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Sean Murphy
Cinematographer
Wanderlust Video Production

Hi Sean, welcome to VQS, tell us how you got started in filmmaking and video?
Ever since I can remember I’ve always been in love with films. I’ve always been drawn to the story, the look, feel and emotion. Maybe my interest was sparked when my parents took me to see Jurrasic Park in the movie theatre when I was 3.

photo by Joe Chung Photography
When I think back, my fondest memories are shared experiences with my fiends and family in the theatre. There’s something about a movie that can transport you into another persons experience.
Growing up I would always borrow my dads VHS camera and tape myself pretending to be a ninja, displaying my karate moves, or embarrassingly lip-synching to all my favorite songs at the time.
I gravitated toward the image making when I dabbled in photography and that interest grew in high school where I knew I wanted to do something creative with my life.
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What new projects are you working on now?
Right now I would say I’m promoting my own journey as a filmmaker. I think after eight years, Im really finding my voice and unique creative style. It’s amazing to look back on how much you grow and learn through out the years. I still feel like I am a student of the craft; there is always things I can learn or improve upon.

You always hear that your favorite DP or Cinematographer has their own unique style for which they are known. I now feel like I know how I want my images to look, what techniques I want to use and what lighting choices work best to fit each scene I am asked to film.

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What core values do you believe are necessary for success?

Hard work, Dedication, Positivity, Openness, being Humble and willingness to learn.
If you are true to yourself, remain positive and willing to work harder than most people in the room, great opportunities will happen for you. I have been focusing 8 years of energy into my craft and I still find myself a student.
Who have been some of your favorite people/projects to work with?

photo by Joe Chung Photography
Some of my favorite people who I’ve worked with are David Lee, Mike Marassco, Stefan Vleming and of course Philip Garcia.
I worked with Mike and Stefan back in 2017 and they are the ones who really gave the courage to pursue full time freelance in video production. I saw what it took and meant to make career in cinematography from both of these individuals.

David Lee is an excellent Branded Documentary filmmaker and I am lucky enough to call a friend. I gravitate toward David’s processes, his composition and lighting techniques. I take the lessons I have learned from him and integrate them into my own work.
Even though we have only known each other for a short amount of time, I feel like he’s a great mentor and friend. As for Philip we have worked together over the years of quite a few VisionQuest Sound projects. I always enjoyed my time working with up and coming music artists, helping to showcase their talents.

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What future opportunities would you like to be involved with?

I would love to do more branded documentary work. The goal has always been working on tv or feature films, but my more immediate goal is to shoot some more music videos and narrative pieces.
I love working with a team, a lot of times I am a one man band on projects. I would like to move away from that and do some Assistant Camera work, or even Camera Operating on some bigger sets again. Feel free to reach out and send me a message here.
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