Bruce Greene

http://vimeo.com/101378699 I think this will work :)

Sorry this link doesn't work here. Can't figure out how to delete the post...

http://vimeo.com/m/101378699

http://vimeo.com/m/101378699

The script and actors are your guide:)

Well someone needs to say this.... Keep in mind that film may not be with us much longer as a practical medium. Didn't Deluxe labs just announce their closure of the film processing plant? When you consider your decision, just keep in mind that you might only be able to use your new camera for a year or two.

You might want to try a toy, the etch-a-sketch. Learning to draw on this toy will train your brain for the geared head. Then you can practice at Starbucks. :)

Hi Martin, Welcome to the world of cinematography! I'd just like to add, that while photography is a significant part of the creative job, story telling is, for me, the major part. I'm not sure how you can learn this without going out and making your own movies. These days, it's not too expensive, as long as you don't overdo it. A simple digital capture device, a laptop, and off you go! Best of luck to you. And never give up, and never surrender.

Just wanted to also note the importance of keeping the smart phone out of your hands. If the DP asks you to put it away, just say "sorry sir" and put it away! Rant over :)

The reality is that many of the people who hire us are not so sure what good cinatgraphy is. Their expertise lies elsewhere. So they try to get a sense of what others think. References become really important. And sometimes, "buzz". And sometimes it comes down to how much money the films you've shot have made. As for the reel, familiarity of the cast and projects are probably most important selling points, but...you never know.

A while back I shot I scene at a drive in theater. We used a 16mm projector, with a print borrowed from the local library as a key light on the actors. Today, I would do a reverse of the screen as a digital effect shot.

sadly, working as crew (or maybe anything else) on low budget indie movies, even when paid, is kind of a hobby and not a career. Just the nature of it nowadays. Even a Tier 1 Union film that shoots for just 18 days is not going to be a career job...

nice rig! But where is the follow focus apparatus? I think you'll need it.

Whatever you do... Acting and driving in uncontrolled traffic is extremely dangerous. The last time I photographed actors handheld while driving they were so into their parts, that they went through a red light. A very near miss of tragic consequences. I will never do this again. I did a low budget film recently with night driving. We did it with the car parked. We placed the camera on a dolly in front of the car with the track parallel to the front seats. (you can use a slider on the hood, camera on sand bag for the hand held look) We placed a vehicle behind the hero car with it's headlights on and bounced the follow car up and down to simulate road bumps. The camera moved slightly back and forth to change the relationship with the car behind us. And small lighting effects were used to simulate movement. The headlights from the follow car sometimes flared the lens. The effect was 100% convincing. If you can not tow the picture car, please do not let the actors themselves drive in traffic. It's only a movie.

I've actually never used photoshop, so I have a lot to learn about color grading!" I would really encourage every cinematographer to learn Photoshop. Your understanding of how the camera exposes and color grading will improve immensely:)

Me thinks you paint too bleak a view. Every project is unique. Every team different. All the chief creative people have enormous impact on the finished film. For better or worse... That said, one's influence is much related to confidence in oneself and the ability to pursuance others.

I have in my kit a "suicide" pigtail cable for this scenario. I always check polarity before using it. Glad to know the Alexa will not melt though!

For me, the best way ovoid anxiety is to be well prepared. Works every time. But there are times you can't prepare and must face the unknown. You prepare for this through...experience. To get this experience, you need to practice throwing yourself into the unknown, with whatever equipment and crew are available. You will probably do some if your greatest, and sometimes least great work in this fashion. But you know what? Everything will be ok. Remember this: no one shot will make or break your career. And there is always the cutting room. That scene that didn't work well? Don't worry. You won't put it in the movie. So, to learn not to worry, make the movie!!!!

Radar speed gun? Haven't tried it, but it might help. Know anyone in the highway patrol?

From my experience... Pros: 2 cameras can save a little time. Maybe at most, 20%. 2 cameras have a better chance of capturing a good performance that only happens once. Cons: 2 cameras require a 2nd camera crew and equipment. Might not save money. I think it's easier to cut the single camera film, provided you've placed the camera well. It's a challenge for the DP if he/she must operate the 2nd camera. I've done it both ways for comedies. The single camera(with limited b cam) was more cinematic. The 2 camera almost always was much more about the performances. It's really up to your director, producer, and you to decide what is best for the project. Best of luck to you!

You can do a color grade ramp in post as you move in and out of the hallway. A little tricky, but possible.

You should bring the DP to the grading session if he/she is available

I have done a few freebies that have paid off. So, choose them wisely :) My favorite was a short film for a commercial director I had worked with for a couple spots years before. I haven't worked with them since, but my daughter got a tour of the studio, that she turned into an on running job. Saved me thousands!!! :) For what it's worth, my crew was paid, but I volunteered myself and camera too...

Strange conversation. If film is better and not more expensive, we would see a lot more film being used. Digital is significantly less expensive, even for pro budgets. And film is dying. Just the way it is for better or worse...

Strange conversation. If film is better and not more expensive, we would see a lot more film being used. Digital is significantly less expensive, even for pro budgets. And it is dying. Just the way it is for better or worse...