We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Richard Galli. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Richard below.
Richard, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
“Purpose” is something I haven’t thought much on. For myself at least, and I’m not sure why. It’s probably because I typically prefer to just follow my heart, give it my all, and roll with the punches – a reason for being isn’t always clear-cut (or in my control, for that matter). It must be why this topic jumped out at me. Even as I’m writing this, I’m not completely sure what my purpose is. And for some reason, I think that might not be a bad thing.
Because purpose to me can be as simple as giving a dog a much-needed butt scratch, or sharing a handful of Reeces Pieces with someone after a long day. Self-defining to the world exactly how you fit into it seems daunting – even impossible – with all of the lives and places we encounter and shape in our existence.
I’ve had glimpses, though. Seeing someone’s eyes light up when I show them my most recent film project. That feeling I get when my 18-month old comes running up, looking to be held. Being there to talk someone through a difficult time in their life. Moments where something I’ve done has inspired, enlightened or otherwise influenced a life for the better.
Which I suppose is purpose – at least the closest I can define it. It’s not specific, like being a cinematographer…or father…or friend, but just being the best I can be for those I love, and the things I love doing. It’s being human. Loving life. Benefiting our existence in our own, unique way…
And, of course, eating Reeces Pieces.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Personally, I’m a father, storyteller, and lover of cheese. Professionally, I’m a Cinematographer; and like it was for a lot of professionals in the film industry, a large part of 2023 was met with quite a bit of down-time. But it was a time to focus on myself, my new growing family, and other artistic endeavors like creative writing and learning new crafts.
But when it rains it pours, and when fall fell I found myself in Rwanda filming a documentary, and traveling down the Appalachian Trail for a narrative feature. At first, it was hard to be anything but just grateful for the work. But as the productions progressed, it was fascinating to see how those moments really shaped my life last year.
I may be in the minority here, but as a Cinematographer, I love doing non-union work. Sure, the crews are small, the budgets are almost non-existent, and you’re not afforded the protections you usually have with union guidelines, but the people you meet, and the memories you form along those journeys last a lifetime. In Rwanda: meeting hundreds of refugees – all with massive smiles and a thirst for curiosity. Along the Appalachians: being immersed in hiking culture – a devotion and welcoming love I haven’t seen outside of the closest families. The work was great, but what I got out of those two productions was far beyond my rate; it was the adventure, the ability to capture life on screen, and the experiences I hope I get to live again.
For more information on our Rwanda journey, check out Impact Hope for updates as the documentary comes together, and follow “The Keeper” film for more on the Appalachian experience – due out in select theaters this Memorial Day.
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?
“YOU NEED TO LOVE IT…” Since recently becoming a father, a lot of people in the film industry have asked me what it’s like having a baby, and my response is usually this:
“It’s a production. It’s every day being on set: 16-hour (plus) days, tough conditions that challenge the mind and the body, time away from your “normal” life. Every day feels like a month, and every month feels like a day…”
It’s usually around then that most of my listeners’ eyes go dark – an all-too-familiar concept. Brando’s last words in Apocalypse Now: “the horror…the horror.” But then I continue:
“…but it’s a production you want to be on. It’s something that is worth every second of your time, devotion, work and love. Something you’re fully invested in watching grow – becoming not just everything you’ve put into it, but something different entirely. Something of its own. Something that can go out into the world, and probably even change it.
This is when, depending on the viewer, things vary. Some people look as if they just decided right then and there that they’ll never have a kid, while some just nod and smile. But that’s the point: to be in this industry, you need to love it. It’s difficult, exhausting, frustrating…rewarding, exhilarating, empowering. It’s everything, because it takes everything to be in it. And it’s something you’ve created – a life, an experience, and a story.
“OBSERVATION AND PATIENCE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE”
On a documentary, when your job is to capture the heart and soul of every location, person and event, there are several times when you turn around and see a beautiful moment happening right before you. But, before you have time to lift the camera and hit record, the moment is gone. During my time in Rwanda, there was nothing more true than this. Every second of every angle, there’s something unique, inspiring and beautiful happening. The only way I could have captured everything is having a 360 camera recording 24/7.
But that’s life. Not just the business of capturing it, but the nature of being in it. What truly makes the difference is observation…and patience. The sun may not always be visible behind the clouds, or those birds may not always be flying right where you need them, but…if only for a matter of seconds…the two may align perfectly. Just remember to take the lens cap off.
“A LITTLE NONSENSE NOW AND THEN…IS RELISHED BY THE WISEST MEN”
If I think hard enough about this one, I can almost hear Gene Wilder singing it in Willy Wonka. But, if I think too hard about it, I’ve also missed the point. Life (to me) is a balance, and just like the renowned photo of Einstein sticking his tongue out, that balance is sometimes achieved by the absurd.
Not to say there’s not a time and a place for nonsense – just that that balance, especially as a father and a filmmaker, sometimes is as necessary as air.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Ever since the birth of my first child, I’ve been telling myself: “you can’t fully appreciate what your parents did for you until you have a child yourself.” And because of that (and a lot like “purpose”) it’s hard to narrow down exactly the “most impactful thing” they did for me, outside of just…being there. Every day, every hour – supporting my dreams. My parents operated the camera for my first films, taught me how to edit VCR to VCR. They even had a calm demeanor when I told them I wanted to be an artist and go to a private film school out of state.
This I suppose is the simple blueprint for parenting: being there. But it’s one of the most important aspects of relationships…of life. I can’t think of a single, specific moment with my parents that is as important as the whole. As important as their unwavering support, help, friendship and love. I can only aspire to be as great of a parent as they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.richardjgalli.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardjgalli/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-galli-28786b142/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu5Xy_NYGx7vLnSYju9I1wQ
Image Credits
Tyler Parker Michaela A. Twyman Lorenzo Vigil Jason Satterlund
