Get an inside look at the unique visual style of HBO’s new documentary series, The Defiant Ones, with DP Charlie Parish. From legendary producers to marquee musicians, this four-part series captures some of the biggest names in the music industry. Parish shares his experience and gear used to lens the series, and gives us some inspiration from his interviews with some of the greatest artists of our time. But it’s not just about the technical aspects of filming. Parish also shares his personal journey, including the ugly side of Hollywood that made him take a break from the industry. He offers advice on how to avoid the pitfalls and stresses the importance of getting everything in writing. But it’s his rapport with Dr. Dre that really shines through. Parish and Dre clicked from the start, bonding over cameras and creativity. Dre’s trust and generosity have propelled Parish to where he is today, and their friendship is a testament to the power of collaboration and inspiration. Check out the series and see the magic for yourself.Get ready to be inspired by the words of Director of Photography, Chris Probst, who worked on HBO’s The Defiant Ones. When asked what he learned about being a successful creative, Probst replied, “Don’t stop.” He emphasized that not everything will turn out as expected, but it’s important to put your heart and soul into your work. Probst also spoke about the importance of not doing anything solely for financial gain, as it will take care of itself if you approach your project honestly and with passion.
Probst had the privilege of working with some of the most successful people in the music industry, including Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. He praised their work ethic and creativity, noting that they never stop creating, even if not every project is a success.
Probst used a Canon C300 and C500 package for filming, and his lens selection varied depending on the shot. He spent three years working on The Defiant Ones, which was a challenging project with an unpredictable schedule. However, Probst believes that the results speak for themselves and is grateful for the opportunity to work on such a brilliant piece.
When asked about his secret to success, Probst credited his true heart and the importance of being a good person to work with. He also spoke about the freedom he was given to bring his own visual aspect to the project, despite not being as involved in pop culture.
Probst’s words are a reminder to never give up on your dreams and to approach your work with passion and honesty.I was given the incredible opportunity to flex my creative muscles and craft a unique style, and to top it off, we had an amazing DP who took our style to the next level. It truly was a collaborative effort and I had an absolute blast. But don’t just take my word for it, check out these other posts for more behind-the-scenes interviews and a peek into the exciting world of filmmaking: