Episode 61: Ava DuVernay

Let's Shoot! with Pete Chatmon

With a firm background in journalism and publicity, Ava seamlessly transitioned her marketing expertise into crafting compelling cinematic narratives spanning documentary, television, and feature films. Ava DuVernay is a versatile Director best known for ‘Origin’, ‘When They See Us’, ‘Selma’, and ‘Queen Sugar’. In this special New Year's Day episode, Pete is joined by Ava as they discuss discovering the magical power of storytelling, the intentions behind her Array community, the intimate relationship between publicity and filmmaking, transitioning from indie films to television production, appreciating the limitless experience while creating “Origin’, and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:03:50) -- Podcast Intro
(00:03:50 - 00:08:00) -- Understanding The Power Of Storytelling
(00:08:00 - 00:11:11) -- Growing Up In Compton
(00:11:11 - 00:13:00) -- Attending UCLA and Pursuing Journalism
(00:13:00 - 00:18:30) -- Interview Preparation
(00:18:30 - 00:23:00) -- Working In Publicity
(00:23:00 - 00:26:00) -- Discovering Magic On The ‘Collateral’ Set
(00:26:00 - 00:31:00) -- Remembering Her Early Short Films
(00:31:00 - 00:36:12) -- The Importance Of Giving Back and Creating Community
(00:36:12 - 00:42:10) -- First Time Directing For Television
(00:42:10 - 00:43:20) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey + Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:43:20 - 00:47:00) -- The Origin Of ‘Origin’
(00:47:00 - 00:56:25) -- Life On The Set Of ‘Origin’
(00:56:25 - 01:07:40) -- ‘Origin’ Transitions, Organized Principals, and Post
(01:07:40 - 01:14:40) -- Director's Approach and Stand Out Moments
(01:14:40 - 01:17:35) -- Post ‘Origin’ Expectations
(01:17:35 - 01:20:20) -- Lighting Round Question
(01:20:20 - 01:23:20) -- Podcast Outro