Profile Spotlight: Zak Mulligan

[Profile Spotlights]

This week One Day on Earth presents Sundance winning Cinematographer Zak Mulligan. For more about Zak and his
work you can visit his website: www.zakmulligan.com

Obselidia - Trailer from John-Michael Powell on Vimeo.

Who are you and what is your profession?
Hi I'm Zak Mulligan and I'm a Cinematographer - it's been 3 days since my last shoot! I
shoot features, commercials and music videos.

 

Can you tell us a little about your background and upbringing?
I grew up in a small town in Ohio nestled between a couple of corn fields
and a highway. I was always drawing and making things and one day I
picked up a still camera. That lead me to Arizona where I studied art
and photography - knowing that what really interested me was moving
images.

It was in New York City that I was finally able to work in film. I started as a production assistant working on commercials and
around the same time convinced a friend to let me shoot his short film
after showing him some stills I had made in college. I kept shooting
whatever and whenever anyone would let me... now it's a profession!

What inspired you to be a cinematographer?

Since I was very young the art form that always moved me the most was film. I
think it's natural to gravitate towards such a powerful medium. Film
incorporates the entire scope of what an artist can do. It's also very
complex so the work never becomes dull.

Who are your heroes?
I don't know that I have any heroes - I have work that I enjoy but it's
kind of like music in that it depends upon what kind of mood you're in.
PT Anderson, Cohen Brothers, Lynch, Lance Accord, Harris Savides, Gus
Van Sant, Altman, Jodorowsky - the list goes on and on.

 

What do you feel you want to shoot on 10/10/10?
I haven't really settled on what exactly to shoot. The human experience encompasses so much!