In this episode of Persistence of Vision, Clint Till sits down with Baltimore-based cinematographer Jake Norris. The two catch up after meeting at Maine Media Workshops in Andy Day’s Creative Lighting for TV and Film course to discuss Jake’s rapid career trajectory since breaking into the industry in 2019.
Jake shares how he transitioned from studying mathematics to becoming a full-time DP, lessons learned from starting out on Craigslist music videos, key technical insights on controlling set lighting, and the practical creative solutions used on his recent $30,000 feature film, Atlantic Avenue.
SHOW NOTES
00:00:00 – Introduction to guest Jake Norris and Maine Media Workshops memory.
00:02:18 – Biggest takeaways from Andy Day’s lighting workshop: Light control vs. over-lighting.
00:07:36 – Simulating natural light, maintaining consistency, and managing lighting limitations on set.
00:11:03 – Pivoting from mathematics/AI to filmmaking in 2019.
00:12:12 – The early hustle: Craigslist music videos and learning by doing.
00:13:20 – Taking a leap into focus pulling on high-end sets.
00:15:00 – Advice for emerging filmmakers: Getting on set, reading gear manuals, and building genuine relationships.
00:20:00 – Why BTS photography can be a faster doorway into crew roles than production assisting.
00:21:24 – Dealing with pre-shoot anxiety, imposter syndrome, and setting on-set expectations.
00:24:33 – Mid-roll sponsor break.
00:25:34 – Navigating difficult client feedback and using pre-production to avoid post-production misalignments.
00:32:00 – Asking the right questions before a shoot: Deliverables and target audience.
00:35:00 – Treating everything as a light source and learning to observe natural light in daily life.
00:38:12 – Setting up interview lighting: Key-side shape vs. passive fill.
00:43:30 – Pushing back on unrealistic production schedules and offering constructive solutions.
00:47:19 – Knowing when to say no, avoiding burnout, and evaluating free or low-budget passion projects.
00:52:17 – Music video horror story: Hotel rooms, leopard print speedos, and reconsidering career choices.
00:53:20 – Deep dive into Atlantic Avenue: Lighting a micro-budget night scene under a boardwalk using battery LED tubes and structural slits.
00:59:14 – Project status for Atlantic Avenue and where to find Jake’s work.
01:00:55 – Wrap-up and podcast outro.
RESOURCE LINKS & CONNECT
Jake Norris's Website: jakenorrisdp.com
Jake Norris on Instagram: @jakenorrisfilms
Follow Atlantic Avenue: @atlanticavenuemovie on Instagram
Podcast Home & Articles: clinttill.net
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