American Fiction
SOC Creative Spotlight

A Conversation with Xavier Thompson & Cristina Dunlap
Hosted by David Daut

Following a premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival where it took home the People’s Choice Award, American Fiction has opened to strong reviews, praising its stellar cast led by Jeffrey Wright as well as its insightful story, layering biting satire with an intimate family drama.

In this SOC Creative Spotlight, we got a chance to meet with A camera and Steadicam operator Xavier Thompson along with cinematographer Cristina Dunlap to discuss what it was like working with first-time director Cord Jefferson and this incredible cast as well as finding the cinematic throughline of this story even as it weaves in and out of different genres.

Author Thelonious “Monk” Ellison has spent a career writing highbrow novels to limited success. His latest book is stuck in a state of limbo as publishers turn it down, saying they’re looking for something more “Black.” Fueled by spite and a bottle of liquor, Monk bangs out a farcical novel dripping in stereotypes to prove a point to the publishing industry. But when this joke becomes the hottest new novel in the literary world, Monk finds himself in over his head, living a double life to sustain the success of this joke that’s gotten away from him. American Fiction is written and directed by Cord Jefferson and stars Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis-Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown.

American Fiction
SOC Creative Spotlight

A Conversation with Xavier Thompson & Cristina Dunlap

Hosted by David Daut

BEHIND THE SCENES OF AMERICAN FICTION

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Xavier Thompson

After graduating from Georgia State University with a degree in film theory, Xavier relocated to Los Angeles, California in 2016 to continue enhancing and building upon his skill set. The move to Los Angeles was inspired by a prior trip he took there in 2015, when he participated in his first Steadicam workshop and fell in love with the physicality of Steadicam and everything it embodies. His credits include American Fiction; The Iron Claw; and the series Snowfall and Empire.

Cristina Dunlap

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Dunlap graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with a degree in Film Production. Dunlap has worked as a Director of Photography on numerous award-winning projects including feature films, television series, music videos, and commercials. Her credits include American Fiction; Cha Cha Real Smooth; Am I Ok?; and the upcoming feature F**K directed by Cord Jefferson.

David Daut

A writer and critic for more than a decade, David Daut specializes in analysis of genre cinema and immersive media. In addition to his work for Camera Operator and other publications, David is also the co-creator of Hollow Medium, a “recovered audio” ghost story podcast. David studied at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and works as a freelance writer based out of Long Beach, California.

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