This week’s Focal Points include a short documentary about grips, a retrospective of the Hitchcock dolly zoom, a tutorial on reading a light meter, two Reddit AMA’s from Bill Murray and Mark Hamill, and an interview with legendary director Christopher Nolan.
Those of us in the camera department have known for years that we dress to impress – by being ready for cold weather, hot desert, or a really long day. Adam Carolla agrees and, on one of his podcasts turned into this video, explains why cameramen dress the best.
As a camera assistant, you’ve probably had to explain what you do to a friend or family member, but have you ever had to explain it to somebody in production? Sometimes there’s a disconnect between what production asks of an AC and what you’re trained to do.
Each scene in a well-crafted film contains dozens of examples of how the art of cinematography can affect an audience and draw them further into a story or a character. All you have to do is study those films and be willing to learn to become a better cinematographer.
The smartphone is one of the best tools you can have in your pocket if you’re going to be on a film set. It can be anything you need from a depth-of-field calculator to a clapperboard – if you’re armed with the right apps, like these five cinematography apps available for Android.
Raw Stock is back answering questions from readers working below-the-line and behind the camera. We discuss why some TV shows look so different from movies, the best way to approach your job title on a business card, and why it’s proper setiquette to walk, not run, on a film set.
The Black and Blue is four years old! Can you believe it? Neither can I. So please join me while we take time to look back at the past year of this site and what it means for you and I.
Do you know the difference between flying a Steadicam in high mode or low mode? What about Don Juan and missionary? In this post, we put the dirty bedroom jokes aside and look at basic Steadicam positions and the terms used to describe them from a beginner’s perspective.
When I set out to redesign The Black and Blue, I knew I’d be hiring freelance designers, developers, and a few others to help. What I didn’t realize was the difficulty of doing so and how much time and money I’d waste jumping over obstacles and making mistakes.
Once the champagne’s gone flat and your hangover’s passed, it’s time for a fresh start in the new year. For many that means New Year’s Resolutions. While I’m not big on resolutions and promises to myself, there’s one thing I must improve on for more work and a better filmmaking career.