We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aleksei Doktorevich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Aleksei, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As a cinematographer, keeping creativity alive is vital for my art and work. I power my creativity by diving into various art forms like painting, music, and literature for inspiration. But it’s not just about consuming – I also withdraw to reflect on my own ideas. Observing the world, from the play of light to human interactions, fuels my imagination. Experimentation and collaboration are key; trying new techniques and working with fellow creatives sparks fresh ideas. And I never stop learning, whether it’s attending workshops or seeking feedback. Creativity thrives when I blend inspiration with introspection, experimentation, and a hunger for growth.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Russian-born Aleksei Doktorevich is a filmmaker who immigrated to the United States and is now based in Los Angeles, CA. A graduate of the New York Film Academy (NYFA) with honors, Aleksei strives to push the boundaries of the film medium by utilizing unconventional audio-visual techniques, evolving cinema as an art form. Along with his breadth of experience as a director, his expertise in cinematography maximizes visual storytelling rooted in emotions and narrative structures, proven through his past works including short films, commercials, music videos, and and feature films. Highlights of Aleksei’s accomplishments include the experimental documentary “Silence”, officially selected at the Serbest International Film Festival 2022, “Quarantine”, a short film nominated by NYFA for the experimental/alternative category at the BAFTA Student Film Awards 2020, and “The Romance of Unrequited Love” a short film that participated in multiple prestigious film festivals domestically and abroad winning awards for the Best Cinematography (Unbordered International Film Festival 2023; International Independent Film Awards 2023).
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Thinking back on my creative journey, three key skills stand out as being particularly impactful.
1. Observing Human Interactions: The ability to keenly observe human interactions is crucial for a cinematographer. It allows you to capture authentic moments, emotions, and nuances in your work, which ultimately enhances the storytelling. To develop this skill, I recommend spending time people-watching in various environments, such as cafes, parks, or public events. Pay close attention to body language, facial expressions, and the dynamics between individuals. Focus on the tiniest details of everyday human experience.
2. Understanding the Structure of Artwork: Cinematography is a form of visual storytelling, and having a deep understanding of the structure of artwork is essential for crafting compelling visuals. This includes knowledge of composition, framing, color theory, and visual symbolism. To improve in this area, I advise studying the works of renowned painters, photographers, and filmmakers. Analyze how they use elements like light, shadow, perspective, and movement to convey meaning and evoke emotions. Experiment with different techniques in your own practice, and seek feedback from peers and mentors to refine your understanding of visual storytelling.
3. Intuitive Thinking: Intuition plays a significant role in cinematography, as it allows you to make creative decisions on the fly and adapt to changing circumstances on set. Developing intuition requires a combination of experience, experimentation, and a deep connection to your artistic instincts. Practice trusting your gut feelings when you have to make a creative decision (both in preproduction and on-set). Embrace spontaneity and be open to unexpected inspirations that arise during the creative process. Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and exploration, and don’t be afraid to take risks in pursuit of your artistic vision.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As a cinematographer, feeling overwhelmed can be a common occurrence, given the complexities of the job and the various elements that need to be managed simultaneously. Here’s my strategy for how to deal with this feeling:
1. Acknowledge the Feeling of Being Overwhelmed: The first step is to recognize and accept the feeling of being overwhelmed. It’s important not to brush it aside or suppress it, as that can lead to further stress and anxiety.
2. Withdraw or Take a Short Break: Depending on the intensity of the feeling and the situation’s urgency, I may either withdraw momentarily from the activity that’s causing the trouble or take a short break. This break allows me to step back, gain perspective, and recharge my mental batteries.
3. Reassess and Adjust Approach: Once I’ve had a chance to regroup, I reassess the situation and my approach to the task at hand. I consider whether the current method is effective or if there’s a need to try something new.
4. Try Something Completely New: Sometimes, the feeling of being overwhelmed stems from being stuck in a rut or approaching the problem too rigidly. In such cases, I challenge myself to try something completely new, even if I’m uncertain of its success. This helps me to discover new aspects or qualities of a problem.
5. Embrace Negative Results as Learning Opportunities: It’s essential to remember that not every experiment will yield the desired outcome, and that’s okay. Each negative result provides valuable insights and learnings that contribute to growth and improvement. By embracing failure as a natural part of the creative process, I become more resilient and open to exploring new possibilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alekseidoktorevich-cinematographer.com/
- Instagram: @aleksei_doktorevich
- Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user102415441
