Cinematography

The place to discuss, share content and offer advice and tips on all things lighting, framing, cameras, lenses and technique

Liked by Andrew Sobkovich and one other

Geoff Hall
Metropolis and the Golden Age of German Cinema

I have a love for the films of Fritz Lang and especially for ‘Metropolis’ (1927). Not just because of my unrequited love for Brigitte Helm, but because of the verve of cinematic experimentation thanks to Freund, Rittau and Ruttmann.

Here’s a short video outlining some of the techniques they used on t...

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Nick Waters

Thanks for sharing!

Andrew Sobkovich

Geoff Hall Thank you for posting this. Metropolis is an amazing movie, with a story that is as relevant and thought provoking now as it was. The effects must have been awe inspiring when the picture w...

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Geoff Hall

Andrew Sobkovich rose coloured spectacles? Never! I just wish I could travel back in time and see it in a Berlin cinema when it was released (January 10th, 1927) and also watch the audience’s reaction...

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Andrew Sobkovich

Geoff Hall The rose colored glasses view is mine, but I’ll share :-).

I’m very much a science fiction fan. The imagination, the visions, in so many books and stories is wonderful. A great escape that...

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Stephen Folker
What Camera Was That Movie Filmed on??

For those who love to google "what camera what xyz moved filmed on...", there's an awesome website called https://shotonwhat.com. Fun to see what cameras big productions use.

ShotOnWhat?
ShotOnWhat?
ShotOnWhat? is the central database for documenting the equipment, processes, stories and facts on the making of movies & TV shows. ShotOnWhat? collects and organizes the technical aspects of the Moti…
Frank Van Der Meijden

Great concept! Thanks, Stephen Folker

Stephen Folker

Absolutely! Interesting to see even big Hollywood movies use tiny, cheap cameras, for quick shots, mostly, but still they look good enough to blend in to the rest of the shots!

Nick Waters

Love this site.

Stephen Folker

Nick Waters - that makes two of us!

Stephen Folker
Natural Light Filmmaking

So often, when it comes to cinematography, one of the biggest challenges is lighting a scene, to set the mood. Shadows play such a big part to creating an overall feeling.

I love the movie Barry Lyndon. Not just because the cinematography is nothing short of amazing (great story too), but it's filme...

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Andrew Sobkovich

Barry Lyndon is a beautiful movie. Wish people could see it projected again.

These video essays are usually quasi informative. The text and quotes in this one reminded me, a lot, of the American Cinem...

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Stephen Folker

Andrew Sobkovich, thanks for sharing the article. I'm going to give it a read today. :)

Nathan Woodward

I LOVE THIS MOVIE! Thanks for sharing Stephen!

Stephen Folker

Makes two of us Nathan Woodward! One of the greats!

Nick Waters

Barry Lyndon is a perfect movie. Beautifully shot.

Sam Sokolow
Directing 101 - a new 4-part class announced

John Award-Winning director Clay Liford his upcoming interactive Stage 32 4-part class called DIRECTING 101,

Every director has their own unique visual and narrative style. But there are universal fundamentals of directing related to the process of taking a script to screen, working with actors, fin...

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Nick Waters

Looking forward to this class!

Geoff Hall
Roger Deakins - On lighting

Me and Roger Deakins go way back (we are both of a certain age)!

I loved his perceptions about light and checking out stills photographers to see how they’ve lit their images.

I also loved this idea of lighting as the search for simplicity, over not overthinking lighting a scene as well as not being a...

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Andrew Sobkovich

While I’m not really a fan of these omnipresent video opinions, this one has enough of Roger talking that it keeps my attention. Listening to him is always a worthwhile use of time and utterly enjoyab...

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Geoff Hall

Andrew Sobkovich Yes, I came across a lot of video reviews on what they thought Deakins was doing, or yes, seemed to lose the thread, listening to too many Chinese whispers.

João Janeira Nobre

Andrew Sobkovich, where is EMANUELLE LUBEESKI DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY?

Andrew Sobkovich

Joao Janeira Nobrel. i’ve not spoken with Emmanuel Lubezki for a number of years. Sorry, but I do not know what he is up to at this time.

João Janeira Nobre

I understand. He last saw himself winning the OSCAR in 2016 and then disappeared. Thanks for the feedback !

Ryan Little
How to make an amazing visual short film

Such amazing visual and camera work in this movie. And done so simple too. Check out this link to the short film "Evenveil," then after you watch that check out the "Making of Evenveil." You will be blown away how this was done. It will certainly inspire you!

"EVENVIEL" - https://youtu.be/tyC6oJ2M4LM...

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Sam Sokolow

This is very cool - thanks for sharing!

Stephen Folker

Cool stuff! With the right VFX people, the sky is the limit! Thanks for sharing!

Ryan Little

Sydney. Crazy right. It's amazing what can be done.

Ryan Little

Sam and Stephen. Glad you guys enjoyed it. I was super impressed.

João Janeira Nobre

Joia de curta ! Parabéns Ryan, pelo relato desse trabalho !

Frank Van Der Meijden
Filming gear for students

At our Communication College we have a minor Creative Writing and Film. Our management wanted to invest in Canon EOS 7D-camera's, for photography and filming. (Of course I want better gear, but it's not my budget.)

My question: is this camera suitable for filming and can the students watch their work...

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M LaVoie

Cameras are cameras and the principals are always the same. But as far as computer workflow and post is concerned, be careful.

Educators probably want to stick with digital gear that's relatively curre Expand comment
Nathan Woodward

Hi there Frank; thanks for posting!

