The World Through A Cinematographer's Eyes with Kelsey Talton 📷

Cinematography is the paint by which film is created and today we’re speaking with the painter herself, Out Of This World’s Cinematographer Kelsey Talton. Music video guru and master of color, Kelsey brings together each element of the scene into the frame. She has a knack for making any director’s dreams come true on set. In our one on one, Kelsey let us into her thought process on the core of how to make a film beautiful.

Thank you so much for sitting down with us Kelsey! You’ve worked on countless music videos and you are known for your unique use of color in them. What initially drew you to work on Out of This World?

I just love sci-fi in general and I draw a lot of inspiration from that in my work. Having the world of an Alien who controls light at my fingertips was something so unique and exciting that I jumped at the opportunity.

And we’re glad you came aboard! Your work in narrative films and music videos have also won awards in lighting for the camera. Since light plays a big role in Out of This World, what was your approach to lighting it?

I wanted certain colors to represent the characters themselves, especially Nebby. I wanted both earth and the spaceship to have their own vibes but still be connected at the core because I think it was destiny that Arianna and Nebby meet and collide in color.

That’s how some of our most important relationships begin. Since the relationship between the Director of Photography and the Director is so important in filmmaking, what was your collaborative approach with Elia for the shoot?

My biggest concern was making sure that Elia’s wildest dreams of this crazy adventure film were realized. So with that in mind I wanted to get into his head as much as possible and see where he was drawing inspiration from. We spoke (through zoom) for about 3 months before the shoot and went over every detail of the script and really broke down all the elements of emotion and theme. It was wonderful.

That sounds magical. Which cinematographers inspire you and your work and why?

To absolutely no one’s surprise I have to say that Rodger Deakins is obviously a huge inspiration because he creates a world for each story rather than just applying his “look” to each film. I think that one of the most challenging things to do is reinvent yourself with every project. Mandy Walker is another huge inspiration because she’s just been such a staple in creating a path for female cinematographers. I’ve been obsessed with Kate Arizmendi’s work for a long time as well, I think she’s got a really distinct style and can shoot just as well, if not better than the big boys.

What do you wish more people understood about cinematography?

Honestly just how much work goes into it. Every visual element that is captured on screen has been meticulously thought out by the cinematographer, alongside the production designer and costumes and even makeup. It really is a team effort and collaboration among those departments to bring the director’s vision to life. There’s a lot of responsibility on the cinematographer to showcase not just the lighting but every element that each department brought to the table.

You’ve learned a lot on your industry journey. What advice would you give to a younger Kelsey or aspiring cinematographer wanting to make it in Hollywood?

Don’t take no for an answer.

Cinematography has been known as a male-dominated field. What’s it like being part of a new wave of female cinematographers making an impact in film? What barriers still need to be broken down?

There is still an impression that women or people who identify as female don’t have enough experience or can’t handle bigger projects. It’s an archaic and completely ridiculous line of thinking and I hope that more women are given opportunities to prove that wrong.

After shooting an alien adventure, do you believe in aliens?

100%!!!