CHEF CURTIS DUFFY

DIRECTOR

I had 3 days of shooting with 3 Michelin Star Chef, Curtis Duffy. The client wanted him to record introductions to various topics covered in a culinary program along with a demonstration of a cooking technique. We ended up with some extra time on one of the shoot days, so I quickly pivoted in order to do a bonus sit down interview that numerous pieces of content were pulled from.

As a director, it is critical to connect with my interview subjects before we start rolling. It’s critical to make them feel comfortable and to build trust, or you will get a surface level interview every time. I think the connection I had with Chef Duffy is apparent when he speaks about the power of teachers. What you don’t hear is me sharing with him beforehand about a teacher that was particularly meaningful to me as a child that experienced hardship. I have found being vulnerable as a director during the interview creates an atmosphere where people feel free to express themselves.