Lydia Eichler Director/DP Reel and Artist Statement
Lydia Eichler Spring 2018 Director/DP Reel from Lydia Eichler on Vimeo.
My mother is a designer and her father is a painter. At one point or another, both of them have tried to teach me how to "do art." But as all artists know, this process is open to lots of learning, but very little teaching. You create, critique, and then create something better. This has very much been my process with film.
Using a camera has always seemed pretty frightening to me. Compared to creative processes like writing or directing, or even painting, the task of getting exactly what I wanted to translate onto a tiny screen always seemed like an enormous feat. I've learned, though, it's not necessarily what you make happen inside the camera; it's more of what you create in real life. The camera is simply a tool to capture what is happening in front of you.
When I first began applying for colleges, studying film wasn't even on my mind. Through senior year of high school, I was taking an AP art class and decided that I really wouldn't be happy if I was doing anything other than creating. I felt like I had to make something I was proud of in order to feel like I was doing anything worth while. My grandma gave me her very old (and very hard to use) camera so I could take reference photos for my paintings. With practice, I got a little bit more comfortable with using a lens and positioning my subjects and lights to create an interesting and beautiful composition. It may very well have been this dinosaur of a camera that sparked my frustration with technology, but it was the same camera that gave me a reason to start creating.
My mother is a designer and her father is a painter. At one point or another, both of them have tried to teach me how to "do art." But as all artists know, this process is open to lots of learning, but very little teaching. You create, critique, and then create something better. This has very much been my process with film.
Using a camera has always seemed pretty frightening to me. Compared to creative processes like writing or directing, or even painting, the task of getting exactly what I wanted to translate onto a tiny screen always seemed like an enormous feat. I've learned, though, it's not necessarily what you make happen inside the camera; it's more of what you create in real life. The camera is simply a tool to capture what is happening in front of you.
When I first began applying for colleges, studying film wasn't even on my mind. Through senior year of high school, I was taking an AP art class and decided that I really wouldn't be happy if I was doing anything other than creating. I felt like I had to make something I was proud of in order to feel like I was doing anything worth while. My grandma gave me her very old (and very hard to use) camera so I could take reference photos for my paintings. With practice, I got a little bit more comfortable with using a lens and positioning my subjects and lights to create an interesting and beautiful composition. It may very well have been this dinosaur of a camera that sparked my frustration with technology, but it was the same camera that gave me a reason to start creating.
I love how you got some narrative as well as doc shots in there. It really makes you a versatile director/DP. I also love the music.
ReplyDeleteA lot of good stuff here. I enjoy the work that you do, especially your directing. I think you have an interesting eye. Good work
ReplyDeleteYou had some great coverage in the reel. I especially loved the lighting of the scenes with the two girls. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteI liked that most of your shots were in dimmed lighting. Your camerawork is nice!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching this! I think that the music paired well with the footage. You did a great job of editing these together as it had a nice flow to it. I would love to see more in the future!
ReplyDeleteYour footage of the taxidermy really makes me want to watch the actual project and see what's going on! You also did a really great job directing Moths and it really shows in your reel.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great reel-you have a nice variety of shots and you've really shown your skill as a director/DP. The shots of the two girls look great and I really enjoyed working with you on that project. Can't wait to see what you do next!
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