I’m always surprised at the vast number of oddball, small-manufacturer devices that have been offered up for use by cinematographers over the history of the artform.  The Spotron meter you see above is the latest example, and I had never heard of it until seeing this ad in the August 1966 issue of American … Continue reading “SPOT-ON”

         There’s not much information available regarding J. Burgi Contner, ASC, but one thing is clear – he was a busy and innovative cinematographer throughout the entirety of his career.          He seems to have been a native of Lakeland, FL, but his career was based in New York City.  His first credit appeared in … Continue reading “J. BURGI CONTNER, ASC (1906-1973)”

         Go ahead…say one word.  If you didn’t think he was the Royal Highness before, you’d better believe it now!          Himself, Jeff IV…watching a ball bounce down the street as he expectantly waits for the return of his best friend in the universe – ME!

         In August I posted my take on an execrable film that nonetheless scared me senseless as a child – Terror from the Year 5000 (1958; Robert J. Gurney, Jr.).  Since then, I’ve learned that I might’ve been a little harsh on its cinematographer, Arthur Florman (1917-2001).  Though I stand by my assessment of his … Continue reading “REVISED RESPECT”

         For yet another post, I offer full disclosure: John Alonzo, ASC will always hold a tender place in my heart.  During the mid-’90’s, he was the first prominent cinematographer to speak up on my behalf as a potential candidate for ASC membership.  It was a different time, and for those of us who were … Continue reading “JOHN A. ALONZO, ASC (1934-2001)”

         This innocuous-looking piece of wood, measuring 16 1\2″ x 2″ x 1″, is a slat from a seat in the original Yankee Stadium.  Not the one that was refurbished between 1973-75, but the original original, which was constructed in 1923.  I nicked it fifty-two years ago today at the close of the last game … Continue reading “A LITTLE BIT OF SOUL”

         The short article featured below was plucked from the September 1925 issue of American Cinematographer.  When was that, you say?  Yes…a full century ago.  Despite having been published for only five years at that point, the magazine had established the ASC as the industry’s thought-leader, a fact that remains in effect to this day. … Continue reading “CREDIT DUE?”

         Jeff IV on his daily squirrel hunt…  They usually like to taunt him, letting him get close before bolting up the tree.  Lately, they’ve been delaying their escape until the last instant, and I suspect that soon they’ll come within pawing distance.  I think they understand that all he wants to do is play. … Continue reading “MORNING PRACTICE”

         An ad from the August 1945 issue of American Cinematographer…          This little device – simple though it seems – was actually quite sophisticated for its time.  And it once again proves there’s very little in our profession that’s truly new or revolutionary!

         Everyone in the film industry has an origin story, but cinematographer Archie Stout’s has to be the most unusual.          While directing a one-reeler on a Malibu location in 1914, legendary comedy producer\studio head Mack Sennett needed a shot of a pelican nipping at actress Louise Fazenda’s backside.  Concerns for the bird’s welfare led … Continue reading “ARCHIBALD STOUT, ASC (1886-1973)”