1. Home
  2. The Stage 32 Blog

Filmmaker Files: The Director/DP Relationship, Part 1

Anna Henry April 2025 Drama Lab
Posted by James Kicklighter
My name is James Kicklighter, and I am a Stage 32 Thought Leader and a multi-award-winning Film Director and Producer. I have been fortunate to direct documentaries (The Sound of Identity), narrative films (Angel of Anywhere), and advertising across the country and around the world.
 
For the first time in my career, I am now working with representation! I'm managed by RAIN through a connection that I made at a Stage 32 in-person meetup, and my latest film, The American Question, is represented by UTA. I was fortunate to have some great mentors on this journey, and I want to take some time to share some knowledge from this path. My Stage 32 vlog series, Filmmaker Files will explore the different creative relationships of a director, hopefully helping you understand the things I did not at the beginning of my career.
 
Our first guest is my collaborator and friend, Emmy-nominated Director of Photography Jonathan Pope (The Social Dilemma). Jonathan is my longest creative relationship, with over 17 years of work together. As well as being a fellow Stage 32 Thought Leader. In our discussion, we talked about everything from the technical knowledge a director needs to have, to clarity of communication with the crew. I hope that the depth of our experiences together helps you evaluate your role on set.
 
 
More of this great conversation will be coming soon and you won't want to miss part 2!
 

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Emily at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32 , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .

10 Mistakes Screenwriters Make When Querying
Authentic Stories: The Importance Of Diversity & Inclusion In Film & Television
 
 

Search Stage 32 Blog

register for stage 32 Register / Log In
Register for FREE Stage 32 Membership
Members sign in here