Eli Leibow & Random Dochtermann
By Valentina Moreno
“Eli & Random at Mel’s",” by Valentina Moreno
It’s 7pm at Mel’s Diner on Sunset Boulevard. The sun is still out and has just started to set. The diner is half full, Lana del Rey is playing on the speakers.
It was a long Monday, the kind that sets the tone for the week. Our way of coping was to drink our body weight in Diet Coke, rookie mistake. By the time I saw his tall silhouette enter that glass door I was a caffeinated mess. Eli Leibow had arrived, joining him was his friend, Random Dochtermann. We stood, embraced in a hug, and sat back down on the plastic leathered booth.
“Mel’s Drive-In,” by Valentina Moreno
The conversation started with hometown introductions. Leibow originally from Seattle and Dochtermann from Los Angeles. I’ve never been to Seattle, but through the lens of Leibow’s experience it sounds like a pretty great place to be. He grew up skateboarding, which in my book is a sick talent to have. My favorite part however was when he mentioned his bat mitzvah, and how he used his gifted money to purchase his first camera. Dochtermann, different story. With a film camera strapped to his chest I wondered if he was a photographer for a living. It turns out no, it’s a hobby, he’s in the same profession as Eli. Both are cinematographers.
When one thinks of the entertainment industry, one’s mind typically lands on two careers: directors and actors. However, what about the visual storytellers?
The individuals responsible for the color, angles, and lighting we see on screen? It was beautiful the way they talked about their craft with such passion. The love for their field. Each sentence drew me in. Then, it was the respect they had for collaboration. The understanding that in order for a project to succeed one must work as a team, and create a welcoming and positive environment. Something they both did from the moment we met. Leibow and Dochtermann were open and extremely receptive. Every question was answered with intent and purpose. They were sure of themselves in a way that way absolutely refreshing. Their responses were authentic and true to who they were. When asked about self-belief they acknowledged the importance of that trait. How essential that is in this industry, because truly, who will believe in you if you can’t believe in yourself?
“Eli & Random,” by Valentina Moreno
In today’s digital age it’s quite difficult to distinguish those who are in it for the love and those who are in it for the fame. Clicks, likes, and followers have become the new currency, but sitting at this diner, one hour and thirty minutes in, I had found my why all over again. The rope that pulled me back in. Without knowing it, these two truly reset my perspective for the week.
Prior to coming to Los Angeles, I had heard horror stories about the people there. How they only valued the superficial, rather than the art. Yet, these two challenged that idea. Their wisdom, patience, and determination was so human. Real creatives speaking their truth, without shame, without fear. It was amazing. With personalities and skill sets like theirs, I can’t begin to imagine the great things they will accomplish, the mark they will leave.
