Zak Cassar, a film photographer based in Los Angeles, is enjoying some free time in Malta. He speaks to Scott Grech about his work which enables him to meet many celebrities face to face.

“It’s weird being on the opposite side of the lens, almost bizarre even,” 23-year-old Zak Cassar comments, as he poses with a wry smile for a photograph.

Mr Cassar is a film photographer, based in Los Angeles, and his Maltese passport and ID card certainly have some stories to tell. He’s lived in Canada and the US for most of his life, but his profession has led him to visit several countries around the globe.

His major breakthrough was the TV mini-series The Kennedys, the filming of which started last year. It stars Greg Kinnear as former US President John F. Kennedy, with Katie Holmes as the First Lady. Barry Pepper, as Bobby Kennedy and Tom Wilkinson (as Kennedy patriarch Joseph) also headline the cast.

Mr Cassar’s role is to take photos during filming for pictures which are later mainly used for publicity purposes.

“If the film or series is a hit and sells big, then a lot of my pictures will be used in various media. That’s the most rewarding thing about film photography,” he explains.

He’s enjoying his time in Malta at the moment, after a hectic few weeks taking photos of the latest high profile film shot on the islands - World War Z (WWZ).

The film adaptation of Max Brooks’ novel started earlier this year, directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt, and is scheduled for release in 2012.

“I’ve met Brad Pitt, who’s a really down to earth guy, very humble. Katie Holmes too – she was just so sweet. However, as a photographer, you kind of want to keep your distance and not get in the actors’ face too much.

“You do get to mingle with world famous actors, but generally, at the end of the day, they’re just normal people really,” he says.

Mr Cassar has sampled the high life, but it has also come at a price.

“Film is a good business to be in, but it’s generally touch-and-go. Business is cut-throat, and you might be busy for six months of the year, but then spend the remaining six months waiting for work. That’s how it is,” he explains.

During the filming of WWZ, Mr Cassar worked on most of the film’s action and death scenes.

“I love shooting facial expressions. Landscape photography is not my forte, since I’m into expressions and emotions.

“When WWZ was being filmed in Malta, I was working 12 hours a day. Afterwards, at home, I’d spend a further three hours at night, processing all the photos and making the necessary arrangements.

“Some might disagree with photo editing, but I’m on the other side of the coin. With editing, if anything, you’re only going to make your photos look better.

“It’s a very rewarding profession, but it can also be tough. Photography is a very expensive business. Half your paycheck goes towards upgrading, getting new materials or repairing your equipment,” Mr Cassar says.

Mr Cassar’s dad is none other than Jon Cassar, who was born and spent his childhood in Malta. After emigrating to Canada, Mr Cassar senior ventured into the film world, going on to become a great success.

He was one of the producers of the hit TV series 24, and formed a strong friendship with 24 star and fellow Canadian Kiefer Sutherland. After the latter won the Screen Actors Guild Award (one of the major award events in Hollywood) in 2006 for best actor in a drama, he gave the trophy to Mr Cassar as a sign of his appreciation.

It was Jon Cassar who first encouraged his son to take up photography.

“He basically shoved a camera in my hands when I was six, and I haven’t looked back since. I immediately fell in love with the camera.

“I went to a specialised film school for a year, but I’ve mainly developed my talent through experience. When I was 16 I took a serious interest in music photography, filming bands, concerts, live events, interviews and promotions.

“I spent four to five years in music photography. But then I got sucked back into the film world, thanks to my father, and although I really enjoyed my time as a music photographer, and don’t rule out getting back into it, I’m really loving doing what I’m doing right now,” Mr Cassar states.

He’s now spending a few more weeks in Malta and waiting for WWZ to see whether they’ll again take him on board as they move on to shoot in Hungary in the near future.

In the meantime, he’s thoroughly enjoying his time in his dad’s homeland.

“I’ll definitely come back for another visit in the future. The architecture in Malta, especially, is very intriguing. I was surprised to hear recently that whenever new owners take over a shop in Valletta, they are only allowed to change the shop’s interior, and cannot touch the outside.

“I can’t see something like that happening in the US,” he muses.

Good connections and luck are the two factors which lead to a successful film photographer, he concludes.

“I was lucky to have had a foot in the door through my dad. That first breakthrough is fundamentally important. But then again, you might have all the best opportunities in the world, but you need to back up those opportunities with talent.

“The key is to work hard. You’ve got to love doing what you’re doing to succeed. The hours are long, but the rewards are greater,” he says with his typical wry smile.