In this episode of Beyond the Scenes, I sit down with cinematographer Paul Nguyen, to explore the intersections of art, immigrant identity, and life behind and in front of the camera. From his early days as a breakdancer to becoming a sought-after filmmaker, Paul reflects on how dance shaped his camera movement, how growing up on a chicken farm influenced his work ethic, and how documentary storytelling fulfills his creative purpose.The conversation touches on technical aspects of filmmaking, working with the DJI Ronin 4D, the power of teamwork on set, and how his immigrant family’s resilience helped shape who he is today. Paul also shares how he met his wife, and how their artistic journeys have intertwined.Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative, or just someone navigating identity and passion, this episode is for you.Follow Paul Nguyen: https://www.instagram.com/polly___studioConnect with Carlos Andrés Cuervo: http://carloscuervo.comFollow Carlos Andres Cuervo: https://www.instagram.com/andrescuervoTimestamps:0:00 - Intro: Filmmaker Meets Farmer1:11 - Holding Chickens & Lenses with Care2:24 - Paul’s Approach to Stress on Set3:42 - Creative Solutions vs. Technical Skills5:03 - Being Helpful Without Overstepping6:54 - Chicken Royalty: Paul’s Family Story10:45 - Vietnamese Roots & Farming Legacy14:46 - Hard Work, Immigration, and Gratitude20:25 - Creative Careers & Parental Expectations22:30 - From Breakdancing to Cinematography27:50 - Dance, Film, and Identity34:00 - Blocking as Choreography38:15 - Why We Love Documentaries43:51 - A Brief History of the Future (PBS Doc)49:50 - Tech Talk: FX3, Ronin RS3 Pro, and 4D55:00 - Building Creative Family & Business57:45 - Meeting DJ Sharon & Starting Together1:01:00 - Experimentation, Music, and Vis#BeyondTheScenes#FilmmakerInterview#Cinematography#BreakdancerToDP#ImmigrantStories#AsianAmericanVoices#DJIRonin4D#FilmmakingJourney#CreativeProcess#ChickenFarmToFilmSet#VietnameseAmerican#DocumentaryLife#PBSDocumentary#PaulWInterview#DanceAndFilm#BlockingIsChoreography#FilmSetVibes#BehindTheScenes#GimbalRig#VisualStorytelling#RoninRS3Pro#SonyFX3#DPWorkflow#IndieFilmmaker#CreativeCouples#ImmigrantExperience#FilmmakingTips#ContentCreators#RepresentationMatters#CultureAndArt
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