Really Not Radio: Erick Lee! Thank you for taking the time to share with our viewers. I've done my research and I think it's safe for me to say you truly are, “career motivated, driven by passion” to use your words. You wear many hats Director, Producer and Cinematographer...which hat do you find yourself wearing a majority of the time?
Erick Lee: I simultaneously direct 85-90% of the time but I am also wearing the producer hat when shooting my videos. I also just recently worked as UPM (Unit Production Manager) on a short film directed by a Columbia University (NY) graduate.
RNR: Wow! Congrats on that! Sooo, I’m definitely more of an audio/sound, music gal so I don’t know much about film and visuals other than I KNOW it moves me. What’s the difference between a Director and a Cinematographer?
Erick Lee: A director works directly with the actors and makes the movie come to life. A cinematographer is behind the camera getting the shots, choosing angles, etc. Cinematographers play a huge part in creating the look/feel to your movie.
RNR: Oh, okay I get it. So, what’s your story how and when did you get into film?
Erick Lee: I first started out doing music, which eventually lead to me taping live shows and then it kinda just escalated from there. I wanted to shoot more and more different things.
RNR: It's so weird how are destined paths unfold from pursuing our passions on a daily. So, things escalated to [Shoot]life and Bosse Media...What’s your connection or roles at [Shoot]life and Bosse Media?
Erick Lee: Bosse is a nickname of mine and Bosse Media was the first production name I started using as a run-and-gunner shooter. [Shoot]life is more of a collective and style of shooting, which includes myself, cinematographer Chad Ross, and photographer Bobby Gee
RNR: Real cool stuff...How important is having a strong team around you on set and in business?
Erick Lee: Your team is everything. I've been on sets where people weren't serious and it could really cost the quality of your project. Not to mention time.
RNR: [Shoot]life on the surface seems fairly self-explanatory, but is there a deeper meaning?
Erick Lee: Lol. Not anything other than we live the shoot-life. I am a full time film student, plus a full time freelancer so everyday I'm doing something that has to do whether it's shooting, editing, writing treatments, scouting locations, checking out gear, etc.
RNR: Yep, that's the life or better yet [Shoot]life. What’s the relationship between music and film for you?
Erick Lee: Like I said I started filming through music, so that's kind of how things started off. I am expanding more into movies and documentaries now though
RNR: That is so cool. A couple months back I had the opportunity to meet and listen to Anthony Mandler talk about his start in the industry, and he started with videos, but he always wanted to do movies. So, he made each video like a short film, which we see in a lot of Rihanna's videos. I guess that's the progression of Cinematographers...kind of like when DJ's begin producing. Anywho, What have you been listening to lately?
Erik Lee: Sbtrkt, Sepalcure, C Plus
RNR: Yes, SBTRKT that Wildfire song changed my life for awhile lol. Okay, so I discovered you through the video Everyday Life by Floe Montana. Not even sure how I came across that video other than from my digging explorations, and saw the link to Bosse Media. Now you have a fan for life lol What captured my attention immediately was the coloring, the feel, the movement, the in-out focus and the angles of the shots, the images that gave bold statements etc. totally helps in telling the story. With music production I can pretty much pinpoint who produced the track from their signature. I can almost always tell a Dre, Swizz or Timbaland beat. Is this the same in film? Can directors have a signature or trademark? If so, what’s yours?
Erick Lee: Yes, some directors have styles that some people can notice like Martin Scorcese, Quentin Tarintino, etc. i'm still in my development stages but I've had a couple people tell me my shot selection shows throughout different projects.
Erick Lee: Bosse is a nickname of mine and Bosse Media was the first production name I started using as a run-and-gunner shooter. [Shoot]life is more of a collective and style of shooting, which includes myself, cinematographer Chad Ross, and photographer Bobby Gee
RNR: Real cool stuff...How important is having a strong team around you on set and in business?
Erick Lee: Your team is everything. I've been on sets where people weren't serious and it could really cost the quality of your project. Not to mention time.
RNR: [Shoot]life on the surface seems fairly self-explanatory, but is there a deeper meaning?
Erick Lee: Lol. Not anything other than we live the shoot-life. I am a full time film student, plus a full time freelancer so everyday I'm doing something that has to do whether it's shooting, editing, writing treatments, scouting locations, checking out gear, etc.
RNR: Yep, that's the life or better yet [Shoot]life. What’s the relationship between music and film for you?
