Andrew Colton

Hi Andrew, I am amazed that you managed to get that many answers while being new here and quite rude, but here goes my answer anyway, hope it helps!

Well, thank you my fellow "new" member :)

I do think that it's just as rude to be condescending and patronizing, as trying to ask a reasonable question...

That of course does not apply to you. Since you did post an answer. And that part of your post is greatly appreciated...

Andrew, this really isn't the place to argue or get offended by what anyone says. Fact is, nobody's seen your film yet. Get your DP, make the film, then let THAT be your definitive argument.

 

good luck!

 

Jon

I did not come here to have an "argument" or to engage into a pissing contest. And I don't really need to prove anything here whether the final film is good or bad. I only asked a simple question about a specific style that I am going to employ on the project. I have only seen it done properly by Prieto and maybe by Nepomniaschy.

As to the previous question, I was going to approach Prieto. But I needed to know who else HAS DONE the same type of work in case he declines... Again, 9 out of 10 times it's done the way I don't like it. Hence the reason for me being somewhat careful about who I hire...

I thank you those who have provided positive and constructive answers to my question.

Peace.

Generally you look at a LOT of DP reels, maybe from the agencies, create a list of people in the ballpark stylistically and experience-wise, interview them, tell them that the movie will be in the style of "Amores Perros" and "21 Grams" and get their feedback, hire the person who fits the bill, and then let them work out the details with the director. In the end, they may even decide to employ a totally different style.

David,

I completely agree with you. And that's how I would do it with any other project.

But with this one, the creative decision to film in certain style has already been made.

If I find a lot of resistance to that from seasoned DPs, I would have to hire someone with more flexibility

and the ability to film according to a specific requirement...

"Shooting a movie is an act of love. You need to understand the director's vision, build on it with your input, and translate it into every image."

-Rodrigo Prieto, ASC, AMC

 

I think that's the kind of thing cinematographers like to hear they'll be able to do on a project...which is why they want to hear about that "vision" and may be put off if they sense the only intention is to copy the latest fad. To you, you're referencing a look you want, to them, you're asking them to steal someone else's vision and infringe on their "act of love." (heh, sounds sketchy)

I think a lot of you take your self too seriously. To follow the docu-drama style with shaking that does not make you too dizzy is to "steal an act of love"? Give me a freaking break! What if I told you I was making a dogma movie? Would I be stealing from Lars?

And where do you get off telling me that I want to copy the latest fad? I don't even know what the latest fad is. Try to wrap your brain around this... Maybe my "vision" is to shoot the movie in the style I want.

If I was making "Aquaman", I would certainly be open to more ideas... Then again, I could be looking

to hire the guy who worked on "Waterworld". :)

It just depends on whether it's appropriately done. I watched a few minutes of "Friday Night Lights" the new TV show, and it was SO annoying. People claim it as "documentary style", but really sometimes it seems more "home movie" style with the constant zooming in and out.

 

I usually don't mind if there's an occasional zoom in a scene, but when there are 2 to 3 zooms in every shot of every scene, it grows tiresome.

Thank you, Jonathan!

You actually prove my point. One would walk a fine line between making it look seamless and powerful, or just plain annoying and dizzy... Hence, again my reason to be very specific on what I want...

It might help if you could be more specific about what level of DP you are looking for. Do you want recommendations for DP's with the same sort of profile as Prieto, or are you looking for a good Indie feature DP? It's hard to make recommendations without knowing what league you're looking at.

Stuart,

At this point, with the same sort of profile as Prieto. But I am open to learn of any interesting Indie feature DPs.

Thanks

Thank you everyone for your replies!

Just a few comments...

- I did not specifically look to hire Prieto. I probably would if I could... I just mentioned his projects

as a point of reference. Because that's the style I want to follow for this project. Please understand,

I am not a DP. I can only go so far in the tech talk...

- I do not see anything wrong with mentioning Prieto's work during the interview process. Again, because

that's my point of reference. If that hurts someone's fragile ego, I am sorry. But it's not a dating game.

- I do have the latest issue of the AC. There is a lot of information on "Babel". If anyone can point me

to anything on "Amorres Peros", that would be great.

- I realize that a professional DP should be able to emulate any style. But unfortunately this town is big on

type-casting. Sometimes for a very good reason. In the case of Prieto, every single film except "Frida" was

done in the style I want...

- Yes, I could go over several movies taking notes. Or in this case, I could just mention the two movies

that were done in a very specific way. And I actually think that if a DP did not know what I was referring to,

he or she would probably not be right for the job...

- I did think of Labitique as well. But I think he would have to scale back a lot on his hip-hop montage and

such...

Again, thank you for all your help.

And where are you based?

And what's your budget?

And what are you shooting on?

And when are you shooting?

And I am based out of LA.

And my budget is large enough not to worry about the budget. At least as far as below-the-line cost.

And I am shooting on 35 mm

And I am shooting in around March, 2007 - May, 2007.

And anything else I need to clarify? :)

At this point, I just want to know who of the well-known DPs has done

similar work to Amores Perros and 21 Grams. Shaken but not stirred that is...

Any non-patronizing replies would be greatly appreciated.

no :-)

 

greets chris

 

and why did you open the old threat?

Are you trying to hide behind the statue of limitation? :)

I don't think 3 months would qualify...

Good luck!

I was wondering if anyone could recommend any DPs who would feel comfortable doing

something in the same filming style as what Rodrigo Prieto tends to do...

The project is a docu-drama. It will have to be filmed in that shaking style.

More like "Amores Perros" or "21 grams" and not like" The Bourne Supremacy" (sorry Oliver Wood).

Not sure how much of things like bleach bypass, etc. would be needed yet...

I would appreciate any referrals.

Thanks,

Andrew

Not to be too negative here, but your reel made me dizzy.

Like it's been said before, add some sequences...