Think More Shoot Less - The Jason Lee Interview

Jason Lee Film Photography and the Importance of Printing Images
www.daverollans.com/blog/

[@ederruiz9672]

Jason Lee is one of the coolest dudes in the world. So much talent.

[@tommy1138]

Jason Lee is the MAN. Always been a fan of Stereo and the creativity that company produced. I'm also glad that he finally left the Church Of Scientology, moved his family to Texas and is livin' the dream.

[@jaywhangmakes]

I was like - is he that Jason Lee? Then I look at your comment and I was like: he IS that Jason Lee.

[@LittleMissIssues]

Oh goodness I didn't know he was in scientology. Yes, glad he made his way out of that. Wow!

[@ginotarabotto]

Dude's voice has not changed one bit. Love Jason Lee.

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

You mean Earl.

[@TracyClayton]

Gotta appreciate someone as passionate as Jason Lee about the craft and process of analog photography.

[@sharvo6]

While at the same time envying his budget

[@Paulywogg]

His excitement for photography is infectious. I really miss seeing this dude on my TV screen every week. Great video!

[@LittleMissIssues]

Gosh, I have loved him from back in his skating days!! Now I love him even more!!! Xoxox Jason. Kiss your puppers for me!! :)

[@JustinTorrento]

A very good interview. Your questions redeem his passion. His passion invigorates photography.

[@FrankoFM2]

Absolutely brilliant interview I could listen to this guy all day! 👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@eyewandersfoto]

Awesome little interview. Jason and I agree. Discovered his work a while back and it's some lovely stuff. This and the mini-doco Texas roadtrip are great. He's got a nice perspective. Thanks for this.

[@acidsnow5915]

this guy is just amazing! watched his video on ilfords channel and it was amazing! thanks for sharing all this great content with us! always appreciate watching videos like this!

[@minorart]

Thanks, Dave for this intimate look at such a creative icon in our community. The devotion that Jason brings to his work is both invigorating and inspirational to those of us that greatly admire his art. One would do well to be as intrinsically rewarded by any pursuit, as much as this man. Great interview.

[@alittlecrinkley232]

Enjoyed it, thanks... True skating legend. Appreciate his work since the early Stereo days. talented dude.

[@LivingSpiritism]

Really really fascinating interview. What an interesting guy! I only use my camera to make digital videos, but hearing Jason talk about his passion for film is really inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing this content.

[@The_Mister]

Love watching Jason Lee talk about photography. Thanks for this interview.

[@breannavince3706]

Forever crushing on Jason Lee❤️

[@Crewchief227]

It wasn't until this last week that I found out he's a photographer. It's amazing how a lot of us creatives have lived similar lives, granted I've never been an actor, but was a skater, outcast, now a full time painter and photographer. This is awesome

[@jakeaaron]

I think skating teaches you to look at the world and your environment in a different/creative way. To see the potential in every object/place. *I grew up skating as well*

[@malikjabari7843]

Love this! Got a few gems from his experience.

[@omomom84]

I love this guy! Cool skateboarder, great actor and even better photographer. All the best J.!

[@terryroth2855]

Just seen this interview with Jason Lee. Great to see him so involved with film photography.

[@williamshaffer9216]

What a great interview. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!

[@pfiltz]

Great interview. Didn't know he was a film shooter. I love 120 and 5x4. I just closed my studio of 15 years in which I shot mainly digital, but had a makeshift darkroom. I scanned most of my 5x4's but also dabbled in printing with an old beseler enlarger... ;)

[@slimnics]

Excellent work. Interesting to know his gear and thoughts.

[@MoisheLettvin]

All those boxes of 8x10 Polaroid film... omg. Great interview, thank you!

[@dbxniker7484]

dude is just in love with the camera

[@SlavaVeres]

Oh wow what a great interview! Merci!

[@adamm4926]

Awesome interview. Thank you for sharing.

[@mediamannaman]

Not sure how I stumbled upon this, but glad I did. I live in Texas and have been wondering what to take pictures of. Turns out I need not wonder at all. It's out there, even in the old leftover stuff from days gone by.

[@jaeAre200]

Great interview, always been a fan of Jason Lee, didn't realize he was so huge into photography. Makes me like him even more. Great lighting in the video btw, great shadows and warm colors.

