Cinematography

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

Geoff Hall
All Quiet on the Western Front

Well, I can’t wait to see this film, by Director Edward Berger and Cinematographer, James Friend.

This classic German novel has never been made in the German Language and so now, 92 years after the original it is being made.

“He and cinematographer James Friend, who had worked together on Patrick Mel...

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Geoff Hall

Here’s the trailer:

https://youtu.be/hf8EYbVxtCY

Wesley TC Howard II

I loved it!

Geoff Hall
The 10 Most Beautiful Films - according to Cinefix

Here are the films listed by title, year and DP (not Director)

10. Russian Ark - 2002 - Tilman Buettner

9. Manhattan - 1979 - Gordon Willis

8. Citizen Kane - 1941 - Gregg Toland

7. 2001: A Space Odyssey - Jeffrey Unsworth

6. The Conformist - 1970 - Vittorio Storaro

5. The Fall - 2006 - Colin Watkinson

4. H...

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Geoff Hall

Out of the Cinefix List I’ve seen 8 out of the 10. However, I’ve not seen Russian Ark, nor The Fall.

Geoff Hall

I went to see Kubrick’s ‘2001’ with my Dad when I was 11 years of age. As we came out of the cinema he asked if I’d liked the film, to which gave a resounding “Yes!’ (We were both lovers of science-fi...

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Geoff Hall

Oh, I forgot to add ‘My Darling Clementine’ - 1946 - Joseph MacDonald to my list.

Andrew Sobkovich

At best we can say that such lists reflect the personal taste of the list author up to the moment the list is made public. After that? Who knows. Lists are so often merely a compilation of other lists...

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Geoff Hall

Andrew Sobkovich agreed, but it’s fun to be reminded of excellence…

Shellie Schmals
What's the easiest editing software?

Admittedly, I'm a complete novice behind the camera, but I'm finding myself in the situation where I'm going to be editing my own actors reel for hosting gigs.

What's the easiest, most user-friendly, software I should try?

Lindbergh E Hollingsworth

Editing: Premiere Pro. Also look into HitFilm (they have a free version that's pretty good).

E Langley

Real easy? iMovie has a flat learning curve.

It sounds like all the tool that's needed for those tasks.

Free for iPhone and Mac, too.

Shellie Schmals

Thanks for the recommendations!!

Stephen Folker

Final Cut Pro is easiest to learn, but Premiere Pro would be a close second and one you'll end up growing into! Davinci Resolve is superb for color grading, but I'm not a fan of their editing side / even though some could say it's similar to Premiere.

Omar Shereen
Beginner

Hey guys! I am a total beginner for cinematography and I am willing to try it out! I am very new to all this and I am not sure does this social media have a community tab? Where do I get to chat and meet new people? I am trying to find a group to join and be with!

Shellie Schmals

Hi Omar Shereen - welcome to Stage 32! Here are a few blog links that will help you learn about the way our community platform works ..

Navigating Stage 32 For Your Best Experience

https://www.stage32....

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Rosemond Perdue

Hi Omar, welcome to the community. Here are a few webinars on cinematography which you might enjoy. And reach out to me if you have any questions or need more suggestions.

https://www.stage32.com/webi...

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Maurice Vaughan

Welcome to the community, Omar Shereen.

Amanda Toney
Created in Chaos: The Cinematography of ‘Blonde’ - Chayse Irvin

I read this over the weekend and found it really interesting that the inspiration was "chaos" which I thought was great considering the subject of Marilyn Monroe. I dig Chayse Irvin and loved how he shot BlackKklansman. It's an interesting peak behind the lens of this NC-17 movie. Would love other c...

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Amman M. Said

Chaos as inspiration?? Gaaah! I'll have to see the movie to get a clue of what that means.

Geoff Hall

“As filmmakers, we come up with concepts and ideas of how to structure everything, but a lot of the art is actually in how it’s produced, how it’s executed. And if you have a method to that, it reflec...

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Amman M. Said

Geoff Hall I think one benefit of structure is that it gives folks a rational and approachable way to write a story for film. I'm going with "opening- Movement 1, 2, 3 - and closing" structure for a s...

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Geoff Hall

Amman M. Said Hi Amman, Chayse Irvin decided against structure when it came to the filming of Blonde, he said it was because Marilyn’s life didn’t have structure and so he didn’t want to impose that o...

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Amman M. Said

She's crossed a River. So I titled this work "DISTANCE."

