The Cinematographer as Artist, Expert, Collaborator
Posted on July 11, 2010 in Cinematography, Interviews | 3 Comments
Three-time Oscar nominee Wally Pfister, ASC (“Dark Knight,” “The Prestige,” “The Italian Job”) discusses the art, craft and realities of storytelling from behind the camera and beyond. While cinematographers are called upon to create compelling images for motion pictures, television, commercials and now even more, they are also required to be adept and fluent in the the tools, technologies and pragmatic processes that are a part of the creative process. This is a rare opportunity to hear one of the industry’s most renowned cinematographers discuss his collaborations, talk about why he made (or didn’t make) certain choices for artistic reasons, and how the tools of his craft have evolved. Moderated by: Peter Caranicas, Managing Editor, Variety.
VIA: Createasphere
-Greetings by Kristin Petrovich, President HD EXPO/Createasphere
-Introductions
-The “Big” Question- What brought you to this point in your career?
-What is the most exciting technical development you have seen during your career?
-How does shooting in IMAX change the dynamics on the set?
-Why do you sometimes do your own camera operation?
-Which operators do you enjoy working with?
-What do you look for in a script?
-What types of films do you enjoy working on?
-When do you choose to shoot in black and white?
-Have you developed a creative shorthand working with Chris Nolan?
-Is there a difference working with a Director who is also the Writer of the film?
-Which department heads do you consult with on a film?
-Have you explored the Digital Internegative Process?
-Do you think any on the emerging digital technology can match the quality of film?
-Should Cinematographers be paid for their work in Post Production?
-Does working as a Director of Photography prepare you for Directing?
-What do you see in the future for 3D?
-How much creative control does the studio have?
-What lead you to Directing?
-What was different about filming a lower budget film like “Laurel Canyon”?
-Do you plan to make more IMAX films in the future?
-Do you get a lot of input from your Camera Operators?
-How do you utilize the pre-production time with your Gaffer?
-How did your working relationship with Chris Nolan begin?
-Are you interested in shooting a project with the latest digital technology like the “Red” Camera?
-How much contact do you have with the Editor on a film?
-How do you use “digital dailies”?
-What will a movie set and movie theaters be like in 20 years?
-How has your union membership helped in your career?
-What was your experience like working with Heath Ledger?
-How many set-ups do you usually do in a day?
-What do you rememeber about working with Roger Corman?
3 Comments
Love the work Wally Pfister did in “The Dark Knight”!
Wally Pfister was first nominated for Batman Begins….
correct me if i’m wrong…
What a great series of videos. Worth the watch. Awaiting the day when I can have even his low-end $50k a day budget :)