[@DavesFilmLab]

Thanks a bunch!

[@carterhewlett]

As a cinematographer if I was on a shoot and Jason Lee came over and wanted to start chatting about lighting, cameras, and cinematography I lose my shit and 100% fan out and probably talk shit like I didn't know anything. I've shot plenty of celebs/icon/talent over the years and never really get fazed. But I be like a giggling school girl if I was on set with Jason Lee haha. Such a legend.

[@DavesFilmLab]

One of my favorite skateboarders of all time, that’s for sure. Along with Willy Santos

[@carterhewlett]

@@DavesFilmLab Yes! Willy was awesome. Still is, I follow him on IG

[@DavesFilmLab]

@@carterhewlett Was blessed that, growing up, Willy Santos lived two blocks from my folks place so got to skate with him back in the 90’s. One of THE nicest and most pure individuals that I’ve ever met in skateboarding. I’m hyped that you follow him, he’s a great skater but also an amazing human being

[@MarkHoltze]

Dave! Great content man, what the heck! HUGE fan of SHOOT less THINK MORE! As an editor I appreciate that as well and when I do shoot I want my images to have purpose and intent. I tend to over think everything, but I feel the results are worth it. Also love that interview setup you've got there with Mr Lee. Vintage CAMERA GEAR is my JAM MAN! Great stuff, I'm in!

[@josephasghar]

What a great algorithm recommendation! Fab interview.

[@DavesFilmLab]

Sweet! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@vivianpurplemess]

That was such an inspiring interview ,thank you. wonder if he achieved what he wanted.

[@_nomote_]

Jason Lee is one of my biggest inspirations.

[@vangstr]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.

[@CamMead]

Great interview thank you!

[@thepdxperception9028]

I just started printing a few of my photos. It is so satisfying... this just confirms my thoughts to be printing more and more. Christmas is coming up maybe my photos could be some gifts haha. Great interview. Lee is a legend. RiP Stan!!

[@DavesFilmLab]

The PDX Perception Thanks! Glad to hear!!! In my eyes, an image isn’t a photo until it’s printed

[@lisamichelehutto799]

Oh Jason, you remind me so much of your Dad. He was so proud of you.

[@kelvinsmall6441]

Love Jason Lee

[@robertwebster5526]

awesome video!

[@ekchuahstudios9066]

Very good, I enjoyed it.

[@polozovv]

Oh, man! what a great series of interview! I wonder where you search for music??? It's wonderful and all in same style

[@kinglear5952]

Sternfeld and Christian Berry. I will check them out.

[@therealsaintseiya]

Good stuff! Nice website, bay area photographer here as well

[@johnkraemer5505]

What a great guy!

[@radar7792]

Awesome video

[@carrieannkouri2151]

I learned photography using film over 20 years ago. It is such a tactile fulfilling medium from making the exposure to making the print.

[@DavesFilmLab]

I very much agree with that! Printing IS photography in my eyes, without the physical copy... I feel lost

[@dianeschuller]

It's great to have some of the high profile photographers talking about printing photos. I'm a huge proponent -- and practitioner -- of getting my photos printed.

[@DavesFilmLab]

GOOD! Regardless of the capture medium, I think printing is a crucial step to the photographic process

[@nickfanzo]

I had no idea this dude made photographs. Neat

[@ErikObjectenco]

A great actor. As a photographer

[@Photographicelements]

I love watching photographers talk about their passion (that's a hint to make more;).

[@DavesFilmLab]

Photographic elements Thanks! There will definitely be more. Next interview is really good and will be live next Thursday :)

[@mrgregpappas]

Just came across the channel. Subscribed.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Nicely done! I had no idea Jason Lee was a film guy.

[@DavesFilmLab]

Film Photography Channel Thanks! Yea, he’s doing some great work documenting Texas & Oklahoma. His book “A Plain View” is definitely worth checking out and his dedication to print is my big reason for wanting to interview him

[@EDHBlvd]

Nice work.

[@alpineflauge909]

thank you

[@Brendan9674]

That was really well done. Thanks. P.S. Since you know where he lives, what say we Burglarize the place and boost all that nice Polaroid Film.....

