Episode Details

Cinematographer Emma Quirós grew up in Barcelona, studied healthcare, then moved to Los Angeles alone in 2022 to chase the filmmaking dream she'd had since she was ten. 

Rob Pene talks with her about studying cinematography at UCLA, working in the camera department on big commercial sets, and writing, directing and shooting her own short film. She also shares the three-question rule a teacher gave her for deciding which sets are worth your time.

In This Episode

• How a childhood hobby in Barcelona became a filmmaking career, after Emma first studied healthcare
• Moving from Spain to Los Angeles in 2022 without knowing anyone, and feeling both fear and excitement
• Studying cinematography at UCLA, volunteering on sets and networking with emerging filmmakers
• Why a good attitude and a willingness to help open doors, starting as a camera assistant or camera PA
• What a cinematographer really does: building the mood, look and emotional feel of a film with the director
• Writing, directing and shooting her own short film with a crew of about ten or eleven friends and professionals
• The plan for the film: festival submissions, probably YouTube, and a crew screening hoped for around January 2027
• A day in the life of a freelance director of photography, balancing brand content, music videos and a personal project
• Working in the camera department on a campaign with FC Barcelona and on a World Cup commercial in LA
• Why a great cinematographer adapts to every story instead of having one signature style
• Why Emma discovered she prefers being a director of photography over directing
• How word of mouth, referrals and showing up on set led to paid work
• The three-reason rule for deciding whether to say yes to a set
• Emma's advice for anyone who wants to make a career change: just jump

Connect with Emma: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma.qb/ 
• Website: https://emmaquiros.com/

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