Meet Dallas Dodge | Cinematographer, Filmmaker

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

Hi Dallas, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success thus far in my career is my immense support system. The creatives I surround myself with never fail to lift me up and teach me new things. I owe it to them. I’d be remiss not to credit my parents as well. Each and every day, they support me in my creative journey as a filmmaker. They’ve instilled the confidence in me that’s required to stand out in the entertainment industry.

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 have always been passionate about the arts, whether drawing, painting, music, or photography. While growing up, I enjoyed drawing, in fact my art teacher in grade school even submitted my works to exhibitions around town, where they won awards. As I got older, I became heavily interested in music. My father bought me my first drum set as a young boy, and I would play it so much that my mother had rip me off of it. Later, I got my first guitar, a black and white Fender Strat, which became my new obsession. I enrolled in lessons, learned scales and chords, and just as my fingers became strong enough to hold a tune, I moved on to my next hobby. As a creative person, my interests and hobbies are always evolving, and at this point, I have settled on a rather expensive hobby: film and photography.

My passion for film is rooted in still photography. I find peace in capturing still photos, where it’s just me and the frame. I quickly became fascinated with all the elements of a film set and used my knowledge of still photography in filmmaking. As a cinematographer, I aim to portray actors in the best light. On set, my role is crucial in visually bringing a story to life while making actors look and feel their best.

One of the things I thoroughly enjoy about this industry is that I never show up to work and do the same thing I did the day before. No story, script, or actor is the same. That being said, it presents challenges. As for where I am today, I’m still proving myself and why I deserve to be on set over the next person. Was it easy? No. Will it get easier in years to come? Probably not. However, if you set your ego aside, value others’ opinions, and are willing to make sacrifices, doors will open.

One thing that truly fascinates me is the power of cinema. It’s got the ability to deeply connect people through cultural expression, emotional resonance, and inspiration. Cinema has the power to bring individuals from diverse backgrounds together. As a filmmaker and photographer, I hope to create pictures that resonate with audiences, regardless of their differences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is an great city with so much to offer. I enjoy hanging out with friends in the city, whether we’re shooting, dining, or shopping. If I had the chance to show a friend around Atlanta for the first time, I would definitely take them to Old Fourth Ward and Summerhill, two of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. These areas are vibrant and trendy, which is just my vibe. When it comes to food and drinks, a visit to Eclipse di Luna in Miami Circle for some Latin-inspired grub for sure. Atlanta is famously known as the city of trees and is home to numerous beautiful parks across different neighborhoods. One of my personal favorites is Winn Park in Midtown, a perfect spot to clear your mind. Since Atlanta is a major player in the film industry, checking out one of the city’s production studios would offer a fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s thriving film scene.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to Jackie Collier, the person who sparked my love for cameras and motion pictures. Before I met her, I could barely sit through a full 2-hour film. Now, I’m pursuing my education in Film/TV and a career as a filmmaker; I’m happiest when I’m behind a camera. She was the one who captivated me with the behind the scenes of filmmaking. It was her class in high school that introduced me to the fundamentals of audio and video production. I distinctly remember how Collier always encouraged us as creatives, pushing us to be our best and step out of our comfort zones. Even after a deadline, she would still be focused on how to make that one scene even better! Without her knowledge, trust, and support, I would not be pursuing this path today.

Instagram: @ddrake1503

Image Credits
Alexa Carmona