Gavin Godinez has been a very busy film student, both inside and outside the classroom, soaking up all the opportunities The Sidney Poitier New American Film School offered him in its Semester in LA program at its Los Angeles location, where the aspiring cinematographer is earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in film and media production.
Between Godinez’s internship, his work as The Poitier Film School’s communications assistant student worker and his capstone project, he still made time for industry site visits, exclusive film screenings and talkbacks with Oscar Award-winning filmmakers, including “Anora” writer and director Sean Baker.
The Phoenix native began his college education at Scottsdale Community College. When it came time to figure out next steps, he was having a hard time making up his mind on a degree track.
That was, until he toured the ASU Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center in downtown Mesa, home to many of The Poitier Film School’s Arizona-based filmmaking facilities, classes and events. Godinez quickly fell in love with the facility and its resources.
“It truly felt like a no-brainer,” Godinez said.
We spoke to Godinez about the creative and career inspirations he found during his semester in Los Angeles and what’s next for the young filmmaker.
Question: What made you want to pursue a film degree? What was your “aha” moment?
Answer: I have known I wanted to pursue a film degree since I was around 8 years old. My parents used to get me Lego figures, and I would make short films with them using a cheap camcorder. It was that and “Star Wars” for me; “A New Hope” blew my mind as a kid. It was just such a beautiful film that still inspires me.
Q: What made you want to participate in the Semester in LA program?
A: LA sounded like such a fun time and something that would further my career — and it really has! I’ve been out here making friends and enjoying every minute of it, from my internship experience to the constant events I’ve been attending inside and outside of class.
Q: What’s been most inspirational about your time in Los Angeles?
A: I’ve done so many fun things since being out here, I got invited to a free music and fashion mixed show for H&M and saw Doechii & PinkPantheress.
I also love seeing films at indie theaters and at the Academy Museum (of Motion Pictures); it’s been almost a weekly thing for me. They almost always have Q&As after the screenings, like the one for “Anora” my roommate told me about. We got to hear from Academy Award-winning writer and director Sean Baker and get advice from an important filmmaker. We also got to go to the Academy Museum and see all the producers of the best-picture nominees and network with other filmmakers, which was such a cool experience.
Q: What has getting real working experience in the industry through your internship been like?
A: I’ve been working as a prep technician intern at Evidence Cameras in Glassell Park. I essentially help prep orders for clients coming into our rental house, and in my off time, I get to play with the cameras and meet new people. It’s also gotten me some work opportunities, including as a production assistant on the music video for the rapper IDK and his song “MARiO COiNS.”
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: The capstone sequence taught me so much. I literally spent hours working on so many different parts of my project as a cinematographer. I also worked as a creative producer, and it taught me how to fund a film. It showed me how to put together an all-star and incredible crew like we did on “Bury Your Gaze” and how to truly work among your peers and collaborators which I had the pleasure of doing.
Q: Is there a particular professor who really made an impact on you?:
A: Professor Philip Klucsarits, easily. I asked him for a lot of advice over the last semester about my capstone and just general advice on how to keep thriving, and he was always just there to listen and give me the best advice. He is one of the most heartwarming and caring professors and taught me so many tips and tricks about cinematography. He is someone who will stick with me past graduation.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I am applying to jobs in LA and continuing my creative work out here. I have a few leads and am getting some help through my internship connections that will hopefully help me to continue my LA journey. I’m hoping to get some work at rental houses and some smaller set roles while I work on my long-term goal of landing jobs as a cinematographer for bigger-budget indie films and music videos.
Q: If you were given a blank check to fund your own creative project, what would you make?
A: I’d love to make a visual album like “Endless” by Frank Ocean or “Purple Rain” by Prince. Those artsy films combine my two favorite things: music and movies. I would also help fund a movie like “The Truman Show” or “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” something that makes me just want to cry my eyes out.