The place to discuss, share content and offer advice and tips on all things lighting, framing, cameras, lenses and technique
Cristian Mungiu's Fjord took the Palme d'Or, his second win after 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days in 2007. From a cinematography standpoint, Mungiu's films are always visually precise and worth discussing.
Pawlikowski and cinematographer Łukasz Żal created composit...
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here's the TL;DR:
Great AFC interview with cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru, RSC, on his work with Cristian Mungiu on Fjord. One thing that stood out to me is how deliberately restrained the cinematography is: long wide shots, observational distance, natural light, warm interiors against cold N...
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In the post forum this came up related to editing, but it's something that should be addressed in pre-production so that the editor isn't forced to flip shots to avoid misusing the 180 degree rule.
That said, nobody is perfect; if the project is big enough, some will slip through no matter how carefu...
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Ever since I started photography, I watch films and TV differently. I notice framing, lighting, movement—how every choice supports the story.
What stands out most is intention. The format, the lens, the camera movement—it all shapes how the story feels. Sometimes Super 8 brings something raw and inti...
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For me, it’s how framing and movement reflect the character’s psychological state. Subtle shifts in camera distance or composition can completely change how a scene feels without any dialogue.
Lighting...
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Sydney S Camera movement and angle always stand out to me when I watch stories. If the movement feels intentional and the angles support the emotion, I’m fully in. If they’re off, it can pull me out o...
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Agreed — when camera movement and angles feel intentional, they really pull you into the story. It’s interesting how even small inconsistencies there can break immersion instantly.
For me, it's the cohesion of multiple elements; the lighting, directing, acting, story, costumes, music, and cinematography. I like to see that they’re all working in tandem with each other to convey...
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That’s a very realistic way to look at it, Grady. A lot of what makes hard sci-fi exciting creatively is also what makes it financially risky from a production standpoint.
I do think newer technology i...
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Director Christopher Nolan recently visited FotoKem, the last motion picture lab in the world that makes 70mm prints, to see finishing touches being made to "The Odyssey," the first feature shot entirely on IMAX film.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GEqDZ3hQSo)...
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Hey all,
I was at a cinema gear expo for filmmakers today and met an Oscar winner!!!
If you can guess who this guy is, you're gonna be alright with me.
Answers???
It's Sir Roger Deakins, legendary cinematographer.
Since 1951, Cannes has formally recognized the craft of cinematography through what is now known as the CST Award for Best Artist-Technician, honoring the technical and visual achievements of directors of photography working within the Official Selection. That tradition deepened in 2013 with the lau...
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Why does the Mandalorian movie look like a TV show? It's not just that the talky scenes take place at 3:30 pm when the sunlight is the boring-est. But the fight scenes, too.
Explosions should BURST out of darkness. Mortal Kombat II got this right. They weren't afraid of color or light sources (flames...
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No light source, versus a light source inside the frame.
Have you seen the movie yet?
I’ll reserve my comments until after it’s released.
Haven't seen the movie yet, this is based on screengrabs from the trailer.
They showed the first third of the movie on Star Wars day to select audiences, and the comments back were that it looked just like the TV show - flat lighting, lack of color.
Vancouver's Run 'n Gun fest is less than a week away now, and the Seattle 48 Hour Film Project is a couple of months out. There are similar events around the world.
Those who are participating this year, what challenges are you facing? What are you doing to prepare?
Currently my team's main challenge is finding an editor.
I’m watching the Netflix Nordic series DETECTIVE HOLE starring Joel Kinnaman and I have to say the cinematography on this show is unreal.
Vilmos Zsigmond (favorite: McCabe & Mrs. Miller)
Andrzej Bartkowiak (favorite: The Verdict. Andrzej’s ability to shoot interior scenes in a stunningly beautiful manner is amazing. Some of the interior...
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I'm loving all of your responses here. I just watched Crime 101 - several of you brought it up, I agree - that was a beautiful film. (off topic - reminded me of old school 80's/90's movies we used to see - not as good as them - but love those fun rides)
Amanda, I love when cinematography becomes part of the storytelling rather than just the aesthetic. The Nordic tone does that really well — using space, silence, and negative framing to build tension...
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I loved the cinematography of "Apocalypse Now" by Vittorio Storaro.
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Thanks Lindsay Thompson - was just reading an interview with Fjord's cinematographer (posted about it in the lounge) - you've prompted me to seek out more on Łukasz Żal, as well. cheers...
Expand commentThanks Lindsay Thompson - was just reading an interview with Fjord's cinematographer (posted about it in the lounge) - you've prompted me to seek out more on Łukasz Żal, as well. cheers