Part Three of an interview conducted by Arriflex on the occasion of their 100th anniversary.

You cannot do it all on your own! This is the basic fact in a collaborative medium; just ask your crew. The same applies in an artistic sense. No cinematographer can put a unique look on a project without the complete and enthusiastic endorsement of the director. You’ll stand an even better chance of doing … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #9”

The second of a four-part interview with Arriflex on the occasion of their 100th anniversary in 2019.

Just because something is new doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.

Now, for something completely different…Part 1. From the Arriflex 100th Anniversary commemorative film.

Never mistake movement for progress.

            This one is self explanatory.  It’s a few years old but every bit as relevant now as the day it was shot.  The object was to get a very quick idea of the sensor’s low-end exposure range.  All the information you need is on the placards.  What you see is essentially a one-light print. … Continue reading “A BRIEF EXPOSURE TEST”

If something is wrong with your lighting, take something away.

            A nighttime party at the beach club…a lot of drama plays out here.             Many shots were taken from a variety of camera positions; the diagram provides a general layout for how each set up was approached.             This is a terrific example of what I like to call “major league cinematography.”  First and … Continue reading “LIGHTING DIAGRAM #74 – THE FLAMINGO KID (1984)”

I was thinking about how important the yearly Christmas break from school was for those of us who matured during the last Golden Age of studio production, the 1970’s. Growing up in Brooklyn, I had plenty of energy but nothing substantive to focus it on.  No one ever thought to take full advantage of New … Continue reading “CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCE”