AC: Taylan Ceylan
“I’ve known Taylan since the beginning of his career. We first met on a short film with Cinematographer, Matt Wood and shortly after ran into each other at Lemac whilst I was delivering a talk on gimbals.
I have to say, I’ve worked with Taylan in many settings over the years, and if I hit him up to jump on a job, and he’s not available... it’s a blow! Hardworking and a pleasure to shoot with, he’s the AC I’m always reccomending when someone asks who’s my favourite.”
FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW YOU, CAN YOU TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF HOW YOU GOT INTO THE INDUSTRY AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BE AN AC ?
Enjoying Media Studies in high school and being good at it, I decided to pursue film studies after high school. Through the years spent furthering my education at RMIT I naturally fell into the camera department. Not the most interesting story but a sure way to get yourself into this line of work.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH ON SET?
I have a ‘get the job done’ attitude while still maintaining the utmost care for others I work with. This is important to me because I see high stress environments and people losing themselves in their work. So, trying to keep the human connection is what makes us go home at night with a smile on our faces.
THE MOST EXOTIC PLACE YOU’VE WORKED IN?
The Northern Territory, AUS. Red, hot, barron but incredible. From rolling down the Stuart highway on a quad bike, running through 15hr days in the 40 degree heat or watching controlled burn offs in the desert. It's definitely an experience.
WHAT ELEMENTS OF THE FILM INDUSTRY DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING TO NAVIGATE?
Navigating the politics of crew on larger film sets. To put it simply, it is a delicate ecosystem.
TOP 3 FAVOURITE FILMS, AND WHY?
Okay…
The character's journey in good and bad. Breaking down standards in society and exploring them.
2/ Wall-e
Simple feel-good movie that really shows what the world can come to or is heading towards.
3/ Dune
An epic movie that looks great and characters that play their roles to perfection.
The list could go on, but I feel this is a good range of the types of films I love…
IN TERMS OF YOUR LINE OF WORK, IS THERE A CAMERA THAT YOU ENJOY WORKING WITH THE MOST?
Any ARRI camera is usually a great choice for versatility and image quality. Because of their ergonomic design, they are loved by DOPs, ACs and Camera Ops alike. In most cases you can't go wrong.
ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Mmm this is a hard one!
I won't pick a small tool because that’s impossible, so I'd say my trolley is the most important for so many reasons. Having a station to do all your work, keeping it clean and quick. Customised to suit my workflow thanks to my uncle, who was kind enough to help me build it.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ONE OF YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES ON SET ?
It would have to be the time spent chatting with Hugo Weaving on set and exchanging stories like I've known him forever. A real gem of the industry and an unforgettable exchange.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
To be very honest… my main goal for the future would be to just enjoy the job I have. We easily forget how lucky we are and I am just so thankful to be in the position I'm in. So, enjoying every day of it is the real goal, but also to work on more big budget feature films is another objective of mine.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM PROJECT?
Well, it would be a dream to work on a Star Wars movie or series.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE COULD YOU SHARE TO BUDDING AC’s?
Just do it.
If you're interested just start somewhere. Everyone's path is different, even when we are ultimately chasing the same goal. It will be tough but nothing awesome is ever easy.
Get in touch and
view his work here.
