A FRENCH KISS

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”

7.29.2022

CHAPPY’S SCHTICK

            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”

7.26.2022

A FRESH START…AGAIN

            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”

7.22.2022

JOSEF VON STERNBERG

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”

7.19.2022

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL PASSION…

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…”

7.15.2022

ON AND ON WE GO…

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…”

7.12.2022

A SHORT ONE BEFORE THE WEEKEND

            With the emphasis everyone puts on the technology side of what we do today, here are some refreshing words from Edward Weston (1886-1958).  He’s one of the giants of still photography and his work is always worth seeking out for inspiration.             “Who cares if you shoot your photos through the bottom of a … Continue reading “A SHORT ONE BEFORE THE WEEKEND”

7.8.2022

THE SECRET SAUCE

            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”

7.5.2022

SNOWFLAKES NEED NOT APPLY

            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”

7.1.2022