Andrew Brinkhaus

This is great material for an aspiring AC like myself, thanks! Hope to see more soon.

The Disto A2 is great as well, for a lower price, however with less features. The A2 is accurate up to an 1/8th of an inch, and has a range of like 200ft or so.

Wow, thanks alot for all that great information Jayson. I know I want to be a DP, so that is taken care of. Right now, it's really about financing, and getting into a situation where I can "survive" in LA while paying back the school I am in now, as well as either working, or attending AFI. I would really like to stay in contact with you however, so that we could meet at some point once I get out there. Thanks again.

I'll do that. Thanks again.

I know that really what it comes down to, is how hard I work at it. The people I meet, and the dedication and drive I have for getting to where I want to be. Even if it takes a long time. But, in terms of solid support, does the name "AFI" mean anything in the business? Are students more likely to be hired on if they have graduated there, rather than some guy looking for work. Obviously, I mean if they have the same amount of drive and commitment... I guess I just imagine AFI having great connections with the industry, and if you could get in good with some instructors there, maybe you could get recommended for work while still in school even.

Thanks alot Brad. I definitely understand and agree with where you are coming from. After school, I was also considering a different path...Getting into AFI's Cinematography MFA program. Most of the instructors there are ASC, and it is a very union-oriented school. Do you think by taking that route, I would be more likely to graduate and have job openings due to the connections and networking I gained while attending school? I know my work would be much stronger... Would it be more likely that I be hired as an operator or AC after spending that time there? Thoughts?

This has been a great topic to be reading, as I am right now thinking heavily about how I can get to where I want to be, as a cinematographer, in a professional world. I know I will probably not get to where I want to be, shooting big films for 20 or 30 years. I've decided I want to continue camera operating in LA after leaving school, but I am just confused on the whole Union/Non Union work topic. Is getting hired as an A-Cam Op, or B-Cam Op on a big show as easy as knowing someone, or contacting the production office early on? A lot of it is probably just luck...Being in the right place at the right time. Of course, I am talking about being non Union, and trying to work Union shows.

I agree with many things already mentioned above. Brilliant use of Super35, and the anamorphic set up. I absolutely need to devote more time to learn the details of shooting this way. Matt- I believe the reason their are brief "pauses" in those sequences, is to resemble the stretching and manipulation of the space/time fabric, mentioned earlier in the film by one of the scientists.

I would support what David is saying here. Try bringing the wattage of your practicals up to the next available higher wattage, and that should maintain your mood, as well as just bring up the overall levels. If that isn't satisfactory, you could even bring some of the practicals up in intensity, and leave some a little lower, to "shape" those shadow areas. Also, you could use china lanterns and black wrap to softly cut the light into certain areas, maintaining an appropriate contrast ratio.

...Or does it mean, 1/2 - 1 stop under middle grey?

So I'm not new to lighting, but I have in the past shot mostly video, and I am just now beginning to work with a meter. When you say "light the screen 1/2 - 1 stop under" Your referring to already having a predetermined stop, such as f/4, and then lighting the screen at a f/5.6 or something similar? Which means that the f/4 would be the foreground or talent's range? Just wanting to make sure i'm reading this right.

Thanks for the insightful comment Richard. I am new here on these boards, but am I young cinematographer and it's great to finally find a place where professionals talk about common issues and concerns. Its a great way to get a head start on my future plans.