I wish I could count the number of hours I’ve spent scrutinizing footage in laboratory screening rooms and DI suites; the total would no doubt blow my mind!  Last night, I added to the stack during an enjoyable and informative event held at Company 3 in Hollywood.             Two of the industry’s most talented … Continue reading “DARK ROOMS, BRIGHT SCREENS”

            In the course of my travels each year, I come into contact with a large number of film students.  While I admire their energy and excitement, more and more I’m finding myself shocked at their ignorance of so many classic films.  I don’t know what’s causing this trend.  It’s no doubt generational; a lot … Continue reading “BEGIN AGAIN…RIGHT HERE”

            It’s no exaggeration to say that David E. Williams is the reigning advocate for the cinematography community.  Having distinguished himself over many years through innumerable pieces written for American Cinematographer (and pretty much every other publication on the scene), he has exceeded all previous efforts with the arrival of the book you see above. … Continue reading “TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THE GREATS”

As something of a palate cleanser after Friday’s more appropriately dour post, I present you with this…

            This’s a departure from the usual post, but if not today…when?             St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church serves the community of Belle Harbor, NY; it’s located along the beach in the borough of Queens, in the southernmost part of New York City.  Though I live on the West Coast, I’m an East Coast … Continue reading “NEVER FORGET”

            My good friends and collaborators – special effects geniuses Chris Nichols and Daniel Thron – recently honored me with yet another appearance on their CG Garage Podcast (Episode 563).  We addressed a variety of issues, primarily writer\director\actor Dennis Hopper’s 1969 counter-culture classic, Easy Rider.  My friendship with the film’s cinematographer, Laszlo Kovacs, ASC, informs … Continue reading “HAVE A LOOK OR LISTEN…!”

Volume One of the Cinematography Annual – the nearly 600-page forerunner of the American Cinematographer Manual – was published in 1930 and featured an amazing amount of technical and artistic information, much of which is still relevant today.             As an altruistic endeavor entirely composed by ASC members and their associates, it was also a … Continue reading “ALL PUBLICITY IS GOOD PUBLICITY”

Jeff IV fast asleep on the cool studio floor of FX WRX, Chris Webb’s Brooklyn-based practical effects facility.  But don’t think he’s being lazy.  He’s just worn out from visualizing the endless possibilities proffered by this cinematographer’s Disneyland.             Webb and his staff are not just a rarity in today’s environment, they’re unique.  With the … Continue reading “ASLEEP ON THE JOB? NOT THIS GANG!”

            While hanging with friends this week I found myself pressed for “inside” stories of my long history on movie sets.  In general, I don’t like rehashing the past.  I’m thankful for the incredible world-wide experiences I’ve had and have learned something from each of them…but, I’d rather leave them where they are.  Naturally, my … Continue reading “THERE MIGHT BE A BOOK IN STORIES LIKE THIS…SOMEDAY”