Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nobutaka Emura. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Nobutaka, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
I remember when I was in the 5th grade, I developed an interest in cultural exchange outside of my home country, Japan. I told my parents that I wanted to participate in a language exchange program for a week in Australia, and it was my first time traveling outside Japan by myself. I knew it wasn’t cheap, but my parents encouraged me to go for it. Without that experience, I might not have had the opportunity to live in the US or attend a university there. As an international student coming from a middle-class background in Japan, it was difficult to afford the full tuition, but my parents supported me until the master’s program. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me. These experiences my parents provided me with opened up new perspectives and shaped who I am today.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I work as a cinematographer, a role that extends well beyond merely pressing the camera’s record button. My responsibilities involve the artful use of lighting, lenses, frame composition, and angles to craft visual narratives that enhance the storytelling on screen. What truly exhilarates me about my work is the collaborative nature of the process. Collaborating closely with a team to breathe life into a story is a thrilling experience, though it does come with the potential for creative conflicts among directors and crew members. Everyone brings their unique vision to the table, all with a shared goal of achieving visual excellence.
The moment when I see the final product, the culmination of everyone’s hard work, captured in a single image, fills me with immense satisfaction and excitement. However, my journey to reach this point has not been without its share of challenges.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission as a cinematographer is to convey a story through imagery. Over the past few years, I’ve been involved in shooting short films, each with its unique atmosphere. I believe that as a cinematographer, flexibility is crucial for storytelling. It means I can’t stick to a single strategy when shooting a film, as it may not align with the story, style, and could potentially bore the audience. To create a visual narrative that harmonizes with the story, I rely on finding references that complement the narrative.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As a cinematographer, the most rewarding aspect is the ability to contribute to storytelling through visual language. I find it deeply fulfilling to collaborate with a team and use my skills to capture the essence of a narrative, create a mood, and evoke emotions through imagery. The magic happens when the audience connects with the story not just through words or actions but through the way it’s visually portrayed. It’s this power to bring stories to life and influence how people perceive and experience them that makes being a cinematographer exceptionally rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nobutakaemura.com/videos
- Instagram: itsnobugatti