Guest:
Matt Kennedy, SMPSP
https://www.kennedystills.net/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1366178/


Summary
In this conversation, Eliana Pires Janssen interviews Matt Kennedy, a still photographer in the movie industry. They discuss various topics including Matt's journey in the film industry, the role of still photographers on set, the changes in the industry over the years, the gear Matt uses, and his work being displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, the importance of loyalty, and the impact of social media. In this conversation, Matt, a unit still photographer in the film industry, discusses his journey in photography and his experiences working on film sets. He talks about his background in skateboarding and surf photography, his transition from being a camera assistant to a still photographer, and the challenges he faces in the industry. Matt also shares his thoughts on the devaluation of photography and the difficulty of finding clients who appreciate and pay for quality work. He explores the idea of pursuing other avenues in photography, such as brand or product photography, but expresses his love for the film industry and his desire to continue working in it.

Keywords
film industry, still photography, movie sets, industry changes, gear, Smithsonian, challenges, opportunities, loyalty, social media, photography, film industry, unit still photographer, skateboarding, surf photography, camera assistant, challenges, devaluation, clients, brand photography, product photography

Takeaways

• Still photographers play a crucial role in creating images used for posters, promotional purposes, and distribution in the film industry.
• The film industry has undergone significant changes over the years, with a shift in production locations and a focus on cost-effectiveness.
• Loyalty in the industry is often based on numbers and practical considerations, such as location and cost.
• Social media has increased the visibility of photography in the industry, but it has also led to a larger pool of talent and less loyalty.
• Despite the challenges, being a still photographer in the film industry can be a rewarding and exciting career. Matt's passion for photography began in middle school, influenced by his mother's hobby of shooting portraits and landscapes.
• He initially focused on skateboarding photography and later transitioned to surf photography.
• After working as a camera assistant for many years, Matt decided to become a still photographer due to his love for the creative aspect of the job.
• He faced challenges in the industry, including competition from established photographers and the devaluation of photography.
• Matt is open to exploring other avenues in photography, such as brand or product photography, but is committed to continuing his work in the film industry.

Sound Bites

• "Still photography is one of those gigs on set that I feel like nobody has no idea it even exists."
• "I would say in my experience, the industry has not gotten better. I feel like it's gotten worse. It's not fun anymore."
• "Working on high-profile projects like the Obi-Wan series brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement, especially when there are throwbacks to the original films."
• "I'm nowhere near ready to retire"
• "I'll take the best goddamn picture of this vacuum you've ever seen"

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
05:08 - The Role of Still Photographers
09:35 - Gear and Tools of a Still Photographer
12:43 -Matt Kennedy's Work in the Smithsonian
16:43 - Changes and Challenges in the Film Industry
23:14 - The Impact of Social Media and Loyalty in the Industry
27:00 - Matt's Jo