While watching movies over the long weekend, something I hadn’t thought about in a long time came rushing back.  For all the emphasis I put on cinematography, directing, editing and so on, there’s one thing above all that determines whether or not a movie will succeed with an audience.             You can count on … Continue reading “THE SECRET SAUCE”

            Director Fritz Lang is widely known for many enjoyable films of the studio era, among them Hangmen Also Die (1943), Ministry of Fear (1944) and The Big Heat (1953).  Most people are not aware that he was also recognized as one of the nastiest characters in Hollywood.             Feelings against him took hold from … Continue reading “SNOWFLAKES NEED NOT APPLY”

            I’m always amazed at how much geometry is involved in lighting a set.  Two simple rules will help clarify the way you think about what you’re doing.  Don’t be fooled by their simplicity…they’re based on the laws of physics.             The closer you get to a light source, the greater its intensity.             The … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #18”

               When you’ve heard the late legendary Conrad Hall, ASC say that he was terrified, insecure and felt like a rank amateur every time he started a new film, where does that leave the rest of us?  Despite any bluster to the contrary, at heart are we really phonies, poseurs, wannabes…?             Volumes have been … Continue reading “THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT”

            I’ve referred to Haskell Wexler, ASC many times during the run of this blog, and with good reason.  Beside being a great artist, he was a most unusual man (in a good way) and I considered him a friend.  It’s a shame he’s no longer with us.  In a time during which our society … Continue reading “NEVER MINCE WORDS”

            In honor of my 200th post, I’m reintroducing an entry from December 8, 2020 (#38).  It’s quaint and amusing and should put a smile on everyone’s face!             One of the greatest producer\directors in history – indeed, a founder of the motion picture industry – Cecil B. DeMille had a soft spot in his … Continue reading “POST #200…!”

            Shortly before Haskell Wexler, ASC passed away in 2015, I was present when he was asked about which current cinematographer had impressed him the most.  His response seems somewhat vague at first but if you look past that you’ll get his message.             “What cinematographer?  On the technical and creative level, there’re thousands of … Continue reading “TO THE POINT…KIND OF”

            The “Fly Swatter” is one of the handiest devices available for use when shooting day\exteriors.  Attached to the bucket of an 80′ telescopic Condor crane, this 20’x20′ version will deliver full shade or any degree of diffusion where and when it’s needed – with a minimum of fuss.             The frames come in many … Continue reading “MADE IN THE SHADE”

            There’s probably a proper name for this configuration, but it’s popularly known as “The Blind Driver.”  Its purpose is clear.  It allows an actor to be filmed as if they’re careening wildly over the road – while a professional maintains safe control of the vehicle from the rooftop cockpit.             I’ve used it on … Continue reading “A REALLY COOL TOOL”

            Below is a statement taken from Daybook, The Journal of An Artist, by American sculptor Anne Truitt (3\16\21 – 12\23\04).             Despite her artform, she must’ve had a bit of the cinematographer in her.             “An undertaking begins with a surge of energy that carries it a certain distance toward completion.  There then occurs … Continue reading “ANNE TRUITT…RESPECT”