It’s amusingly ironic that the legendary Federico Fellini – a director who never held back on extravagance – is the author of the following statement:             “I don’t believe in total freedom for the artist.  Left on his own, free to do anything he likes, the artist ends up doing nothing at all.  If … Continue reading “INCONGRUOUS? I THINK NOT…”

            Approach prep the same way you would your health.  Small investments made now will pay large dividends later.             I can’t overemphasize the importance of squeezing as much as you can from every minute during prep!             Over my career I’ve had periods of up to six months (and as little as three weeks) … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #19”

            If you’ve followed this blog to any extent, you’ve noticed that lately I’ve been exploring cinematography from an odd tangent, with quotes and observations from people outside our immediate community.  At first, I hesitated to wander down that road, but there was no need for indecision.  While their sentiments may not seem relevant on … Continue reading “A QUOTE TOO FAR…?”

            I’m busy prepping a pilot, so today the great French director François Truffaut (1932-1984) will do my talking for me.             His seemingly casual observations carry a lot of weight and are worthy of your attention.  While Truffaut is nominally speaking to fellow directors, they fall in line for cinematographers as well!             It’s … Continue reading “PINCH HITTER”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944) was a French author, poet and pioneering aviator perhaps best known for his novella, The Little Prince.  Look him up for the story of an interesting life.             One of his quotes has always stayed with me.  Though somewhat ironic as it applies to cinematography and its massively attendant technology, the … Continue reading “A FRENCH KISS”

            2003 ASC Lifetime Achievement Awardee Michael Chapman (1935-2020) was an important member of the 1970’s generation of cinematographers who redefined what movies looked like.  Taxi Driver (1976), The Last Waltz (1978), Raging Bull (1980) and The Fugitive (1993) represent a small sampling of his notable titles.  Each remains as visually powerful as they were … Continue reading “CHAPPY’S SCHTICK”

            As I begin prep on a new pilot in Los Angeles, I harken back to a conversation I had with Haskell Wexler, ASC in 2007.  I recently came across a transcript of it and was taken by his sentiment, which is something I have touched upon in this blog on several occasions.  While you … Continue reading “A FRESH START…AGAIN”

Josef von Sternberg (1894-1969) was a director whose career stretched from the silent era well into talkies.  Though he made many memorable films, he’s primarily remembered for his collaboration with Marlene Dietrich while the actress was at the top of her game.  Among the features they made together are Morocco (1930), Shanghai Express (1932), Blonde … Continue reading “JOSEF VON STERNBERG”

Legendary Swedish cinematographer Sven Nykvist (1922-2006) collaborated with equally noted director Ingmar Bergman on dozens of features and television productions over the course of his nearly sixty-year career.  To blithely sum up their relationship as an intimate one would be to miss the trait that drove both men to do their best work together.             … Continue reading “NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL PASSION…”

Patty Armacost has served in many capacities at the ASC, having worked for the organization since the mid-1970’s.  Her current title is Events Coordinator, but that belies her deep insight and unmatched appreciation for the membership.  During my run as President, a certain topic would often pop up in our daily conversations: Why is it … Continue reading “ON AND ON WE GO…”