Interview with Daniel Levin, Director of Photography for Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story

Get ready to be inspired! We had the privilege of sitting down with Daniel Levin, the DP of Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story, to talk about the power of projects with a social impact and creating work that you can truly be proud of. This unscripted documentary series recounts the life and legacy of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African-American high school student who was shot and killed in 2012 by neighborhood watch member George Zimmerman. The series includes interviews, home videos, family photos, and news footage, and addresses cultural and societal issues surrounding the tragedy.

We asked Daniel about his background and career path, and how it led him to work on such a socially impactful story. He shared his passion for documentary filmmaking and his focus on telling stories that define the challenges in urban America.

As a DP, Daniel worked closely with the directors to create the look of the show. They wanted to capture the textures and feeling of the real environments where the tragedy and subsequent story took place. They also wanted to present the parents of Trayvon Martin in a light that showed their strength and courage, while reflecting the media pressure they have lived with since the tragic event took place.

Daniel used two Sony FS7 cameras for all interviews, stacked in a wide and tight position, and predominantly used the Canon Cinema Zooms CN-E 30-105mm and CN-E 15.5-47mm for sit-down interviews with a close-up and wide shot. For lighting, they used Astra Bi-color light Panels and LiteMats, which fit well in compact spaces.

We also asked Daniel how he ensures that he consistently makes work he’s proud of. He believes it’s important to keep pushing yourself in this business, especially in the documentary world. He approaches each new project with an understanding of how it can compel his film education forward, whether through the story that is being told or through the people he is collaborating with.

We can’t wait to see what’s next for Daniel, as he directs a feature documentary and produces and serves as the cinematographer for an important documentary on education in America. We’re excited to see how he continues to use his talents to create impactful and inspiring work.