We were lucky to catch up with Eugene Rose III recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eugene, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
In my office, I have a poster of Ingmar Bergman looking through a directors viewfinder. His movies, among others like Paul Thomas Anderson, David Fincher, and Boots Riley, have kept me going. Creating art in a vacuum does nothing for the soul. You must search for ideas, old and new, to create something that is uniquely yourself.
Once a week, I watch the behind-the-scenes of a movie that is in my rotation. Not too long ago, that movie was Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The precision of the filmmaking is something that I cannot emulate but it’s inspiring to see the dedication to every detail of every frame.
Also getting out of your comfort zone is essential. How could you write a single mother’s story in a screenplay without talking to single mothers? How could you write a story about the fight for Irish independence when you’ve never interviewed people on both sides of the conflict? This aspect of pre-production can feel insurmountable when you aren’t a part of a certain demographic but the work can be done.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
The first time I ever thought about filmmaking as a career was when I was around nine years old. I got enough money to buy the Star Wars Special Edition Box Set. I loved the movies, but I watched the special features on repeat. I couldn’t get enough of how the movies were actually made, the trials of the team to actually get to the set, and the success the movies garnered after release.
It was the same thing growing up after being exposed to the filmmaking processes but I never considered it as an actual way to make money. Then after a conversation with my dad, I knew I never wanted to have a normal office job. It didn’t bring him happiness and I knew it would be the same for me. My mother, who was always supportive of whatever I wanted to do, brought up the fact that I love movies and I should just do that. I listened to her and scheduled a meeting with the film faculty of Northern Virginia Community College. From that meeting on I’ve been able to make the life that I’m truly proud of. From time to time, I go back and speak with the students there because that program gave me the methods and tools that I still use today.
Now, I do creative recruitment ads for the District of Columbia’s government. There my team is run like an ad agency and there is freedom in that position I never knew was possible inside of government parameters.
Earlier this year, I was able to do a soccer ad with the citizens of DC and MPD. It was the biggest project I’ve ever had to direct and be the cinematographer for at the same time. In the end, the ad aired on Telemundo during the Fifa Women’s World Cup. And right before that, I had a basketball ad air during the NBA Finals on TNT.
This year in particular has provided me with the most artically fulfilling work that I’ve done so far. I’m super grateful to my team and producers who make it easy to do what I do.
Outside of ads and social media materials, I can’t wait to get back into narrative work. I have a short film that I’m directing and taking cinematography duties on that will help stretch out muscles I don’t normally get to use in my day job.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the three things that set me up for success are not paying too much attention to what other people are doing, always honing my craft, and keeping healthy relationships with all of my colleagues.
Never worry about what other projects people have booked. Some of your peers will work on things you would give anything to be a part of and that’s okay. You will get there. Instagram can be a huge help for inspiration but it can feed into career inadequacies so cheer others on and don’t forget why you started your journey in the first place.
Practice! Practice! Practice! You are never too good to not be honing your skills at all times. You can always do things better, so why not test your skills on a regular basis?
Lastly, treat your team like family. Ask what projects they have going on and volunteer your time. Don’t ask for money, ask for what they need, and deliver. Share your resources with them and don’t expect anything back. Trust me, this builds a bond that is crucial to completing anything in this business.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always on the hunt for talented people who want to explore stories with me. I’m quickly learning that with a great producer, anything is possible. So, if you’re a producer anywhere in the world who wants to explore stories that explore interpersonal relationships, the surreal nature of dreams, or stories of overcoming the more ruthless members of our society send me a message on Instagram or an email at [email protected].
I also need more editors. With the films I do, I’m looking for someone who knows when to let the performance breathe. Often we have films that want to get through an emotion as quickly as possible. I don’t believe in that. How will they attach themselves to a character if you cut away from an actor’s face every three seconds? Do more than just rely on jumpscares by holding on to a shot and letting the audience figure out there is something strange with the background. These are the things that separate great editing and serviceable editing.
I might always need the camera in my hand but I won’t always need to be the head of the lighting department. Cinematographers, I would love to give more of the power to another person on set. Send me your reels! ASAP!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roseinkfilms.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/eugeneroseiii/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-rose-iii-3a254a221
- Other: Email: [email protected]
