Cinematography News

Music Video: Jesse Rose - Non-Stop

This is a music video for British artist Jesse Rose that I DP'd for Scion A/V and director Chris Cruse. Filmed over 2 nights on the Canon 5D, we mixed rear screen projection with live action shot on a street corner in downtown LA. Here are a few behind the scenes photos:

News: Not Your Parents' Documentaries: "California is a Place"

Sony's Bravia Balls Ad, David Michod's "Crossbow", James Nachtwey's war photography. Every once in a while, you get smacked in the face by art so powerful and sublime, it leaves you inspired, envious, or both. The mini documentary series, "California is a place", is no different. Led by filmmaker Drea Cooper and photographer Zackary Canepari, these 5-7 minute masterpieces tell the stories of unique individuals and groups throughout the Golden State. What really separates the quality of these ...

News: Lacking Inspiration? Get a Light Boner

A friend of mine sent this site to me a year ago. And if it were updated more often, it'd be my home page. Designer/Developer Jarred Bishop curates this jaw-dropping collection of epic-light photos. Seriously, a lot of these photos look like stills from the most visually important films you've never seen. Here's a smattering: Light Boner

News: Unconventional Edit in Mann's "Public Enemies" (DP: Dante Spinotti)

I watched Michael Mann's "Public Enemies" (DP: Dante Spinotti) last night for the first time and was struck by a very unconventional, yet effective (I think), cut. In the opening sequence (video below), Dillinger is driven up to the entrance of a prison and escorted out of the car. The scene is established in a long lens medium wide shot (probably 200mm from 150' away...Note: standard 35mm dimensions, not 2/3"). After a few steps/seconds, it cuts to a wide angle lens closeup (24-2mm from with...

Animal Kingdom (DP: Adam Arkapaw)

Every summer, I pick one or two films I can't wait to see. Some of them are conventional blockbuster choices (Transformers, Star Trek) and others are guaranteed to deliver (Dark Knight, etc.). The obvious choice for this summer is Chris Nolan's new epic "Inception". But if you're interested in an indie-epic all its own, check out "Animal Kingdom", directed by David Michod. The early Scorsese-esque fan favorite at Sundance (and Dramatic winner) has some of the best looking stuff I've seen in a...