We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sevag Chahinian. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sevag below.

Sevag, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

When people usually talk about learning their craft, it often starts at the beginning. For me, it began with experimentation and fun at an early age, which then turned into a career. In a creative field, I firmly believe that learning your craft never stops, even for seasoned professionals. While formal education played a role in my growth, the most significant learning occurs through hands on experience and consistency out in the real world after my beginnings into the craft.

After graduating from college, I entered the freelance world, viewing each project as an opportunity for significant growth. I explore new techniques, experimented with different concepts and styles, or use new equipment I have not used before. Each project solidified my skills and expanded my knowledge with tools I still use today.

Because of the experiences I gain within each project, my consistency has been instrumental in my continuous growth. I actively seek out new opportunities, whether paid or passion projects in my available time to keep progressing. Like any professional, I strive to push my limitations and maintain a constant commitment to creating. Much like a strongman who exercises daily to build muscle, I continuously shoot and work on my craft to elevate my skills. Of course, growth comes with its challenges. Problem solving and adaptation are frequent aspects in filmmaking. Yet, these obstacles are opportunities to become stronger and more capable, much like building muscle through resistance.

In addition, learning the craft for me extends beyond technical skills. It’s also about self discovery, understanding your preferences, stylistic choices, and the best workflow for yourself. Engaging with a supportive community is equally crucial. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with talented individuals who share my drive to create amazing and impactful projects, fostering an environment that nurtures growth by pushing each other to excel.

In essence, learning the craft is an ongoing process fueled by experience and self reflection. It’s about embracing challenges, seeking opportunities for growth, and surrounding oneself with a supportive community. Through continuous learning and adaptation, I strive to evolve as an artist and professional.

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.

From a young age, my passion for the arts was clear. Whether tinkering with music or filming videos with friends, creativity was woven into the fabric of my identity. After high school, I went into the world of broadcast television, laying the groundwork for what would become my career trajectory. However, driven by a desire to dive deeper into the creative realms of film and television, I took my next steps by enrolling in the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Here, I sharpened my skills as a cinematographer and director and laid the foundations to carve out my niche and path in the industry.

Fast forward to the present, and I stand as a seasoned cinematographer and director, working in the freelance world for over six years. My portfolio spans a diverse array of projects, from feature films to commercials and music videos, each contributing to my growth and evolution as a professional.

What sets my work apart is a commitment to innovation. I look to push the boundaries of convention, whether through shooting techniques or stylistic choices, all in service of enhancing the narrative or achieving the project’s objectives.

My proudest moments stem from seeing a project evolve from its inception to its tangible manifestation, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. Collaborating with like-minded creatives fuels my passion, driving me to continually explore new horizons and bring fresh perspectives to the forefront.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being an artist or creative individual is a deeply fulfilling journey, but for me, one of the most rewarding aspects is the ability to evoke emotions and provoke thoughts through my work. Whether it’s a film, a photograph, or a piece of music, knowing that I have the power to connect with people on a visceral level is incredibly gratifying. The process of taking a simple idea or concept and nurturing it into a fully realized creation, then seeing it resonate with others, eliciting laughter, tears, or introspection, is what drives me to continue pursuing my craft.

Additionally, collaboration stands out as another one of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative specifically in the film industry. Working with like-minded individuals brings unique perspectives and talents to the table, enhancing the creative process. Collaboration fosters camaraderie and mutual support, transcending the project itself. It allows for a rich exchange of ideas, often leading to unexpected breakthroughs and elevating the final outcome. In essence, the collaborative nature of the film industry offers a unique and fulfilling experience, where meaningful connections are built, creative boundaries are pushed, and visions are collectively brought to life. It’s the ability to touch people’s lives and make a meaningful impact through art that makes this journey truly rewarding.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Throughout my journey in the film industry, resilience has been my guiding force. When I first dove into freelancing, I encountered financial pressures and the uncertainty of consistent work. Despite these challenges, I remained unwavering in my pursuit of cinematography. Maintaining consistency was challenging, especially in the beginning, but I continued to grow and progress.

During the pandemic in 2020, work came to a halt, leaving many grappling with uncertainty in their lives. There were times when it was hard to see if I would ever come out of it still working in the film industry. However, I refused to be deterred from my passion and love for the art. Instead, I used those moments to hone my craft through personal projects and skill-building exercises. I continued to network and grow in other areas, even though I was not getting work. Eventually, I found myself back into work because of my consistency. A similar situation happened again more recently during the subsequent industry strikes. But again, I persevered and continued to move forward until the storm passed. There have been many moments throughout my career where having no work made it difficult to stay resilient, but I persisted, always pushing forward in pursuit of my goals. The grind was relentless, requiring continual networking and seeking out opportunities. While experiencing moments of success and recognition, I remained grounded, always striving for growth.

Looking back, I realize that resilience isn’t just about weathering storms, it’s about emerging more resilient and adaptable. Every setback served as a catalyst for growth and adaptation, allowing me to navigate the unpredictable terrain of the film industry.

As I continue on this journey, I know that resilience will remain my constant companion, guiding me through the inevitable challenges. Fueled by my unwavering passion for cinematography, I am determined to keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles may come my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sevagchahinian.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sevagchahinian
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sevagchahinian