3R Collaborator: Kyle Apodaca’s Work on Identity & Leading Projects Solo
3R Collaborator is a curated series highlighting filmmakers whose work embodies creativity, collaboration, and community. The idea is to share the work of these incredible creatives and give them the opportunity to screen, speak on a panel, and share more about themselves through this medium. It’s an exciting development in 3R where we hope to host a huge variety of filmmakers work alongside ours. As we begin this journey, we’re honored to introduce our second collaborator, cinematographer Kyle Apodaca, whose Uniqlo highlights his style, voice, and most favorite project,
Your style leans moody and contemplative, what draws you toward that tone, and where do you think it comes from?
Kyle: I think it comes from the general intention of each story and project. I just happen to gravitate towards emotional connection and it's simply something I enjoy creating for myself.
You’re a one-man band sometimes (lighting, shooting, editing, color) what do you love most about carrying every part of a project yourself? Or what aspect do you enjoy the most?
Kyle: The reward of a one man band shoot is proof of completion. You don't necessarily need a full team for every single production which alone can be difficult. But being able to execute all your ideas in the production side of things tends to be my favorite aspect of the journey.
What’s the biggest challenge of doing things solo, and how do you push through it?
Kyle: The biggest struggle of doing everything solo is being solo. Production is truly a team driven industry and every department has its own art and skillset to elevate a story. Trying to manage all those departments to not just complete but to be effective in your storytelling is challenging.
You’ve been creating spec commercials that still feel art-driven. How do you find that balance between “selling” and “expressing”?
Kyle: Truthfully my spec's always come from expressing. Ironically I do have some point and shoot projects but the intention is just to go out and film. Anyone can make a video to sell a product. But I believe if you're able to emotionally connect with someone and have the story be relatable in whatever capacity, to me it's a different form of selling.
Which project so far feels most like your signature, the one where your style came through strongest?
Kyle: To this day, I believe the Uniqlo SPEC has been my signature project. It comes from a vulnerable time and it was a form of expression with a brand I wear everyday.
What does your process look like when you’re shaping the mood of a piece, do you start with light, with story, with sound?
Kyle: Some projects come different from others, there's no real starting point. But now I've learned music has been my new starting point to help me visualize the structure of the story.
As someone who’s so hands-on, where do you see yourself wanting more collaboration in the future?
Kyle: Anywhere that will allow me to tell a story rather than selling a product.
What’s one commercial or film you’ve seen recently that made you think, “I want to make something that feels like that”?
Kyle: Recently there's a spot for Instagram's Teen Account on vimeo directed by Lana Senaoui I've been rewatching and that's a story I hope to DP in the future.
When people look at your work, what do you want them to walk away feeling?
Kyle: Take it for what it is, at the end of the day I try to film for myself but if anything, if there's any form or relatability then I'm happy.
Tell us a bit about the process and experience of making your Uniqlo spec. The fun parts and challenges, building the vision.
Kyle: At the time, there was something I just wanted to express which was discovering your own identity. It all just came naturally since I was so invested in this idea. No real challenge because I had this clear vision.
