Discussions with Artist Sean Linal, facilitated by the Editor
Sean Linal, hailing from Far Rockaway, Queens, has made a name for himself in the world of filmmaking and television directing. Known for his dynamic storytelling and collaboration with prominent creators, Linal's career trajectory has been marked by a focus on socially impactful and culturally relevant projects that tackle themes of race, identity, and justice.
Linal's journey in the industry began in the mid to late '90s, with internships at Women Makes Movies, VH-1, and HBO's The Chris Rock Show. His first paid job was working for MTV as a P.A. on set on various projects. Over time, he gradually established himself as a director and producer, developing a reputation for his strong narrative style.
Notable collaborations have included partnerships with Ava DuVernay and Lena Waithe. With DuVernay, Linal contributed to groundbreaking projects that address racial and social justice, working on series or documentaries that align with her focus on elevating Black voices. Similarly, his collaborations with Waithe have resulted in projects that highlight LGBTQ+ narratives and Black culture.
While specific titles of projects directly credited to Linal with DuVernay or Waithe might be limited in public records, his work is often recognized within the circles of these influential creators. His contributions can be seen in landmark series or films such as those exploring cultural identity and social issues.
Outside of work, Linal unwinds by listening to music on vinyl records or binge-watching films and TV with his wife, Denelle. If given the opportunity, he would like to collaborate with various filmmakers such as Spike Lee, David Lynch, Kathryn Bigelow, Gina-Prince Blythewood, Michael Mann, and The Hughes Brothers.
Linal's editing skills are impressive, with experience using Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro, and employing both Continuum and Sapphire plugins. He is particularly fond of the Match Frame keyboard shortcut. During pre-production, research is key for him, including speaking with showrunners and writers, and getting details about character arcs and storylines.
For artistic inspiration, Linal turns to classic Hollywood films from the early to mid-1900s, Maverick films from the 1970s, TV series from the 1960s through today, foreign films, and more. Some of his favourite films and TV series include Queen Sugar, Do The Right Thing, The City of Lost Children, I Am Not Your Negro, When They See Us, Freedom Road, Real Women Have Curves, Moonlighting, Twin Peaks, Queen Charlotte, I Like It Like That, 13th, David Makes Man, The Richard Pryor Show, and Beef.
One of Linal's most significant opportunities came when he was bumped up from assistant editor to editor on Queen Sugar, a role that he is most proud of. For short-form artistic film projects, he has experimented with abstract imagery using Glow Effect, Diffusion, Film Looks, Grain, and Composite.
When asked about his career advice for his younger self, Linal suggests finding a community college with a great film program for financial reasons, moving to Los Angeles immediately after school, volunteering more, networking harder, and making meaningful friendships within the film and TV community.
In conclusion, Sean Linal's career in filmmaking and television directing is a testament to his passion, talent, and dedication. His collaborations with Ava DuVernay and Lena Waithe, among others, have resulted in impactful and culturally relevant projects that continue to resonate with audiences.
Technology plays a significant role in Linal's work as an editor, with proficiency in editing tools like Avid Media Compositor, Adobe Premiere Pro, and various plugins. His personal interest in gadgets might also extend to the latest technological advancements in the filmmaking industry.
Moreover, Linal's engaging experiences with groundbreaking projects that touch upon social and racial justice reflect the evolving landscape of technology, shaping the narrative of film and television productions in today's highly connected world.
