Directed by studio stalwart Irving Rapper and photographed by Ernest Haller, ASC, this film is another in the long list of Betty Davis extravaganzas.  It’s not exactly my cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some interesting things to be found in it.             Haller turned in his usual superb work, but … Continue reading “DECEPTION (1946)”

            When he passed away last week, John Bailey was lionized as a great cinematographer, dedicated teacher, passionate supporter of world cinema and an inspiring leader at both the ASC and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  All of that is true.  But what seems to have been missed in the commentary was … Continue reading “JOHN BAILEY, ASC (1942-2023)”

In honor of Veteran’s Day (which falls tomorrow), it’s appropriate to recognize ASC members who served our country – a tradition that goes back a long way.  I’ll leave the intro to a clipping from the December 1942 issue of American Cinematographer: Captain John Alton, United States Army – WW II Lieutenant Commander Arthur Arling, … Continue reading “THANKS TO ASC VETERANS”

I heard this sentiment echoed in so many ways during my early years as an assistant cameraman that it’s a miracle I didn’t throw in the towel and get a job digging ditches.  One veteran crewmember went so far as to fire this pearl of wisdom at me: “Kid, you wanting to work in film … Continue reading “VIDEOTAPE…A THREAT TO FILMS?”

Despite Hollywood’s historical dominance, a considerable number of production hubs have always thrived in places other than Southern California.  Whether they offered lucrative tax credits, diverse locations or spacious studio accommodations, over time they proved that making movies was indeed a far-flung enterprise.             A similar situation existed with regard to many of the companies … Continue reading “WHO’D HAVE GUESSED?”

            My latest Rescued From Obscurity dispatch…             In 1983, when I was admitted to New York’s IATSE Local 644 as an assistant cameraman, I used to pour over the union’s roster looking for connections that might lead to a working relationship.  For some odd reason, the name Drummond Drury always caught my eye.  Along … Continue reading “DRUMMOND DRURY, ASC”

As we edge closer to awards season, something interesting comes to mind.             Have you ever noticed how the best actors and actresses make what they do seem effortless?  Like professional athletes, musicians or anyone else who’s gifted in a particular way, the ease with which they go about their business can fool the untrained … Continue reading “TIGHT BUT LOOSE”

            While browsing the MasterClass.com website – a multi-faceted, extremely well-mounted resource, by the way – I was happy to find a session featuring one of the coolest human beings on the planet, former Beatles drummer, Ringo Starr.  Over the course of 109 minutes during which he demonstrated his expertise, I was amazed at how … Continue reading “LESSONS FROM RINGO”

            Students are naturally curious about lighting and camera techniques, but they should also pay attention to how they supervise their crew.  Mastering leadership traits may not seem an important part of the cinematographer’s tool kit, but it’s as vital to our success as anything else we do.             Much of it can be summed … Continue reading “GO EASY…”

            I recently attended a screening at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Mary Pickford Center in Hollywood.  Their theater is named in honor of Linwood Dunn, ASC, one of the all-time great special effects experts.  He was also one of the most fascinating characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of getting to … Continue reading “LINWOOD G. DUNN, ASC (1904-1998)”