Year: 2025

            Prior to this incredible event, technical advancements were spotty at best, with many companies and individuals – often cinematographers – unveiling some amazing tool or another before receding into the mist.             The Mazda Tests put an end to that.  They established the combination of incandescent illumination and panchromatic film as a standard that … Continue reading “THE MAZDA TESTS, PART 4”

            By now, it should be no surprise that the studios entered the Mazda Tests with a rubber-stamp mentality.  They had already decided upon the cost-effectiveness of incandescent lighting and were not interested in comparing it to any other unit.  The majority of the effort merely examined the range of the new source and looked … Continue reading “THE MAZDA TESTS, PART 3”

            One might imagine that the transition from arc and mercury vapor to incandescent lighting was motivated by the high artistic standards of the major studios.  In this case, one would be wrong.  Boxoffice receipts had seen a pronounced decline during 1926-27, and the decision was made out of economic need.  When you think about … Continue reading “THE MAZDA TESTS, PART 2”

            No, the title of this post has nothing to do with the popular Japanese auto manufacturer.  Instead, it will begin an examination of the 1928 program that established the first industry-wide metric for raw stock, lighting, camera equipment and lab practices.  Participating groups included the ASC, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, … Continue reading “THE MAZDA TESTS, PART 1”

            In recognition of the great success enjoyed by the makers of The Brutalist this awards season, here are some photographs from my working trip to London last fall.             They were taken at Barbican Centre, a performing-arts and residential hub in the heart of the city.  This massive reservation represents one of the greatest … Continue reading “THE REAL THING…”

            This clip is from the 39th ASC Awards during which I presented the Bud Stone Memorial Award to my dear friend, Suzanne Lezotte.  The event was held on February 23rd at the Beverly Hilton and was attended by over a thousand people.  If I sound a little resonant, it’s because I was fighting off … Continue reading “A BIT OF SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION…”

From a 4×5 B&W negative scan, light leak and all…

            This weekend saw a three-day celebration of the 39th ASC Awards for Excellence in Cinematography.  I’m still not quite recovered from the festivities, but I can tell you that the organization – which always throws great parties – really surpassed itself this time around.  There wasn’t a single misstep throughout, and I defy any … Continue reading “THE. BEST. EVER…!”

            Last Tuesday I attended the Hollywood Professional Association Tech Retreat 2025 in Rancho Mirage, CA.  It’s an event where, according to hpaonline.com, “…world-class leaders in engineering, technology, creativity, and business step away from their daily routines to explore and experience the most compelling topics in content creation, management, and dissemination.” As you’d expect, there … Continue reading “A-M-A-Z-I-N-G…”