Jessica Gurney’s work on Death of an Umbrella Salesman is picturesque

Jessica Gurney is a cinematographer known for her work on Naked Vegas (2013), Auction Hunters (2010) and Death of an Umbrella Salesman (2018).

indieactivity : Give a background of your personal experience with the story, writing, production and marketing?
Jessica Gurney : I was filming the last 30 episodes in the Duck Dynasty series in Louisiana. My wife, also on the show, had introduced me to Steve when we lived in Los Angeles filming various reality TV shows. For “Death of an Umbrella Salesman” we were able to “borrow” most of the gear from the show and both worked through our weekends off by staying with some family of mine who live close to where we shot the film in Baton Rouge.

indieactivity : Did you start preparing for production?
Jessica Gurney : I was brought in late to the production. Steve really just sent a script and next we were in a loaded van on our way to film.

indieactivity : How do you breakdown the script? (Do you have a process?)
Jessica Gurney : I read it thoroughly and numerous times to make sure I had an understanding of what Steve wanted my shots to “show” and the “feeling” he wanted to create from a visual standpoint. A great cinematographer who taught me almost everything I know once said, “You should be able to watch a movie on mute, and follow the story to the end. Films tell visual stories, which is really cool when you think about it.

indieactivity : Do you have a science behind what you do?
Jessica Gurney : I’m used to filming reality-style, which is a lot of physical activity and handheld camera movement. “Death of an Umbrella Salesman” was 100% filmed on a non-moving tripod so it was a completely different experience for me. I do love science!

indieactivity : How did you work with your crew on this project?
Jessica Gurney : A good crew is comprised of people who enjoy and thrive by wearing multiple hats, and that is something we did have. The challenging part is diving into a production with all new people when time is tight. Trust and a flow have to be built pretty quickly. I think things went pretty smoothly though. I know I had fun!

indieactivity : During production, what scene (that made the cut) was the hardest to shoot?
Jessica Gurney : For this production, it wasn’t any particular scene. The rain scene was tricky to produce, but not so much for me behind the lens. The most challenging scene is always the first one shot. I’m meeting talent for the first time, getting on the same page as the director visually and setting the tone for the film… and also the production itself. It’s a story in of itself, as we know.

indieactivity : What works better in this latest production that mightn’t have worked so well in the last one you did?
Jessica Gurney : I almost felt like I wasn’t doing enough. Most of my experience comes from reality TV, with that I was used to stretching my back and gearing up to carry 40 lbs. on my shoulder for a 12-hour day.  This film needed a specific tone and feel, and we filmed on sticks. I have to admit it was a nice vacation for my back!

indieactivity : You produced and shot the film, what measure of input did it take to do these hats?
Jessica Gurney : I shot the film yes, Steve and I were arm in arm on every shot, discussing frame, exposure, how to make it better etc. I have a great eye, so there wasn’t TOO much talking. 😉

indieactivity : Is there anything about the independent filmmaking business you still struggle with?
Jessica Gurney : No

indieactivity : Where do you think your strengths lie as a cinematographer?
Jessica Gurney : Being a leader and a team player on a set makes my job, and everyone else’s, a lot easier. I think it’s important to stay positive, remember we’re all in this together, and just HAVE FUN.

indieactivity : How important is marketing? Do you think a project can make any dent without it these days?
Jessica Gurney : I would say marketing is EVERYTHING. It would be pretty difficult and extremely dumb, not to market your independent film.

indieactiivty : What do you hope audiences get from your film?
Jessica Gurney : A ton of laughs and appreciation for filmmakers.

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