David Brewer
He is the Cinematographer and Co-editor of Warren Ray‘s Maxwell Edison. The Man Who Loved Flowers Dollar Baby film.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
David Brewer: Depending on the day I am a filmaker, musician and an artist. I started filmaking specifically in 2011 with my feature debut, Nothing in the Flowers. From there I developed several series based projects as well as collaborated on film and music projects with other local talent. On Maxwell Edison I was the cinematographer and co-editor.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become a cinematographer?
David Brewer: Just a long standing admiration for the visual arts. Most seriously in 2010-2011.
SKSM: How do you communicate with a director to design a visual strategy for a film?
David Brewer: Try to be an astute listener first and foremost.
SKSM: You worked with Warren Ray on this film, what do you think the relationship between a director and a dp should be?
David Brewer: You should speak a unique, almost coded language. You have to allow yourself to open up to different ideas, that are not always your own.
SKSM: You worked in a Dollar Baby based on a Stephen King short story. It was your most challenging film?
David Brewer: It had it’s challenges but the tight shoot schedule over a few days made it quite manageable.
SKSM: When you’re going to shoot, what are your favorite lenses? formats?
David Brewer: I think DSLR has a nice fit in budget filmmaking but sometimes having more tools at your disposal, convenience, etc. takes time away from just creating a satisfying image. In otherwords, its less about equipment and more about using a tool that allows you to create more, tinker less.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
David Brewer: The final scene on the stairs was shot late, late into the night while an entire family was sleeping in the other room. We were super quiet and everyone was extremely professional and respectful.
SKSM: Who are some of your influences (favorite dps/films)?
David Brewer: Coen Brothers, Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, Adam McKay, Tarantino.
SKSM: Are you a Stephen King fan? If so, which are your favorite works and adaptations?
David Brewer: I do enjoy the films based off his books, I am not a reader. My girlfriend however is a huge fan and has read/owns all of his works. My personal go to would be Cujo. You couldn’t make that film today without pissing off the dog lovers. Regardless of the breed used. It was frightening because it was quite realistic.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
David Brewer: I am pushing my musical endeavors head first now as I have been writing music for most of my life, just now going public with some stuff. I have a few scripts that I feel are quite strong but not sure if I will ever see them into films as they are quite ambitious and films are major work.
SKSM: What one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
David Brewer: That I am 49.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
David Brewer: The support for the Dollar Baby projects is amazing and I really never knew how far and wide the netwrok extended.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
David Brewer: Thank you for the interview and thank you for keeping this project alive.
