Breaking Barriers: Advice from a female filmmaker

Breaking Barriers: Advice from a female filmmaker

Alissa Rooney November 3, 2023

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In a time of visual storytelling, a significant change is underway within the film industry. Women filmmakers are stepping into the spotlight, weaving narratives that captivate hearts and minds while reshaping the fabric of cinematic expression. Alissa Rooney, a gifted cinematographer based in the bustling heart of Los Angeles, has a passion for visual storytelling and the educating of future generations. Below, she talks about her rise in the industry and offers her best advice to budding Cinematographers.

Picture perfect. Alissa's journey started with a fascination with cameras. She explains, I got into photography when I was in middle school. I picked up a point and shoot camera that my mom had that we would use on family vacations. Instagram was just becoming popular, and I was forming an interest in photographing flowers. Alissa's passion for photography and crafting images started to blossom and grow. She adds, I ended up taking darkroom in high school and college and learned more about the fundamentals of photography. This is where I really learned the foundations of how to capture an image.

Alissa and her mom

The road to Cinematography began at a young age, with visits to local sets. Alissa recalls I grew up in LA and I remember during high school, my mom would take me on studio tours. We went to Paramount and Warner Brothers, and I found I had a fascination with that. My uncle worked at CBS Studios, and we would go to show tapings and sit in live audiences. I used to love watching the camera crew do their work, even more than watching the actors. It drew me into exploring that major in college.

Alissa's passion developed further in college, as she learned how the industry worked. She explains, I found a place where I felt like I finally fit in and could see myself growing. This is where I became very ambitious. I would hop on bigger sets outside of school, learned how to build a network, and understood what needed to be done to become successful in this field. I found a career path and worked hard at it. I shot loads of projects, met many people outside of college and got a good internship. It was the perfect alignment of everything at once. This is around the time that I discovered my deep passion for cinematography.

Alissa in 2016 shooting photos on her Canon 60D on a trip to Dover Castle

A pivotal time for women in film. Men have historically dominated filmmaking. In recent times, more women are entering the industry and being recognized on the international stage. Alissa shares her experience of being a woman behind the camera. It doesn't normally cross my mind that I'm typically surrounded by men. I've been fortunate enough in my career to surround myself with a lot of men and women that support me fully, who build me up and ultimately improve our work in the long run. I was fortunate enough to start my journey in this industry at a pivotal time for women. There are so many that have gone before me to pave a path for me to do this job with little resistance, and I'm very grateful. There is still so much work to be done, but I don't think of being a female cinematographer as a burden or barrier. I think of it as an exciting challenge for myself and for many to come after me who get to chart fresh territory and tell impactful stories with different perspectives.

I'm very lucky to get to say this, and I know it is not everyone's experience. I have not felt as though I've needed to try harder just because of my gender. I've always just focused on putting 100% into my work, learned where my weak spots are and worked to fill those gaps through reading, videos and coffee meetups. I constantly remind myself to treat everyone with the same kindness, respect, and generosity no matter the role on set.

Alissa shooting a case study in early 2021 on her Panahead with the DXL2

Inspirational women. Having strong women role models has helped Alissa with her career progression. She adds, my mom and my grandmother have always been my greatest supports. They taught me not only how to be diligent, hardworking, a strong leader but also how to be kind, empathetic, and caring. All those characteristics go hand in hand with the role of a cinematographer. They have been an immense support in my pursuit of cinematography, always encouraging me every step of the way.

Aside from Alissa's strong family support, seeing women breaking new ground is both inspirational and motivational. The Greta Gerwig directed summer blockbuster Barbie,' is the highest-grossing movie directed by a woman in US box-office history. Barriers are continuing to be broken in an industry that men have traditionally dominated, Alissa explains, I am extremely proud of Greta and everything she's accomplished. She continues to grow as a major role model for women looking to enter the entertainment industry. She is always very methodical in her choice of films and always seems to inspire me with every story she tells. I'm so excited to continue to follow her career. I think she's making major leaps for women in the industry, like Rachel Morrison getting the Best Cinematography nomination a few years ago. They are breaking barriers and it's so important for the future of female filmmakers.

Alissa and team in Los Angeles on a Frame.io product launch against an LED wall in the fall of 2022

No compromising on cinema equipment. Filmmaking brings about many technical challenges that require precision and little room for failure. Alissa explains the need for equipment that matches up to the rigors of set life On every project we shoot on OConnor supports and use Anton/Bauer batteries, because those are the industry standard, they can take a bea

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