Shellie Schmals
Emmy Nods for Cinematography

The Emmy's are only a few weeks away!

What are your predictions? Favorite scenes?

Find any inspiration?...

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Emmys 2022: Cinematography Nominees on How They Shot the Year's Best Shows
Emmys 2022: Cinematography Nominees on How They Shot the Year's Best Shows
From "Euphoria" to "Atlanta" and "Loki" to "Station Eleven," 15 directors of photography tell IndieWire about the equipment they chose for their Emmy-nominated series - and, more importantly, why they chose it.
Emily J

I feel like this category is gonna go to Squid Game (or Ozarks) and Hacks but I’d give it to Loki and either Atlanta or Barry. The cinematography on those shows is just incredible and just elevates the production design in such a cool way

Shellie Schmals

I haven't seen Ozarks or Squid Game - but out of the three Loki, Atlanta, or Barry - I think Atlanta was so extra subversive this season, the cinematography was another character in the world. Can't wait for the next season!

Emily J

Agreed! Atlanta especially has always used cinematography in a way that's very "anti-sitcom/comedy"

Maurice Vaughan
NEW BLOG: "Coffee & Content: Cinematography of STRANGER THINGS & How to Write Better"

Two great videos in the Stage 32 blog:

"Stranger Things Cinematography Breakdown — A Nostalgic Approach to Lighting, Camera, & Lenses"

"Write better dialogue in 8 minutes"

https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-cinematography-of-stranger-t......

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Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Shellie Schmals. Have a great week!

Geoff Hall

Gold dust, Maurice!

Maurice Vaughan

What does gold dust mean, Geoff Hall? :)

Geoff Hall

It means that it’s precious, good quality, or as we would say in England, ‘top notch’.

Maurice Vaughan

Oh ok, thanks for explaining, Geoff Hall. Yeah, it's gold dust! :)

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.

Wayne Cothron
I need free pictures

Hello folks

I've got some new editing software and I think it gives me the capability to make short videos.

Now I have plenty of music to use, I just want to where I can find free pictures.

My current project is a short parody political add featuring Al Bundy. Now I typed into a search engine free pict...

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Maurice Vaughan

Wayne Cothron Here are some photos that are free to use (you just have to give credit to the creators):

https://www.freepik.com/...

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Shellie Schmals

Hi Wayne - I'm going to move your post to the Cinematography lounge, where it's a better fit for your question. A lot of cinematographers are also photographers.

Alyse Kane Riley
Looking to network with Assistant Camera & Boom Ops!

Hey guys, I am looking for 1st and 2nd AC's to network with along with Boom Ops... if that is you, please touch base. I have a couple upcoming projects and I am looking to add to my network of talented filmmakers!

Shellie Schmals

Hi Alyse Kane Riley , so nice to meet you! Stage 32 has an area specifically designated for that reason where you can search for jobs in any your profession. To find it, click “Browse” on the top menu...

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Gerry Ibarra
DP Needed on Indie Short Film

Looking to hire a DP w/ gear, preferably with the RED or Arri Alexa camera. One-day shoot on August 6th. Within the Los Angeles County area.

If interested, please email me your demo reel and list of gear: ibarraartists@yahoo.com

Rosemond Perdue

Hi Gerry, another good place to post is in the Jobs section. Good luck!

Chris Donald Griffin

Intriguing poster. Makes me wonder: when, where, and in what society this might take place.

Ryan Christiansen

Love the poster! :)

Shellie Schmals

Hi Gerry , so nice to meet you! Stage 32 has an area specifically designated for that reason where you can search for jobs in any your profession. To find it, click “Browse” on the top menu bar. You c...

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Zoran Dragelj
John Hora details his most complex and ambitious production to date.

I really enjoying reading this article so wanted to share https://ascmag.com/articles/john-hora-and-gremlins

If you would like to read more on John Hora please check https://theasc.com/news/in-memoriam-john-c-hora-asc...

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In Memoriam: John C. Hora, ASC (1940-2021) - The American Society of Cinematographers (en-US)
In Memoriam: John C. Hora, ASC (1940-2021) - The American Society of Cinematographers (en-US)
Best known for his fantastical collaborations with director Joe Dante - including The Howling, Gremlins, Explorers and Matinee - the cinematographer unexpectedly died of heart failure on February 9, 2…
Andrew Sobkovich

Zoran Dragelj

Thank you for posting this very interesting article. Wonderful insight into a superb cinematographer.

Andy

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