The Directors: Rebecca Baehler

Rebecca, a Los Angeles native, is a distinguished filmmaker and cinematographer known for her clean, elegant, and memorable visual style. Her career began with Amblin Entertainment, and she honed her craft as an assistant to John Stanier, BSC, working on numerous commercials. This apprenticeship polished her technique, allowing her to create depth and richness in digital cinematography.

Rebecca's breakthrough came as a director of photography on a Levi's commercial, catapulting her into the ranks of leading cinematographers and directors in the commercial world, with a specialisation in macro photography. Her impressive portfolio includes acclaimed work for Apple and contributions as a DP for the Ant-Man films, earning a VES Award nomination for Outstanding Virtual Cinematography.

With years of cutting-edge commercial directing and a keen understanding of visual communication, Rebecca continues to deliver crisp and elegant visuals. Her sharp intuition for storytelling and a deep appreciation for performance nuances define her unique style.

Name: Rebecca Baehler  

Location: Los Angeles

Repped by/in: Logan Industry / USA 

LBB> What elements of a script sets one apart from the other and what sort of scripts get you excited to shoot them?

Rebecca> What truly gets me excited to shoot a script is the ambition to push the boundaries of visuals. Creativity knows no bounds, and scripts that dare to explore new territories, experiment with unconventional storytelling techniques, or challenge the status quo of cinematic norms are the ones that captivate and inspire. Filmmakers are drawn to scripts that encourage them to think outside the box, break free from the formulaic, and embark on a visual journey that surprises, delights, and leaves a lasting impact.

LBB> How do you approach creating a treatment for a spot?

Rebecca> Creating a treatment for a commercial spot is a blend of creativity, technical proficiency, and a personal touch. As a director and director of photography, my approach is holistic, focusing on exceptional writing, artistic vision, technological know-how, and a commitment to delivering captivating visuals. By encompassing all these elements, I aim to create treatments that win pitches and set the stage for producing remarkable and memorable spots.

LBB> If the script is for a brand that you're not familiar with/ don’t have a big affinity with or a market you're new to, how important is it for you to do research and understand that strategic and contextual side of the ad? If it’s important to you, how do you do it?

Rebecca> When crafting a script for an unfamiliar brand or market, research and understanding the brand's strategic and contextual aspects are paramount. It's not only a matter of ensuring the script aligns with the brand's identity and objectives but also of connecting with the audience in a meaningful way. Through extensive research, collaboration with the agency, and a consumer-centric approach, I aim to create scripts that not only meet the client's expectations but also resonate with the hearts and minds of the intended audience.

LBB> For you, what is the most important working relationship for a director to have with another person in making an ad? And why?

Rebecca> While the role of a director in advertising is pivotal, it's the collaborative relationships with the entire team that truly make or break a project. Effective communication, shared vision, and creative synergy are the cornerstones of successful ad filmmaking. By valuing and nurturing these relationships, I aim to deliver outstanding creative work and a smooth and efficient production process that delights clients and resonates with audiences.

LBB> What type of work are you most passionate about - is there a particular genre or subject matter or style you are most drawn to?

Rebecca> My passion lies in the limitless possibilities that the world of filmmaking offers. Each genre, subject, or style allows one to explore, innovate, and create something visually captivating. The pursuit of visual excellence, coupled with the thrill of constantly pushing boundaries, fuels my creative fire. Ultimately, the love for the craft transcends specific preferences, making every project an exciting journey into storytelling through visuals…..but, yes, some of my favs are cars, electronics, people, fashion, macro-photography, and slow-motion liquids.

LBB> What misconception about you or your work do you most often encounter and why is it wrong?

Rebecca> The misconception that my work is confined to what is shown on my reel is inaccurate because it fails to acknowledge the dynamic, adaptable, and versatile nature of my craft. My ability to create captivating visuals extends far beyond what has been previously documented. I approach each project as an opportunity to innovate, learn, and push the boundaries of my creativity, making it possible to turn any subject or style into a visually stunning masterpiece. The reel is merely a glimpse into my past work; the accurate measure of my capabilities lies in the limitless potential of what lies ahead.

LBB> Have you ever worked with a cost consultant and if so how have your experiences been?

Rebecca> Have not - my producer usually has the pleasure of dealing with that :)

LBB> What’s the craziest problem you’ve come across in the course of a production – and how did you solve it?

Rebecca> Our essential equipment suddenly malfunctioned during a high-stakes shoot that heavily relied on motion control for precise camera movements. The entire production depended on this equipment to capture intricate, synchronised shots. The clock was ticking, and every moment of downtime was costly. 

While the technical team assessed the malfunction, I immediately discussed contingency plans with the agency and production team. We needed to determine if any shots could be reworked or rescheduled and if alternative methods could achieve the desired visual effects.

To minimise downtime, we decided to split the team. While the technical crew worked tirelessly to troubleshoot and repair the motion control equipment, we continued shooting other scenes that did not rely on this specific equipment. This ensured we made the most of the time available and avoided further delays.

In the end, the shoot was a success despite the initial setback. This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication in the face of unexpected production challenges. It served as a reminder that in filmmaking, as in life, there are rarely perfect conditions, but with a committed and skilled team, any obstacle can be overcome to create outstanding visual content.

LBB> How do you strike the balance between being open/collaborative with the agency and brand client while also protecting the idea?

Rebecca> The delicate balance between collaboration and idea protection hinges on effective communication, trust, and clear boundaries. Maintaining open channels of communication and educating clients about creative choices is essential. It's also important to be adaptable and find solutions that preserve the core of the idea while meeting the client's objectives. Ultimately, it's a collaborative journey where creativity and client satisfaction coexist harmoniously when approached with a spirit of mutual respect and shared goals.

LBB> What are your thoughts on opening up the production world to a more diverse pool of talent? Are you open to mentoring and apprenticeships on set?

Rebecca> Embracing diversity and supporting mentorship and apprenticeships in the production world is not just a gesture of goodwill; it's an investment in the industry's future. I wholeheartedly support these initiatives and believe that by fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and educational environment, we can elevate the quality of our work and contribute to a more vibrant and equitable creative community.

LBB> Your work is now presented in so many different formats - to what extent do you keep each in mind while you're working (and, equally, to what degree is it possible to do so)?

Rebecca> My approach to considering different formats while working on a project is pragmatic and driven by the client's requirements. While it's important to be adaptable and open to the diverse ways content can be presented, it's equally important to maintain a focused and efficient creative process. By aligning the creative vision with the specific needs of each format and platform, we can deliver content that resonates effectively with the intended audience.

LBB> What’s your relationship with new technology and, if at all, how do you incorporate future-facing tech into your work (e.g. virtual production, interactive storytelling, AI/data-driven visuals etc)?

Rebecca> My approach to technology in filmmaking is rooted in a respect for tradition and craftsmanship while remaining adaptable and forward-thinking. I choose the tools and techniques that best serve the creative vision of each project, whether that involves traditional live shooting, virtual production, or cutting-edge innovations. The goal is to harness technology to enhance storytelling, captivate audiences, and push the boundaries of visual storytelling while preserving filmmaking's magic and artistry.

LBB> Which pieces of work do you feel really show off what you do best – and why?

Rebecca> My work for Apple and Samsung represents some of my best because these companies share my passion for innovation, visual excellence, and dynamic storytelling. They provide platforms for creative exploration, and I've had the privilege of contributing to their legacy of ground breaking products and campaigns. These collaborations have showcased my abilities and continually pushed me to evolve and innovate as a filmmaker and photographer.