This simple shot is interesting not so much due to its lighting – which is tasteful and effective – but because of how it’s exposed.  Though it may look effortless to the casual viewer, a great deal of calculation went into its execution.             The challenge boiled down to the way in which cinematographer … Continue reading “LIGHTING DIAGRAM #75 – THE FLAMINGO KID (1984)”

            Ken Summers asked:              How has the pandemic for the last few years affected your work?  I would imagine you have faced cancellations or delays between projects?  Has it changed or influenced your approach to filmmaking?             As with everyone else, the pandemic has been a serious imposition on life and career.  But I … Continue reading “REPLY TO A NEW QUESTION…”

            Last week I was encouraged to find that this unjustly ignored film made the final list of nominations for an ASC Spotlight Award.  Though it was released in 2021, you probably haven’t heard of it – and that’s a shame because it’s exactly the type of thing intelligent movie lovers should support.  It won’t … Continue reading “JOCKEY (2021)”

Taylor Bickel asked: What makes a great key grip? The factors that make a great key grip are the same for all crewmembers; most of them are intangible.  Assuming the individual is proficient with their tools, techniques and procedures, I’d place emphasis on the following (in no particular order): – sober and mature– a clear … Continue reading “REPLIES TO QUESTIONS FROM LAST FRIDAY”

            In the interest of speaking directly to those who want to know, I’m inviting questions from the followers of this blog.  All aspects of cinematography and filmmaking are fair game.  Remember that in matters of taste and technique there are as many opinions and approaches as there are cinematographers; what you’ll find under this … Continue reading “Q & A #1…”

Learn to trust your eye. Scrutinizing your work shortly after it’s been shot is the quickest way to make connections between your ideas and methods and the ways in which they render themselves onscreen. But don’t get so attached to what you’ve done that you later find yourself stifling adventurous impulses. ASC legend Haskell Wexler … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #10”

Part Three of an interview conducted by Arriflex on the occasion of their 100th anniversary.

You cannot do it all on your own! This is the basic fact in a collaborative medium; just ask your crew. The same applies in an artistic sense. No cinematographer can put a unique look on a project without the complete and enthusiastic endorsement of the director. You’ll stand an even better chance of doing … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #9”

The second of a four-part interview with Arriflex on the occasion of their 100th anniversary in 2019.

Just because something is new doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.