Meet BROOK AITKEN

We had the good fortune of connecting with BROOK AITKEN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi BROOK AITKEN, how do you think about risk?
I think you have to take risks in life & in work. I think growing up at a young age naturally you often take more risks and risk less as you get older and that parallels your career. I think the real danger is continuing to take maintain that trajectory. I’m sure it looks different for everyone, creative and artistic chances in my line of work can pay off, you just have to make sure you do your best to “C.Y.A.” & know when to take risks and when to play it safe. It’s not always that cut and dry but experience often helps with that gut feeling of when to push it and when not to.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a cinematographer by trade, I graduated from The University of Colorado Boulder with a BFA in film production. It took quite a few years to climb my way up the ladder and learn as much as I could along the way, I am still learning. Occasionally there are shoots where it doesn’t allow for too much creativity or artistic expression sometimes it’s cut and dry and you just have to capture the content the way someone else wants it. However even on those shoots you can still work in a little creativity whether it’s the lighting or framing or where you place the subject in the shot, there is usually always a way to add in a little artistic creativity. Ocasionally there are gigs where the director asks you to really go for it and get creative, those are the ones I really love and want to make my work shine! When you are given that chance you have to draw on your past experiences so you know what works as well as pushing into new territory, which can sometimes not work out as planned but if you are prepared even in the worst situation you’ are still (hopefully) covered. C.Y.A.
For example last year I was hired by one of the largest ad agencies in the country to shoot a spot for Nike featuring Coach Prime, Deion Sanders. We went over the creative back and forth for a few days and in the end they let me create an intense close up & in your face very moody look. Prime’s eyes were going in and out of focus as my depth of feild was intentionally razor thin. The video was gritty, raw, passionate and energetic. The agency loved it, Nike Loved it, and the video has had several million views combined on Nike’s social media channels. watch here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8YfGJwoTD8&t=27s

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am part of a film group called The Cinema Geeks and we make short films. Our group consists of directors, writers, crew and actors. Together we have made over 15 short films and won several competitions nationally and internationally. We really just do it as an excuse to get together and make an idea/script come to life! Watch it here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alKDD4CJvVY

Website: https://www.brookaitken.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookaitken?igsh=MTl6N2IwOThobnp4Zw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/brook-aitken-1920b56

Twitter: @brookaitken

Image Credits
Brook Atiken