Shortly before Haskell Wexler, ASC passed away in 2015, I was present when he was asked about which current cinematographer had impressed him the most.  His response seems somewhat vague at first but if you look past that you’ll get his message.             “What cinematographer?  On the technical and creative level, there’re thousands of … Continue reading “TO THE POINT…KIND OF”

            The “Fly Swatter” is one of the handiest devices available for use when shooting day\exteriors.  Attached to the bucket of an 80′ telescopic Condor crane, this 20’x20′ version will deliver full shade or any degree of diffusion where and when it’s needed – with a minimum of fuss.             The frames come in many … Continue reading “MADE IN THE SHADE”

            There’s probably a proper name for this configuration, but it’s popularly known as “The Blind Driver.”  Its purpose is clear.  It allows an actor to be filmed as if they’re careening wildly over the road – while a professional maintains safe control of the vehicle from the rooftop cockpit.             I’ve used it on … Continue reading “A REALLY COOL TOOL”

            Below is a statement taken from Daybook, The Journal of An Artist, by American sculptor Anne Truitt (3\16\21 – 12\23\04).             Despite her artform, she must’ve had a bit of the cinematographer in her.             “An undertaking begins with a surge of energy that carries it a certain distance toward completion.  There then occurs … Continue reading “ANNE TRUITT…RESPECT”

            As you might imagine, I continue to spend an appreciable portion of my life tossing this question around in my mind.  What follows is the most brilliant response I’m yet to encounter.  Don’t let its brevity fool you.  As Nietzsche said, “Truth tends to reveal its highest wisdom in the guise of simplicity.”  I … Continue reading “WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT LIGHTING?”

A man after my own heart…             “Forget the camera.  The nature of the story determines the photographic style. Understand the story and make the most out of it.  If the audience is conscious of tricks and effects, the cameraman’s genius, no matter how great it is, is wasted.”             This quote, made by the … Continue reading “CHECK THIS OUT…”

            Detachment.             Whenever the wheels start coming off and you get confused, discouraged or don’t know what to do, simply step back for a moment.  Walk away from the set if you have to (but not too far) or somehow put a little distance between yourself and whatever is vexing you.             In that … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #17”

Gene Krupa (1909-1973) was a jazz drummer remembered primarily for his work during the Big Band Era.  If you don’t know him, look him up; he’s universally recognized as the father of modern drumming.  He was also quite the character in his own right, as any number of YouTube videos will show.  Should you ever … Continue reading “BOOM, BOOM, BOOM…”

            Anytime you assemble a large group of people, someone’s bound to experience a minor annoyance or two.  Movie sets are no exception.             Having spent my adult life in and around that environment, I’ve learned to roll with almost anything that comes down the pike.  But there’s one thing I’ve never come to grips … Continue reading “THE CROSSING GUARD”

            Calm is contagious.             I’m hardly the first person to say this.  But think about it…             Just because every production has its chaotic moments, that’s no excuse for letting yourself get swept up in the madness.             As a department head – and the director’s closest collaborator – cinematographers need to embody a … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #16”