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)”

         Judging from the opening graphic that pegs the day as October 16, 1997, the producers of the CBS science fiction series Lost in Space were indeed ahead of their September 15, 1965 airdate.  Check out this introductory shot from S1\E1.  Through an unbroken take that clocks in at sixty-two seconds, it sets the mood … Continue reading “APPARENTLY, THEY PEAKED EARLY”

         The view from my pillow – every morning – at approximately 4:30AM… It’s a good thing I like to get up early!

          A year ago tomorrow, during an off-day on a shoot in London, I was privileged to get a private, one-on-one tour of the most significant recording studio in history.  Abbey Road – formerly known as EMI – was incredible!  Frighteningly modern, casually hip, completely adaptable and deservedly hallowed, it’s impossible to describe the thoughts … Continue reading “YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, THAT’S THE PLACE…!”

         I’ve been on something of an artsy non-fiction binge lately and the following thought occurred with regard to cinema verité.  The phrase refers to a style of documentary filmmaking that emerged in France during the 1960’s.  It emphasized realism by capturing everyday life with minimal interference by the creators.  Newly-developed lightweight equipment and faster … Continue reading “PRETENTIOUS? YOU BE THE JUDGE”

         In honor of the Labor Day holiday, His Royal Highness Jeff IV declared that it be celebrated with free-flowing Mai Tais for all.  Though it takes a lot of effort to produce a good one, who could argue with that? He may not be exerting himself too much, but he sure knows how to … Continue reading “WORKING HARD…OR HARDLY WORKING?”