paletta. https://www.instagram.com/mpalettakcn/

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