CHECK THIS OUT…

A man after my own heart…             “Forget the camera.  The nature of the story determines the photographic style. Understand the story and make the most out of it.  If the audience is conscious of tricks and effects, the cameraman’s genius, no matter how great it is, is wasted.”             This quote, made by the … Continue reading “CHECK THIS OUT…”

5.27.2022

STUDENT QUICK TIP #17

            Detachment.             Whenever the wheels start coming off and you get confused, discouraged or don’t know what to do, simply step back for a moment.  Walk away from the set if you have to (but not too far) or somehow put a little distance between yourself and whatever is vexing you.             In that … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #17”

5.24.2022

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM…

Gene Krupa (1909-1973) was a jazz drummer remembered primarily for his work during the Big Band Era.  If you don’t know him, look him up; he’s universally recognized as the father of modern drumming.  He was also quite the character in his own right, as any number of YouTube videos will show.  Should you ever … Continue reading “BOOM, BOOM, BOOM…”

5.20.2022

THE CROSSING GUARD

            Anytime you assemble a large group of people, someone’s bound to experience a minor annoyance or two.  Movie sets are no exception.             Having spent my adult life in and around that environment, I’ve learned to roll with almost anything that comes down the pike.  But there’s one thing I’ve never come to grips … Continue reading “THE CROSSING GUARD”

5.17.2022

STUDENT QUICK TIP #16

            Calm is contagious.             I’m hardly the first person to say this.  But think about it…             Just because every production has its chaotic moments, that’s no excuse for letting yourself get swept up in the madness.             As a department head – and the director’s closest collaborator – cinematographers need to embody a … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #16”

5.13.2022

TESTING…TESTING…

            Last Friday’s post featured the first part of an exposure test that’s found in a chapter I wrote for the just-released 11th Edition of the American Cinematographer Manual.  Titled, Take Ownership of Your Sensor, it explains how to perform the test in fine detail.             Part 1 showed the sensor’s capabilities at the exact … Continue reading “TESTING…TESTING…”

5.10.2022

TESTING…

            The recently published 11th Editionof the American Cinematographer Manual once again stands as a magnificent achievement.  Completely revised and updated, it covers every aspect of cinematography and is properly recognized as the premiere exploration of its subject.             I’m proud to have contributed to it in the past and am even more pleased that … Continue reading “TESTING…”

5.6.2022

KOMODO A GO-GO

            FULL DISCLOSURE: I am partner in a company called Master Cinematographers along with Jared Land, president and co-owner of Red Digital Cinema.             Nonetheless…             Late last year I did what I said I’d never do and bought a Komodo.  It’s nothing against the good folks at Red.  I love Jim Jannard, Jared and … Continue reading “KOMODO A GO-GO”

5.3.2022