I can tell you that your Lenses are more important than your camera. That being said, that's a mighty fine camera.

Frank Van Der Meijden

Thank you for this critical perspective, M LaVoie

Frank Van Der Meijden

I heard that more often, Nathan.

João Janeira Nobre

Hello! I haven't worked with the BLACKMAGIC URSA yet, I would like to know if any of you have handled this camera. It has the PROS and CONS, but it's for outer planes.

Stephen Folker
Favorite Camera?

I'll be the first to say, it's not the type of camera you use, but the set of eyes behind it .

However, I'm a total gear junkie. What's everyone shooting on nowadays?

Right now I'm a Sony user (A7siii / A7iv). Soft spot for Blackmagic too.

Gareth Taylor

My favorite camera is the one that lends itself best to a given project. I have no preference as they all have strengths and flaws. But I'll admit that I like Alexa and Venice sensors A LOT.

I personally own a Blackmagic Pocket 4K for smaller projects.

Michael Fitzer

I work with lots of different gear but I own and operate the RED Epic Dragon 6K DSMC2 as well as a couple of BMPCC 6Ks and a 1 ton G&E package where I still like to use HMIs. LED tech is awesome but n...

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Stephen Folker

Michael Fitzer - what's been your overall thoughts on shooting Red vs Blackmagic. Cool profile pic, btw.

Ashley Renee Smith
Cinegear LA!

Who is planning to attend Cinegear LA, June 1st-4th? Is there anything or anyone in particular that you're excited to see?

I believe you can still register as an attendee for free directly on their site.

https://www.cinegearexpo.com/la-expo/...

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LA Expo | Cine Gear Expo
LA Expo | Cine Gear Expo
Electronic message signs will be located in front of each entrance. In order to alleviate traffic, cars will not be allowed to turn left into any structures, so please plan accordingly. For example, o…
Andrew Sobkovich

Am still looking forward to Cinegear but I will not cross a picket line.

Gareth Taylor

The WGA is currently involved with a labor dispute against the AMPTP. While Paramount Studios is a member of the AMPTP and owns the venue where the event is being held, attendees of Cinegear are not d...

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Andrew Sobkovich

Paramount is in the AMPTP. If the WGA is picketing, entering Paramount studios lot is crossing a picket line. Whether by the front door a, a back door or a double-nought spy-guy cloak & dagger super-d...

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Gareth Taylor

It's a trade show and independent convention where people meet each other and vendors. There's no reason to think it would be an issue to attend. Regardless, last week the WGAW Assistant Executive Dir...

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Ashley Renee Smith

Thank you for that clarity, Gareth Taylor! That's very helpful.

Ashley Renee Smith
Stage 32 Blog- How To Shoot Music Festivals & Concerts

Check out today's Stage 32 blog written by DP and Director, Shawn Yeo, sharing his hard-earned survival guide for shooting music festivals and concerts. Drop Shawn some love and appreciation in the blog comments and let him know if you have any thoughts or specific questions!

https://www.stage32.com Expand post

Nathan Woodward
How Long Do You Wait?

Has anyone here ever shot on actual film? How did it make you feel knowing that you couldn't immediately watch the shot - you just had to trust it happened.

I know myself for one, a whole day was wasted on a greenscreen shot because we didn't pay attention to the fall off onto the back of the talent.

Gareth Taylor

100% agree with E Langley. We shot on film for a century and made mistakes along the way. It's no different with digital. People make mistakes even when seeing the result immediately. Especially on gr...

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Andrew Sobkovich

Shot millions of feet of film. It is very dependent upon knowledge, skill and experience. Maybe initially, for each person, there was some little trepadation in rushes, but in reality there should be...

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Stephen Folker

While I haven't shot anything narrative on film, as a photographer, I started my career shooting 35mm film. And to this day, I still shoot 120 film. There's something magical about loading the film an...

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Ashley Renee Smith
RED Vs. Nikon: Case Dismissed

The lawsuit between RED and Nikon will no longer be going to trial, as it's now been officially dismissed by the California Central District Court yesterday. Meaning that Nikon can continue to use the compressed raw recording features in the Z9.

I'd love to know what our DPs and camera ops think abou...

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RED Vs. Nikon: Case Dismissed - YMCinema - News & Insights on Digital Cinema
RED Vs. Nikon: Case Dismissed - YMCinema - News & Insights on Digital Cinema
Yesterday, California Central District Court released an update regarding the Red.com, LLC v. Nikon Corporation et al lawsuit. In short, the case is dismissed. That means the flagship Nikon Z9 keeps i…
Sam Sokolow

This is such an interesting case and always fee that more choices are better for filmmakers and DPs. Thanks for sharing, Ashley!

Geoff Hall

Ashley Renee Smith I suppose that if you have developed the technology and have the patent, then you want to protect your product. My limited understanding is that patents are time limited anyway, so...

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Andrew Sobkovich

Geoff Hall I do not use Red cameras. There are other choices, and I opt for those. It is a personal decision with the camera and company forged link by link like Jacob Marley’s chain. For me it starte...

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Geoff Hall

Andrew Sobkovich Thanks for your reply. That’s quite a catalogue of disasters. I will steer any DP I work with away from a RED camera. Low budget films can’t afford to drop days because of camera malf...

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Andrew Sobkovich

Geoff Hall As I said, my reasons are personal, wide-ranging, and built over an extended period. Other people may have different experiences. Respect that. The decision is up to the DP you are working...

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