How pre-production rigour creates freedom on set Casey Brooks Director & photographer

New York-based Casey Brooks began her visual career shooting stills of friends in her dance community, and as her photographic technique developed so did her keen eye for movement and motion. 

She’s gone on to collaborate with some of the greatest talent in the dance world. To give a flavour: Beyoncé’s choreographer Dana Foglia, MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Michelle Dorrance, Emma Portner, Soraya Lundy, and principal dancers from The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Shen Wei, and Cedar Lake Ballet.

In this episode, Casey explains how she navigates between creative and commercially viable projects, the importance of an awe-inspiring outdoor location and what’s next on her artistic agenda. She reveals the preparation, communication and creative pragmatism that goes into getting a job done on schedule and within budget – from ensuring shots are set up precisely to playing your part in a team.

Find out more about Casey @caseybrooks_

EPISODE INSIGHTS

• How early experiences can make an impression and shape a career

• Why having collaborators who are just as invested as you is crucial

• How to get the best out of a performer

• Subverting the ‘suffering artist’ stereotype

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