Bearing Witness: A Name & A Voice

Dylan Trivette grew up in Asheville, NC, where his imagination thrived amidst the wilds of the Appalachian Mountains. His lifelong passion for film was ignited early when scenes from Michael Mann’s The Last of the Mohicans were filmed in his neighborhood. As a teenager, he furthered his interest by experimenting with home movies and avidly watching films from all eras. Dylan attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, earning a BFA in Filmmaking in 2000.

After graduation, Dylan embarked on a career as a documentary filmmaker, traveling to diverse corners of the world such as Kenya, Nepal, Haiti and the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. His experience in documentaries, paired with a background in narrative film, led to opportunities as a Director of Photography for commercials, music videos and marketing promos for major studios. Through his work filming behind-the-scenes content and EPK interviews, Dylan has
benefitted from observing some of the industry’s best cinematographers, gaffers and key grips.
This real-world education has influenced his aesthetic, empowering him to blend narrative visual cues and intentional lighting with a naturalistic, verité approach. In 2020, Dylan joined the International Cinematographers Guild as a camera operator, with great admiration for the crews he works alongside.

For his ECA selection, Bearing Witness: A Name & A Voice, Dylan collaborated with Director Dina Rudick and three long-time colleagues to explore the compelling narratives of four investigative journalists at The Boston Globe. Dylan aimed to enrich the storytelling with a blend of visceral and meditative camera work, immersing the audience in the journalists’ perspectives. Utilizing the Canon C500 Mark II, and the unique characteristics of the Canon Sumire lenses, Dylan ensured a small, on-set footprint while maintaining a purposeful, visual consistency throughout the documentary.

“Being recognized by ICG holds deep, personal significance for me as a cinematographer specializing in documentary work. It’s not only validating, but also a testament to the impact of our small, agile and multi-hyphenate team,” says Dylan.

Currently, Dylan is working on the final season of Stranger Things, filming marketing promos and EPK interviews. When not behind a camera, he’s often traveling or hiking in the mountains with his wife while preparing for his next project.