Mirrored Summer: Reality and Performance: The Self On and Off Camera

In the world of film and television art, the camera does more than capture a character’s appearance—it reveals their inner complexities. For those studying and exploring film and TV arts, the field is typically divided into two main areas: cinematography and performance.

Lenses are ubiquitous. For film students, navigating the transition between their on-camera persona and their off-camera life is a common experience. In performing arts, the adaptability of roles is a key factor in casting, often determined by an actor’s personality, appearance, demeanor, and habits. In front of the lens, everyone displays, to some extent, a duality different from their usual self. In contrast, students and professionals in cinematography, while frequently behind the camera, primarily act as observers and recorders.

We have invited alumni from the University of the Arts London, Syracuse University, and the University of Edinburgh, and asked them to talk about their experiences and insights on the duality of roles inside and outside the lens in study and life. At the same time, how to view the roles given to others and oneself by others will also become one of the issues we discuss.