International Women’s Day Barbara Van Schaik
I have had the pleasure of working with Barbara many years ago. She has a wonderful personality and strong work ethic. Having seen where she was then to now, it is of no surprise to me as she was certain to be making a name for herself.
She has now graduated from the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and is someone who you’ll be seeing more of for sure!
Read below for more about her in out interview
“There is only one of you and if you
listen to yourself truly,
you will make work that’s different
and special because of it!”
What is your job role?
Cinematographer
How long have you worked in TV/film?
Since 2012 :)
What struggles have you encountered along the way
Gosh, that's a tough one. I think it's the little things that can actually be the toughest. And when I say little, I actually mean big...in the sense that there are lots of little hurdles in your own brain to get over in order to get further. At first, believing that I would be good at anything technical. Then becoming a camera assistant and doing so with the same outward confidence that a lot of guys more naturally seem to have in positions like this. Then shooting a lot of work as a DP on small projects. And believing enough in my own skillset, so that I did, in fact, start calling myself a DP. My fiancé (and focus puller extraordinaire) @nach0guzman started telling others I was a DP. Only then it made me start saying it out loud myself. It's an odd thing to have to give yourself that next career step.
What is your dream project/job
To be honest with you, it’s the variation of the job that I love. So this question has a changeable answer. Although I’d LOVE to do a film one day like “We Need to Talk About Kevin”. I adore the use of colour and shot choices in that film, and I’d love to do a psychological thriller with phenomenal actors like that. Having been raised by a psychotherapist, I really enjoy digging deep into the human mind.
What advice would you give to young women (and men) to get into TV/film?
Don’t try to be like anybody else. Remember that your strength is specifically who you are. There is only one of you, and if you listen to yourself truly, you will make work that’s different and special because of it! You don’t have to please everyone. Make work for people that feel connected to the work that most naturally comes out of you!
To find out more about Barbara, visit her website at
https://www.barbaracinematography.com/