Erick Lee: Like I said I started filming through music, so that's kind of how things started off. I am expanding more into movies and documentaries now though
RNR: That is so cool. A couple months back I had the opportunity to meet and listen to Anthony Mandler talk about his start in the industry, and he started with videos, but he always wanted to do movies. So, he made each video like a short film, which we see in a lot of Rihanna's videos. I guess that's the progression of Cinematographers...kind of like when DJ's begin producing. Anywho, What have you been listening to lately?
Erik Lee: Sbtrkt, Sepalcure, C Plus
RNR: Yes, SBTRKT that Wildfire song changed my life for awhile lol. Okay, so I discovered you through the video Everyday Life by Floe Montana. Not even sure how I came across that video other than from my digging explorations, and saw the link to Bosse Media. Now you have a fan for life lol What captured my attention immediately was the coloring, the feel, the movement, the in-out focus and the angles of the shots, the images that gave bold statements etc. totally helps in telling the story. With music production I can pretty much pinpoint who produced the track from their signature. I can almost always tell a Dre, Swizz or Timbaland beat. Is this the same in film? Can directors have a signature or trademark? If so, what’s yours?
Erick Lee: Yes, some directors have styles that some people can notice like Martin Scorcese, Quentin Tarintino, etc. i'm still in my development stages but I've had a couple people tell me my shot selection shows throughout different projects.
RNR: Nice! I can tell you have a signature coming about. You’ve worked on various types of projects from commercials, music videos, short films and I see you have a debut film in the works, but we will get more into that in a sec. What do you hope to achieve, creatively speaking, with each project?
Erick Lee: Since I am a freelancer I work with different people who hire me to create something for them. Or, in some cases bring their vision to life. This may sound corny but I feel my job is to make people's dreams come true. I really think that way and I love people's reactions when I can please them though doing what i love doing most. It's fuel to my fire
RNR: Yes! I love that not corny at all. This is why you're great, and have a super bright future ahead of you. Where does your inspiration come from?
Erick Lee: Music!
RNR: ahahaha I totally understand! Is every image you see a story waiting to be told?
Erick Lee: I don't really think stories when I see every image, but every once in a while I will come across something powerful and I'll sit there and stare at it for a minute. I'll wonder about what was happening right at that moment when the picture was taken.
RNR: That's that Cinematographer in you :-) In the audio world the quality of gear is significant, but your knowledge in HOW to use the gear will actually get you the desired end result. Is this true for film? Or do you HAVE to use super high-end equipment to get the best quality?
Erick Lee: No, you don't have to use super high end gear, but at the same time there are standards. For example, HD is pretty much standard. There are some viral videos that aren't HD ad they are usually shot that way on purpose. It's an art form so really, there are no rules.
RNR: Exactly, that's the same with music. There are guidelines and suggestions, but really no rules when it comes to art! What’s your weapons of choice in shooting and post-production?
Erick Lee: I use Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects sometimes for titlesRNR: Do you have a go-to Editor that you consistently work with because their work is seamless?
Erick Lee: I edit 95% of all my work. Chad Ross does some editing but he lives 6hrs away so it would be very inconvenient to get footage to him everytime I shoot something. Other than that I don't know too many people I could trust to edit my work.
RNR: Yeah, editing can make or break ya for sure. How much time do you designate towards improving your craft or are your projects your practice? lol
Erick Lee: I dedicate most of my time to school and that is definitely practice. Every time I shoot I am working on my craft so it's a steady pretty much everyday thing for me.
RNR: What do you enjoy most about film school?
Erick Lee: The fact that I am learning about something I'm extremely passionate about. I can stay awake no problem, and pay attention with actually wanting to! lol
RNR: LOL! Soooooo, what’s your debut film all about and when will it be released? The people want to know...
Erick Lee: Sorry! I can't say yet, because I want it to be a surprise. I will say it's a documentary though
RNR: Awww, man I was trying to get it out of ya. Can't wait for the debut! You’ve worked with many artists like C Plus, Lee Bannon, Nicatyne, Random Abiladeze, Blee with Turf Hop Movement, sports figures such as Vernon Davis, other film directors and had features on Hip HopDX, OkayPlayer and 2 Dope Boyz. I mean the list goes on and on...So, what’s been the most intrinsically rewarding accomplishment to-date for you?
