Year: 2024

         To my knowledge, The Five C’s of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques Simplified is the only book ever written that explains the fundamentals of angles, composition and cutting continuity from a camera-centric perspective.  Written by Joseph V. Mascelli, ASC and published in 1965, it presents a comprehensive examination of the basic rules needed to … Continue reading “C – C – C – C – C”

         From the Nothing New Under the Sun Department…          This article, found in the January 1946 issue of American Cinematographer, addresses the design and build of an automatic follow focus device for use with motion picture cameras.  As a creation of its time, the story of this Rube Goldberg-like machine is an interesting one.  … Continue reading “STAY SHARP”

         Some of you may have noticed my absence from social media over the past few months.  Well, it finally dawned on me: What reason do I have to contribute content to dishonest and corrupt enterprises that mostly bring out the worst in people?          There is no reason.          So, going forward, photographs previously … Continue reading “A NEW LEAF”

         This ad from the November 1923 issue of American Cinematographer is notable because it violates the first rule of cinematography, which states: Change is a constant.  Look closer and you’ll see what I mean.          Notice the cutaway view of the upper part of the tripod design, at the hinge where the legs meet … Continue reading “A LASTING LEGACY”

         During the four-year run of this blog, I’ve resurrected a few names that would otherwise have been lost to the ages.  The latest to surface – John Dored – is without doubt the most obscure of them all, and there’s a good reason for that.  He spent almost the entirety of his working life … Continue reading “JOHN DORED, ASC (1881-1954)”

Considering our long-running obsession with objectives, how could anyone resist this little gem?  Optical expert Charles C. Minor of Chicago attained a patent for it by placing a convex crescent lens over the front end of a triplet to form four elements and four groups.  The Gundlach company then manufactured a set at focal lengths … Continue reading “AN EARLY STOCKING STUFFER?”

         Have you ever heard a name more befitting a Hollywood cinematographer of the studio era?  And check out that dapper portrait.  You can almost see him in a booth at the Brown Derby, clinking martini glasses with some burgeoning starlet close beside him.          John Peverell Marley’s origins would never give way to such … Continue reading “J. PEVERELL MARLEY, ASC (1899-1964)”

         For all his legendary status, not many people today would be able to pick Gregg Toland, ASC out of a lineup.  This ad from the April 1942 edition of American Cinematographer should put that injustice to rest, presto subito.          As one of the greatest ever to stand behind the camera, Toland exudes the … Continue reading “THE ONE, THE ONLY”