22 Aralık 2014 Pazartesi

Seaburners



I have had the chance to work in Melisa Onel's feature debut "Seaburners" in the beginning of March, 2013. It was my first work after military service as well as my first AD'ing experience after 4 years.
During the shoot, my responsibilities included prepping and distributing the call sheets, assisting Mira Furlan and working closely with the first AD for scheduling and organising the shoot. I was also responsible for keeping track of the shoot and taking notes for the editor.
Seaburners is out! Go see it and support first time filmmakers!

17 Ağustos 2014 Pazar

Eve’s Recipe for success



  1. Having recently red Hollywood Drive: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in & Make it in the Entertainment Industry by Eve Light Honthaner, I just wanted to share the author's recipe for success. The book is highly recommended for anyone outside of the film business looking to break in or who wants to switch their careers within the film industry. 

  1. a sincere love of the business
  2. one positive attitude
  3. one winning personality
  4. an array of well-developed people skills
  5. one large network, along with a vast collection of solid industry relationships
  6. endless reserves of energy
  7. huge portions of assertiveness and chutzpa
  8. a touch of humility
  9. heaps of inspiration and creativity
  10. a plethora of determination
  11. a willingness to start at the bottom and pay your dues
  12. an abundance of hard work mixed together with a “can do” philosophy
  13. an impressive knowledge of the business, blended thoroughly with an assortment of well-informed opinions
  14. the desire to keep learning and to give more than what’s expected
  15. the time to have fun and make new friends
  16. at least one unique quality that sets you apart from the crowd
  17. one foot capable of getting into multiple doors
  18. an ability to do well on interviews
  19. a workable plan to get you where you want to go
  20. the conviction that you’re in it for the long haul
  21. the patience and tenacity to get there
  22. enough savings or an alternate source of income to get you through the lean times
  23. oodles of confidence, motivation and self-esteem
  24. the intuitiveness to anticipate the needs and tastes of others and to remain a step ahead
  25. the talent to deliver a great pitch
  26. one teflon coat
  27. ten gallons of shark repellent to ward off all overinflated egos, nasty tempers, annoying back-stabbers and sleazeballs
  28. liberal amounts of schmoozing
  29. the time and effort to keep up contacts
  30. the support and recommendation of others
  31. one sense of humor
  32. at least one helpful and inspiring mentor
  33. the belief that in spite of all the competition, rejection, insecurity, uncertainty, nepotism and politics -- you will work again, sell a project or get a good role
  34. one stellar reputation
  35. generous dashes of passion and excitement
  36. a huge sense of pride and accomplishment for having made it this far!

3 Ağustos 2014 Pazar

The Importance of Visual Reference Gathering - 125 Images!



I just came across this great podcast on the ASC website. Michael Seresin, BSC talks with Iain Stasukevich about the making of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and his collaboration with the director, producer, production designer, 3D techs and visual effects team as a cinematographer. 
At one point during the session, he mentions the 125 reference images that the director shows him to discuss the look of the film. Photographs, paintings, stills or sequences from other films, films he or the director has shot constitutes this visual book, 125 reference images. 
There is no point in discussing the importance of visual reference gathering yet very few of us really do it.. It is a great way to discuss a project with others, to incubate an idea and a great source of inspiration when one lose tracks of his project.. 

To listen the podcast on the American Cinematographer website, click here.


Eric Kress Lighting Workshop "Dual Close-Ups" by Benjamin B, edited by me



In 2012, I have had the pleasure to edit Eric Kress Lighting Workshop with Benjamin B. The workshop held by Gokinema and moderated by Benjamin B deals with dual close up. Eric Kress meticulously lights the two shots as well as go through with every decision he makes during the process. The footage recorded by Arri Alexa shows how every adjustment, touch, and choices made by the cinematographer affects the shots, the scene and the overall mise-en scene.

It took around 9 months to edit and finish this documentary as I and Benjamin were busy doing other projects. We collaborated online, sending each other our own edits, brainstorming and thinking for a clear and simple approach to document Eric Kress's approach to lighting. Needless to say, I am very proud of this collaboration.



To read more about the documentary as well as the event, please visit the article in American Cinematographer's website.