Erick Lee: C Plus' Do What You Want (Gone) video is my greatest accomplishment as it won 2 awards and also got Ski Beatz' attention enough for him to be working with Plus now.
RNR: Yeah, that's major! I love that Ski Beatz, C Plus Heaven Is record. I’ve also noticed the mad crazy head gear game in a majority of C Plus videos. I’ve jumped online a few times to see what latest styles I need to grab. The work you did on the LookVideo series blows me away. What’s the affiliation with The Official brand? Just to add the Official brand is the hottest caps I’ve seen in awhile!
Erick Lee: Haha thanks! Yes, I direct the videos for Official Brand and they sponsor C Plus. I think maybe the owner liked the music videos we were making and reached out for a collaboration and we've been doing videos every since. By the way Stay Official Part 3 drops real soon!
RNR: Yeah, editing can make or break ya for sure. How much time do you designate towards improving your craft or are your projects your practice? lol
Erick Lee: I dedicate most of my time to school and that is definitely practice. Every time I shoot I am working on my craft so it's a steady pretty much everyday thing for me.
RNR: What do you enjoy most about film school?
Erick Lee: The fact that I am learning about something I'm extremely passionate about. I can stay awake no problem, and pay attention with actually wanting to! lol
RNR: LOL! Soooooo, what’s your debut film all about and when will it be released? The people want to know...
Erick Lee: Sorry! I can't say yet, because I want it to be a surprise. I will say it's a documentary though
RNR: Awww, man I was trying to get it out of ya. Can't wait for the debut! You’ve worked with many artists like C Plus, Lee Bannon, Nicatyne, Random Abiladeze, Blee with Turf Hop Movement, sports figures such as Vernon Davis, other film directors and had features on Hip HopDX, OkayPlayer and 2 Dope Boyz. I mean the list goes on and on...So, what’s been the most intrinsically rewarding accomplishment to-date for you?
Erick Lee: C Plus' Do What You Want (Gone) video is my greatest accomplishment as it won 2 awards and also got Ski Beatz' attention enough for him to be working with Plus now.
RNR: Yeah, that's major! I love that Ski Beatz, C Plus Heaven Is record. I’ve also noticed the mad crazy head gear game in a majority of C Plus videos. I’ve jumped online a few times to see what latest styles I need to grab. The work you did on the LookVideo series blows me away. What’s the affiliation with The Official brand? Just to add the Official brand is the hottest caps I’ve seen in awhile!
Erick Lee: Haha thanks! Yes, I direct the videos for Official Brand and they sponsor C Plus. I think maybe the owner liked the music videos we were making and reached out for a collaboration and we've been doing videos every since. By the way Stay Official Part 3 drops real soon!
RNR: That's Official ;-) What do you hope to achieve in the next 2 years?
Erick Lee: In 2 years I will be graduating College with my bachelors in Digital Film and Media Production and plan to move to New York for a job in the industry.
RNR: New York, New York. Wow that's going to be an exciting move! Lastly, let us know 1. what projects do you have in the works, 2. what current projects we should be supporting....ya know whatever last words you want to share with the beautiful people or make sure they know about. Also, share with us all the url’s, handles and the best ways to keep up on all things Erick Lee!
Erick Lee: in the works: My documentary, 2 short films that I worked on are in post production, and I am releasing a series of tour diary documentaries with Detroit artist Black Milk.
The people could support by following me on twitter, vimeo, and/or youtube to stay updated and spreading the word! Thank you!!
RNR: On behalf of Really Not Radio™ we once again thank you for your invaluable time and we wish you much continued success with all your endeavors! Much love...
Erick Lee: In 2 years I will be graduating College with my bachelors in Digital Film and Media Production and plan to move to New York for a job in the industry.
RNR: New York, New York. Wow that's going to be an exciting move! Lastly, let us know 1. what projects do you have in the works, 2. what current projects we should be supporting....ya know whatever last words you want to share with the beautiful people or make sure they know about. Also, share with us all the url’s, handles and the best ways to keep up on all things Erick Lee!
Erick Lee: in the works: My documentary, 2 short films that I worked on are in post production, and I am releasing a series of tour diary documentaries with Detroit artist Black Milk.
The people could support by following me on twitter, vimeo, and/or youtube to stay updated and spreading the word! Thank you!!
RNR: On behalf of Really Not Radio™ we once again thank you for your invaluable time and we wish you much continued success with all your endeavors! Much love...