Roman Vasyanov is a Cinematographer/ Film Director and Director Of Photography based in Moscow, Russia. Since his father was a photographer for the Soviet propaganda magazine USSR, Roman learned early on what he wanted to do and ended up getting his first still camera at twelve years old.

He graduated in 2003 from VGIK (the all-Russian film institute) and in 2004, won an award of the 24th Vgik film festival for the best student cinematography film “Alive.”

Now, he has shot more than 300 commercials and some feature films; one of those movies ‘The Hipsters’ was nominated for a Golden Globe and won 5 Nika awards (Russian Oscar), including Best Cinematography.  Roman also shot the short film ‘The Gift’ with director Carl Erik Rinsch for RSA (Ridley Scott Association) and Philips Cinema, and won the Grand Prix Award at the 2010 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the Film Craft category.

Two of the films he recently worked on were ‘End Of Watch’ (Directed by David Ayer/ Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña) and ‘The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman’ (Directed by Fredrik Bond/ Starring Shia LaBeouf and Aubrey Plaza). Since ‘End Of Watch’ was shot with unconventional camera coverage, in addition to the normal camera set up, Gyllenhaal and Peña also had cameras strapped to their chest in order to get a POV shot; which made them have to think about the camera in terms of a character. He has been nominated at the 2013 Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography for the movie “End of Watch.”

Photography provided by himself

How did working in film come about? Was working in film something you always knew you wanted to do?

My father was photographer so I was growing up walking with him around old Moscow center taking pictures. After that we always developed them together in our bathroom. The process of seeing how the image comes alive on white print paper in darkness, with the only red light working, was quite enough for little to soviet boy, to understand that it’s kind of his future!

What classes/degree did you take to get ahead in this field?

I was graduating from VGIK, The All Russian cinematography institute in Moscow, it’s a very famous film school with very classical academic education. My master was Vadim Usov , he shot 4 Tarkovsky movies including such a master peace as Anrew Rublev and Solyris. It was amazing time in my life we were shooting on old soviet BW film with maskitos on emulsion of the film and just to get any image out of it was great result!

Have you had any mentors along the way?

I met a lot of great people on my way, and the biggest support they gave me it was trust! And because they mean a lot to me, I always trying to fulfill their expectations.

Describe what the typical duties are of a Cinematographer.

It’s complex question, mechanically it’s framing and lighting, but it’s also multi-level management! DP responsible for speed of production and atmosphere on set, also he has to be extremely smart with decision because it’s usually means time. He has to be directors right hand and help him and support in every possible situation, without crossing line of respect.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about this job?

Early wake ups!!!!

What does a typical day, for you, look like being in the movie business?

If I’m on set, it’s like being on the war. All your body aches, and you have no life and sleep, no weekends. When there no shoots, I try to stay with my family and travel a lot for inspiration and watching movies of course.

‘End Of Watch’

Do you have a memorable story you would like to share from being on set?

Millions of them! We were  shooting End Of Watch in South Central LA, and because it was Police drama, we always had a lot police officers around, so one day David Aier asked me to check one location a grocery store which was one block down, we went there with my gaffer to check where we can put lights , and in a moment we turned around and notice police officer standing in store’s  doors, we though he was our guy because set was so close , but turned his head and said “ Down on the floor”. We laid down and heard some shooting. As we realized later we were right in the middle of THE REAL police operation, there were shooting two giant gang members right a block from our set ….

‘End Of Watch’

One of the films you recently finished working on, End Of Watch, was shot with unconventional camera coverage. In addition to the normal camera set up the actors, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, also had cameras strapped to their chest in order to get a POV shot. The actors operated the cameras themselves and had to think about the camera in terms of a character. How did that process go? Did you have to give them a lot of direction?

No Jake and Michel were super supportive and NO problem. You can read about it in September American Cinematographer or Camera guild magazine.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards have nominated you for Best Cinematographer for you work in End Of Watch, what were your feelings when you heard about this?

I didn’t know what it is, so I didn’t really feel anything, but I’m happy that the movie got such great response! Because it’s only 22 days movie!

Besides working on films you also do commercials, three of which were all directed by Fredrik Bond; the Pepsi “Now In A Moment,” the PUMA commercial “Live Life, Don’t Watch It,” and a Budweiser commercial. They all have wonderful concepts. Which was your favorite to do?

I think puma! Great mood and fantastic cast, so real and nice. Truly love it; I think the best commercial always comes up from total creative freedom when agency trusts to Director and DOP they choose.

The Pepsi “Now In A Moment” commercial is partially unique in the way it “stops time”. What special effects make that possible? 

We were using motion control system, and the rest were made on CGI in LA MILL.

Another movie you recently worked on was The Death of Charly Countryman with actor Shia LeBeouf. Can you tell us a little bit about how that filming process went? What is the theme/storyline of the film?

It’s a great movie, just finished DI in Stockholm, premier will be on Sundance in January, so will see how it will be, but anyway it’s a great Love story kind a Easter European Slumdog millionaire.

What other projects are you currently working on? 

Right now just commercials; want to take some break from movies a little bit.

Being from Russia, what is the biggest difference from working on a film in America vs. back home?

I think it’s better to shoot big movies like Transformers and so on, but for small dramas sometimes it’s too hard with all system and unions.

What are you career goals?

To shoot good movies which I would like to watch as well

If you could work with your choice of directors/ actors who would they it be?

I’m open to anyone who has passion and talent.

What’s the best and worst part about working in the film industry?

The best you are meeting a lot great people, the worst you have no home, you always travel.

Being in this industry you must get to travel to a lot of different places. What has been your favorite place so far?

Siberia, the most amazing and unexplored place on earth, amazing!

Do you have any advice for future cinematographers?

Love what you do.