Thomas L. Callaway

Thomas L. Callaway (Los Angeles, California) is currently a well-known cinematographer for his
works in over 125 films worldwide. Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, his family immediately
moved to Waco, Texas, at the young age of six months, where he grew up as an army brat.
From a large family with his father passing away at a young age, he kept himself busy. Like
most boys at a young age, he was curious. Unlike most boys at a young age, he discovered the
art of filmmaking. At age twelve, he purchased “the new” Super 8 Camera, and fell in love with
the art of filmmaking . After years of practice, he decided to move himself to Los Angeles at the
age of 19 to pursue a career in filmmaking. He landed his first job on the set as a gaffer and
with great talent, moved on shortly thereafter as a cinematographer. His first feature as a
cinematographer was in 1987, Ghost Riders, filmed in Texas.

In 2022 alone, Callaway has been part of 10 films to his name, one being Give Till It Hurts, which
he directed. His keen eye and his leadership on the set, brought forward a dark comedy, set in
the 80s with many talented artists. To date, Callaway continues to film every day and prides his
success and work ethic from his love and passion for the film industry.


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1. Your project has entered in our festival. What is your project about?

Proudly to share with you, Give Till It Hurts is a dark comedy set in the 1980s about tow brothers seeking the return of their inheritance which was donated to a televangelist.

2. What are your ambitions with your project?
My ambitions is the hope to be seen by a lot of people domestically and internationally.

3. Tell us something about your shooting? What pleasantly surprised you?
The film was shot in LA and of course we had temps over 100 degrees in areas, so we had challenges to ensure everyone was comfortable. My first happiness was we were able to do it collaboratively as a production team to keep things rolling. My overall pleasant surprise is the turnout of the film. It is funnier than I expected!

4. For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
For the most part, I think this will attract those that grew up in the 80s, worked during the 80s or just plain love the 80s and follow the lifestyle and love the 80s era.

5. Why should distributors buy your film?
It is a different film - by that I mean it is realistic in life vs the futuristic type films. It has a lot of hidden humor, and meaning.

6. How would you specify your work? What characterizes your film?
I think my norm is Film Noir, which Give Till It Hurts is not. Give Till It Hurts is a comedy.

7. Why did you decided to become a filmmaker?
Of course, for the love of film. Since 7th grade, and my passion just grew.

8. Who is your role model?
Conrad Hall.

9. Which movies are your favorites? Why?
My top movies: Cool Hand Luke and Midnight Cowboy for drama - dark thrillers followed by Dr. Strangelove

10. Where do you look for inspiration for your films?
I look at real life - whether comedy, drama - I prefer real life

11. Which topics interest you the most?
I would say drama - mystery, murder mystery even better.

12. What do you consider your greatest achievement in your career?
If I had to pinpoint just one, I would say when I directed Broke Sky. It featured at SXSW which I was ecstatic. Secondly, when I hit over 100 films which I was involved. I can't wait for the 150 mark!!

13. What do you consider most important about filming?
The story. It has to be a good story.

14. Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best?
If you mean single camera vs multi camera, I prefer the single camera.

15. How would you rate/What is your opinion about current filmmaking?
Not that impressed, really about current filmmaking. I feel the old way of filmmaking was more realistic and was a challenge, yet it brought a lot of creativity in each project/ film.

16. What can disappoint you in a movie?
Lack of story and too much of nothing.

17. Who supports you in your film career?
I would like to say my audience, my family and my tight knit group of friends. The support keeps me going even on the longest days, knowing someone is ' rooting for my success is enough to keep my driven.

18. What are the reactions to your film? (opinion of spectators, film critics, friends and family)
You know, I've had great responses so far on the film. Not too many have seen it, ' but the few that have seen it say it is funny. So I will have to take their word for it. I think it's funny. (Laugh)

19. Have you already visited any of the prestigious film festivals?
I have been to some film festivals but the top 10 would be SXSW.

20. What are your future plans in filmmaking carriere?
Well, I continue to shoot as cinematographer, but will be filming another feature film as a Director the summer of 2023. I will keep it mysterious for now, but am excited to share with the world.