[@JonflipXXX]

Good questions. The only thing that was some kind of annoying was the constant music in the video. For me, it was abit hard to focus on the interview the whole time. But i'm glad i watch it.

[@lawrencerinehart5747]

Charlie Brown music.

[@aprendedefinlandiaconunfin9359]

For me too. And especially because it was annoying jazz.

[@elangeldelamusica]

nice, thank you.

[@666Nasky]

LEGENDDDDDDD

[@pizzamana]

didn't realize that was *the* Jason Lee, was listening in the background

[@matteomesisca9368]

Amo jason lee! E stato fantastico nei film di alvin e i chipmunks e nel film disney gli incredibili

[@michaelweinblatt9620]

Bones!

[@thetrailtog]

Is that a 20x24 in the background? Great interview. Hope to see more videos like this in the future.

[@DavesFilmLab]

Aaron L. Yhup!

[@bletheringfool]

Great interview. Love hearing people talk passionately about film. Pardon my ignorance but what 'series' is he referring to here?

[@DavesFilmLab]

bletheringfool He’s talking about “A Plain View” which was a documentation of Texas with his 4x5 speed graphic

[@184186]

810 Polaroid... Jason .. please leave me in your will ... long may you live tho!

[@eveanddell]

Who's cooler than Brodie? Great interview.

[@elevatoraccess]

whats the background music when they're showing clips of him???

[@zakofrx]

Didn't know he was a photographer, I read that his ex wife is one but haven't seen anything she has shot(would love to see her in a new Leverage movie) Their are a fair few good actor photographers. Don't like Richard Gear as a person but like his photography. Would love for you to make a video with Jeff Bridges about his photography, as I understand it he shoots with a Widelux.

[@cameraperv8936]

He forgot to add "gentleman farmer" to his resume.

[@sharvo6]

So many guffaws watching Earl; had no idea there was so much more to the human being.

[@JustinChipmunkToyStoryAnimator]

Can’t wait for Alvin and the chipmunks 5 to be released

[@evanmadson]

Yaaassssssss!!

[@sidneywu2123]

I saw a lots of polaroid film.OMG

[@DavesFilmLab]

Sidney Wu Right?!?!!!

[@budclanco]

is earl !!!

[@ryan2stix]

Just shot my first roll of HP5 400 pushed to 1600...fingers crossed after processing I get some some beauties.. I think I am addicted

[@Turbo9987]

Thank god he left that Scientology nuthouse! He's such a brilliant artist!

[@Pezinokrm]

Great interview one tip put your Film in a Freezer it'll keep forever leaving it out at room temperature speeds up the expiration.

[@DavesFilmLab]

Pezinokrm Thanks! Great tip! Doesn’t apply to Polaroid if you read into it cause the chemistry in the pods gets ruined by freezing it

[@bryanotero123]

@@DavesFilmLab put in the vegetable compartment and u good but in a bag,

[@DavesFilmLab]

Bryan Otero Agreed. But can’t put Polaroid in the freezer or it will ruin it

[@jasondeguzman6279]

Charlie!

[@andreasm.7552]

Most amazing thing I learned in this video ist that they have drive-through-liquor-stores in the US? Nice if you are too drunk to walk into a liquor store.

[@alpineflauge909]

love 'em

[@MrDandyCowboy]

Very interesting interview ! Goods questions and mounting. What is a "zine" ? (I'm not an English native speaker)

[@wendylorimer5663]

As in Magazine, usually something more hand made.

[@DavesFilmLab]

Mr_Haricot “Zine” is short for Magazine

[@MrDandyCowboy]

@@DavesFilmLab thanks guys !

[@MrDandyCowboy]

@@wendylorimer5663 thanks guys !

[@faunaflage]

I can't wait to tag that Exxon sign.

[@alpineflauge909]

magic

[@garse70]

It’s like talking about different components for stereos and vinyl. Cool stuff But, I did notice that he likes to center all of his photos. I prefer more, Displeasing to the eye, more uneven and layered.

[@johnhaynes9910]

A really interesting interview so thanks for that. Just one question though, the interview has great "production values" in terms of lighting, sound, backing soundtrack and yet your introduction to it is totally the opposite, is there a reason for that ?

