Pavel Krikunov - It Is Essential To Always Stay Open To New Experiences (Cinematographer from Russia)

 My passion for visual arts started at a young age through my introduction to film photography by my father. His influence sparked my love for imagery and he took great efforts to involve me in the art form.

1. Tell us about your background and journey

I was born in Siberia (East Russia) and spent the first 18 years of my life there, surrounded by its unique culture and natural landscapes. I started to fall in love with film photography there. Seeking new opportunities, I made the decision to move to Moscow, where I resided for the next decade. It was in Moscow that I began my professional journey, I started being a cinematographer and video creator. I’d say despite having lived in many cities and countries, I would say that Moscow is my true home.

In 2022, I took another leap and relocated to Istanbul, where I lived for over a year. The city captivated me with its rich history, diverse people, and incredible atmosphere.

Throughout my journey, I have also had the opportunity to live and work in other international cities like Berlin, Paris, and various locations in Asia.

 

2. How and when did you realize your passion for creating films?

My passion for visual arts started at a young age through my introduction to film photography by my father. His influence sparked my love for imagery and he took great efforts to involve me in the art form. I further nurtured this passion by attending an art school, where I delved into the world of drawing and studied the artistic styles of various authors. Although I may not excel at drawing skills, I found joy in attending classes and analyzing the composition, lighting, and visual dynamics presented in different artworks.

Gradually, I started filming videos for my personal archive, and I immensely enjoyed it. It happened that my passion transformed into video, and I felt like I found my place.

Luckily, I never faced the dilemma of choosing a career path. Life seamlessly guided me towards my current profession - cinematographer and video creator, and I am immensely grateful for that. I just love making videos. The entire creative process, from brainstorming and conceptualizing to researching references, brings me immense joy. I take great pleasure in capturing moments through photography and collaborating with actors, and I find solace in the editing room. Most importantly, witnessing the final outcome perfectly align with the initial vision is a truly remarkable experience.

 

3. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful cinematographer?

There is no universal formula for success, but from my perspective, I can say one thing - you need to be open-minded, constantly experiment, and have a burning passion for what you do. If you have a genuine interest and a desire to constantly learn something new, then success will surely follow. The key is to never give up, even if things don't work out the first time. And here's another important piece of advice - avoid blindly copying others and constantly following trends. Instead, focus on creating your own unique vision and even setting trends yourself.

Furthermore, it is important to emphasize the significance of professionalism, adhering to all deadlines and agreements, and actively listening to others. Being a professional means demonstrating reliability and accountability in your work, as well as fostering understanding and collaboration by actively listening and considering the ideas and perspectives of others.

 

4. Which film(s) do you appreciate the most for its cinematography?

It is quite challenging to answer the question because there are so many wonderful films from which it is difficult to choose just a few.

I would highlight cinematographers who inspire me. First and foremost, Roger Deakins stands out. He is arguably the most famous and influential cinematographer of our time, and his authority is hard to dispute. He has worked on films such as Skyfall, 1917, Blade Runner 2049, and many others.

Another cinematographer who has greatly influenced my style is Emmanuel Lubezki. His work on films like The Revenant, Children of Men, and Gravity has deeply impacted me. His cinematography is characterized by a sensual and constantly moving camera, wide angles, a love for wide shots, and unique close-ups. These are elements I have incorporated into my own work.

I would also like to mention Russian cinematographer Mikhail Krichman, known for his work on Loveless, The Return, and Leviathan. His exceptional use of composition and his ability to create static and cold imagery is remarkable. His work always has a distinct and recognizable signature.

It's difficult to answer the question about favorite films. I just want to encourage everyone to love cinema, watch a wide variety of films, be open to new genres, and leave behind any preconceived notions.

 

5. What has been the biggest learning from your job?

Working as a cinematographer and video creator has taught me a lot. Firstly, in any industry, especially in the creative field, it is crucial to listen to and value the opinions of others while still being able to stand firm in your own convictions. Understanding that the responsibility ultimately lies with you and that no one else can do it better is important.

Secondly, it is essential to always stay open to new experiences and constantly seek new inspirations. As professionals in a creative profession, losing interest in our craft is the worst thing that can happen. We need to keep our minds youthful, not lose our edge, and maintain our passion for novelty.

Thirdly, it is important to acknowledge that anyone in the creative sphere, whether a cinematographer, director, or video creator, can easily experience burnout and reach a crisis point. To avoid this, we must handle our lifestyle choices with care and allow ourselves time to recharge. Take occasional breaks of 1-2 days without phones, work, or social media. You'll notice how great your productivity increases after a well-deserved rest. Don't overthink and don’t push yourself too hard.

 

6. Which is your favorite book and why?

Wow, an unusual question. I don't get asked about books very often :)

I wouldn't say I'm an avid reader, but recently, through my own experience, I've realized that reading fiction greatly develops one's imagination. So, I'm actively filling that gap now.

The most significant book for me that has influenced my perspective is by the Russian classical writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, a novel called Crime and Punishment. It's an astonishing book with a captivating plot, and the author provides a deep description of the dark aesthetics of 19th-century St. Petersburg. I highly recommend it to everyone.

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Interviewed By - Aarya Gode