Lawson Cross is a Brisbane based Director and DOP who specialises in Music Video Production. With his dark and grungy style, Lawson has worked with some of the biggest Australian artists. On top of this, Lawson is also an extremely talented street photographer. Lawson’s work ethic and commitment to learning and improving his skillset inspired me to improve my own abilities. For any up and coming filmmakers, this is a must read.
Beginnings
I just want to go back to where your interest in filmmaking started?
“There wasn’t ever one specific thing. Since I was young, I just knew that creating things made me happy. I remember there was a rap battle in high school and I filmed it on my phone. It kind of went viral in my school overnight because all the teachers were playing it. Class kind of stopped because everyone just wanted to watch it. I kind of realised I wanted to make videos and signed up for Screen Media Production at University.”
I heard you say once that you would post a photo every day to improve your skills. Can you just kind of dive into this mentality?
“The only reason I learnt anything was because I was scared of not being good enough. I came from a small town, and I was the “hot shot” simply because I could use a computer. I took a gap year to save up money for university. I would work 7 days a week in the grocery store from about 6am to 10am and then come home and just watch hours of filmmaking tutorials. I thought I got competent at editing and then I got to film school and they taught us the exposure triangle on the first day. I was honestly rattled by it. I went out and bought a camera and spent a week researching everything about it. I went out every day to take photos and slowly developed a good eye over time.”
Music Video Production
Can you just break down where it starts?
“It starts with an artist messaging me asking for a price. Then I just listen to the song on repeat and try to just imagine what it feels like. Either it is something I have wanted to attempt for a while, or I really like this one visual and I want to try that.”
The production processes.
“The kind of approach I take with my filmmaking is that I am very matter of fact, analytical and methodical. I will pre plan every part of it and communicate the exact lighting with my gaffer. On the day, 90% of the time we won’t change a thing. By doing that it allows you to bite off bigger shots and ideas. I also do all the big shots ‘to a tee’ beforehand just so I don’t fuck it up on the day.”
How do you work with an artist? Do you like complete control or is it more of a collaboration?
“I have a very specific style. Artists see this look and want to collaborate. My ideas are always way bigger than the budget though. The more money, the more streamlined it gets, but the less money results in less ambitious freedom.”
Your photography has these characters that you bring to life. Can you just expand break on this process?
“A lot of my inspiration doesn’t come from people but instead pieces. It’s very inspired by 90s grunge and advertising. Like the old PS2 ads and skater mags that you don’t see anymore. Also, renaissance, and religious paintings. These paintings are aligned geometrically with specific lines and layouts. I became inspired by the composition and a single frame telling a story.”
Who are your biggest inspirations? Filmmakers, writers, directors?
“Greg Fraser definitely. I saw the Creator twice in cinemas and it was incredible. Greg only started out being the DOP, but the Batman is my favourite looking film of all time. It is my exact style, the teal and orange rainy cityscape. I love a dark pitch-black image. He is just doing what I do but at the highest degree.”
Your advice to up-and-coming filmmakers / creatives in Brisbane / Australia?
“I would say the biggest thing is knowing when you are being fucked with. A big issue for a lot of people is being led astray. There is a lot of motivational content that is good up to a certain degree. Eventually you must realise when it is time to stop watching self-affirming content. You just must start making your own mistakes and learning on your own. Honestly, just fuck up in private.”
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