[@DavesFilmLab]

John Haynes Not really sure, just kinda slapped the intro together cause I figured the interview was the important part. Any advice on making a better intro?

[@johnhaynes9910]

@@DavesFilmLab Dave, certainly not, I'm a stills photographer and your interview shows you are very good at making films, it was meant as a genuine comment. I know from my own experiences of having spent so much time behind the lens, doing self portraits is a nightmare for me, how people can amass 500 "selfies" on their mobiles just amazes me ! Perhaps as an experiment you could get a suitably qualified friend to shoot and direct a couple of intros ? The point is, whilst you don't want to overshadow the talent you are interviewing, you are important too, this probably doesn't help but keep on with your output, its very good !

[@FotosyMas.]

Great interview. I think film is great as long as you end up printing in a darkroom. The moment you shoot film and the end product is a digital scan I think you are doing film a disservice. I still have a couple of film cameras that I shoot from time to time but I find that shooting my Leica M240 and editing the DNG file brings me 99% the look of film and the shooting experience compared to my M6.

[@DavesFilmLab]

DarkRami Great point! I used to do a lot of darkroom printing but prefer scanning heavily over darkroom printing at this point. Everyone’s different but for my workflow, the base has to be film. Shooting my 4x5 just has a feeling and look that I can’t achieve any other way and the limitation of knowing I have limited exposures, and a chemical process to get my images... makes me think more for each individual exposure. It’s not that one can’t shoot that way digitally, it’s just the tool that I enjoy the most to make my images. There’s no right or wrong way to do it so long as you print your images ;) especially archival fiber paper on pigment inks

[@FotosyMas.]

Dave Rollans Films If you shoot large format then yes I agree there’s no way you can get the same out of current digital equipment.

[@xtraflo]

I always felt Ryan Reynolds stole Jason's comic persona...

[@thomaselliott2046]

The Piano backing I found to be a huge distraction.

[@shadcovert1160]

Did I just see him on Shark Tank?

[@marjansarec2337]

cant get used to him not having a mustache

[@fallennate]

interview with Mike Blabac?

[@DavesFilmLab]

I'd love to interview him, I'll reach out and see if he comes to California often

[@isuckatgaming7225]

Really nice, but why so much edit ?

[@adammiller8096]

Omg this is over 15 minutes, not sure I can do that.

[@charl0tte120]

Is that Dave from Alvin and the chipmunks?

[@salsaucy2547]

Yep

[@ermonski]

Would you like a chocolate covered pretzel

[@ryanneilan3223]

Would love an upload of this with no music/lower music during the interview. It's super distracting.

[@LycheeCamp]

what are you 80 years old? i can hear and understand him just fine.

[@tomf4087]

I got degree in photography as digital was beginning in very late 90s early 00s. It was not knowing if u had results until u develop. I fell out of it when digital took over. I hate computers. I was also a skateboarder for 20 years. Jason was one of the best skateboarders of the early to mid 90s. With world at his feet, and board. Acting paid more I should think.

[@tj-kv6vr]

nice if you have a darkroom,but...

[@ElefonteAzul]

Unpopular opinion. I love Jason lee, however, if he was just some random dude on Instagram would any of his photos get any true praise?

[@rollingnome]

Great stuff, but would've preferred not to have had a repetitive jazz loop accompanying Jason's talk. Just distracts somewhat.

[@senior_ranger]

Turn off the goddamn music noise!

[@rickbowers6995]

I like him but his photography not

[@rkgaustin9043]

That piano in the background is annoying and detracts from the interview.

[@nastynate838]

if you can't afford film , just shoot digital and find a decent print shop. i wish film photographers would stop advocating that film is better . most photographers who shoot film don't know shit about photography . they just want everyone to know that they shoot with a Leica(which is amazing btw) or some other film camera . the camera doesn't make you a photographer .

[@DavesFilmLab]

C Y Totally agree! At the end of the day... printing your photos is the most important part. That said... film isn’t nearly as expensive as people make it seem. I process all my own film including color films and it keeps it cheap. Film isn’t better, it’s just different in the way it makes you think more about each exposure. That’s my 2 cents, great points by the way!

[@dx3200]

and I wish that you had a bit of brain.