So many wonderfully photographed films have been released over the years, it’s easy to forget that they sometimes have their flaws, too.  Perhaps the most common example, especially among movies made prior to the 1970’s, is the mixing within the same scene of shots done on location and poorly-matched ones captured on a soundstage.             … Continue reading “PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME”

            As if anyone needs further proof that the history of cinematography is indeed a history of change, here’s an ad from the February 1939 issue of American Cinematographer.  1918 probably seemed like a long time ago when this issue went to print, but with the speed at which technology is evolving today, that window … Continue reading “A PROJECTION OF THE FUTURE”

            The above photo shows what passed for a state-of-the-art camera car, circa February, 1939.  It’s pretty clear what it was meant to do, though I don’t think OSHA would’ve approved if they had been around at the time.             The crew were shooting footage for the Twentieth Century Fox film Kentucky at the Hollywood … Continue reading “CAR HOPPING”

            Obviously, there are as many ways to light a set as there are moves on a chessboard, but in this instance, I’m featuring an approach favored by ASC legend Stephen H. Burum.  In Benjamin B’s October 2019 American Cinematographer article, he lays out the tasks and motivations behind each action.  While this information will … Continue reading “HOW TO LIGHT A SET”

Not much is known about Alvin Wyckoff, ASC, but every cinematographer owes him a debt of gratitude.             Born in New York City, Wyckoff began his career in motion pictures as an actor in 1909.  By 1914 he was photographing silent films in Hollywood and soon began a long collaboration with legendary director Cecil B. … Continue reading “ALVIN WYCKOFF, ASC (1877-1957)”

            Last Friday, I wrote about George Lucas’ first feature, THX 1138 (1971).  It struck me as a tremendously under-recognized work that rivals the best of anything he’s done to date.  Judging from the reactions of some friends for whom I screened it the other night, I’m in the minority with that opinion.             I … Continue reading “THX 1138 FOLLOW UP…”

I’ve never been a serious fan of science fiction, but Criterion’s DVD release of George Lucas’ THX 1138 belongs in every cinematographer’s library.  Set in a dystopian future where humanity exists in narcotized servitude to a totalitarian authority (sound familiar?), the razor-thin plot would disintegrate if not for the movie’s imaginative visual motif.  After watching … Continue reading “THX 1138 (1971)”

            I’ve been writing too many remembrances about good friends lately.  The year started out on a sad note with the January 7 passing of Owen Roizman, ASC.  In May, legendary first assistant cameraman Doug Hart breathed his last.  Two weeks ago, John Bailey, ASC left us.  And yesterday, another one of the all-time greats … Continue reading “VICTOR J. KEMPER, ASC (1927-2023)”

People often mention things that bring back lost feelings about friends and family, places and times.  For me, this measuring tape is the genuine item.  Having used it for the majority of my camera-assisting career during the 1980’s, I didn’t remember squirreling it away, but was nonetheless happy to stumble upon it during a recent … Continue reading “MEMORY LANE…AGAIN”

Dig into any closet or storage space and you’re guaranteed to make some interesting finds.  My latest expedition unearthed the hallowed relic you see below.  Kodak 1000′ film cartons always made the best storage vessels.  Sturdy, resistant to the elements and just the right size, this one apparently served its purpose for quite some time … Continue reading “ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES”