Today we’d like to introduce you to Curtis Dunkerley.
Hi Curtis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t really realize it until now but ever since a kid, I was being bred to be in the realm of story. To be in service of narrative ideas, mine or others. I remember I picked up a camera when I was 13 and just in awe of what I could capture, what the camera could see and the human relation we have to it. All through high school, I knew I wanted to be apart of something with a camera just didn’t know what that was, I then moved to Michigan with the intent to study Film at university. Now I make short films on the weekends with friends and work in the media industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No absolutely not. Graduating university into a COVID world where the freelance film industry is basically shutdown is very rough. I couldn’t get work for months. The projects that were running at that time, were so small for obvious reasons, that they (the producers) wold stick with people they knew and not bring anyone new on board.
Also as well, learning to make your own projects and be apart of it all and find worth has also been a struggle. During that COVID time, I accepted to be apart of a short film that really beat me down. Long hours for no money, and being put in a role on set where I was not being creative really made me question whether or not I had what it took to be a filmmaker.
It wasn’t until I got connected to young director, Sam Vermerris, when he asked me to be the cinematographer on his project ‘Rosemary” did things really begin to look up. I had gotten into a stable job in the industry so money wasn’t an issue, and I was allowed to be creative with him, and it brought back the passion for filmmaking, and then reminded me why i love it so much.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Cinematographer, photographer, colorist and (aspiring) director of film. Right now, I currently specialize in cinematography and color grades on narrative projects. Learning and teaching how to shape light has been a wonderful experience so far.
I am most proud of actually 2 things recently:
1) Rosemary, the film I shot with Sam. It really killed the self doubt in me and encouraged me to get my name out their and start telling amazing stories. And, Rosemary just got selected to be in a film festival, which is a first for me so thats pretty exciting.
2) The most recent project I shot “The other side of Midnight” which is currently in post production. I worked closely with my gaffer (lighting guy) and the director to shoot massive scenes and such a small window. I am really proud of the images I was able to shoot and the collaboration we had along the way.
I think what sets me apart from others, is the idea of growth. I dont mean that for me though. When Im on set, i try to never have an ego. I want to encourage others to learn and grow along side of me, never putting myself first. There is so much toxicity that I have felt in the industry, especially in university, that I never want to bring that onto a project I am working on. I am there in service of the story, not for my own gain.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love how small it is. Coming from Columbus, Ohio, which is a huge city, I really enjoy how connected we can feel. Also how I can drive 10 minutes and be in nature.
So far, nothing really strikes me as least favorite. I’ll say the my least favorite thing is we dont have a good meadery anymore. (to my knowledge.) Arktos Meadery was one of my favorite spots to grab a drink and had incredible mead. I really do miss it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtis_dunkerley/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-dunkerley/
