Esther Kim

One more thing that I find a bit confusing is focal length. I don't have much choice in a lens, considering I am using the director's zoom lens. I've been reading that there are standard focal lengths but that the sensor largely influences how those focal lengths will actually look on camera. Since the a7s2 is a full frame sensor, is a 28 mm on a different sensor a larger focal length for my camera? Can anyone enlighten me on this? Also, what are some good focal lengths to keep in mind for a fight scene?

Thanks Matthieu! Is there a time frame that is best for shooting silhouettes? When I take photos they come out best during sunrise or sunset. I'm wondering if that would come out well in the middle of the afternoon.

Thanks Giacomo! Could you explain more about how you use the app? Unfortunately we don't have the best hours to shoot - due to the tide of the beach (which is on an island) we will be shooting from 9-3. Hopefully we can get things done fast so that we don't have to shoot in the afternoon.

Hi Matthieu! Thank you for your response! The bedsheets sounds doable. How would you suggest setting that up, especially when there are 3 actors who will be moving around? Also, I was thinking about backlighting the characters at some point with the sun. But is there a way to make it so that the actors are not too silhouetted?

Hi everyone, I'm a beginner at cinematography and I got the chance to shoot my friend's short in 2 weeks, which is exciting, but I'm wondering how I can make it look decent. This is basically a no budget film, so all I have is a camera (sony a7sii), a basic lens, and a ND filter. I could probably get some basic equipment if I needed it (and if it's cheap), but this will be shot in natural light. It's also a Star Wars fan fiction film, so it should look reminiscent of Star Wars. So far my plan is to shoot in Cine4 and color correct it in post, but I'd love some suggestion about what to do on production day. 1. This short film is set to be shot outside in broad daylight on a small island that is mostly sandy. From what I know, the actors will be in the sunlight (there isn't much of a place for shade), which I'm a bit concerned about. I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on how to make the actors' faces look okay in that condition. Should I take some reflectors and silks? 2. Two of the actors are black. How do you make them look good on camera? I've heard making their faces a bit shinier with moisturizer helps. Any simple, easy tricks? 3. Is it a good idea to go to the location, even if it is by myself (since I don't think the actors have time to make it), so that I can check out the lighting situation? 4. In general, I'm a bit confused by the whole idea of the headline. What is the convention around that? Any input would be helpful. Thanks!

I suppose I forgot to add that my goal is both to learn and to move back to the US. I am in Korea and as I am not a native here it doesn't make much sense to try and build my career here. Most expat filmmakers here are hobbyists and do not make a living doing film. This is a good place to practice but not to meet people who are reallly good and are good contacts. PAing sounds great. However isn't it pretty hard to financially sustain yourself doing that? I think the concern other than learning is having some financial comfort. At this point if I go to school I would have 3 years of just learning and not having to think about my expenses (I will not have debt). If I moved back to the US without school I would have to work side jobs while PAing which would be tougher.

Hey Ryan, thanks for the response! I am pretty new to film and cinematography so I'd prefer some background training. I also learn better in more laid back environments. A school like AFI is a bit too advanced for me. Do you think Feirstein is a good program for someone who is just starting out?

ignore this response!

Hey everyone, I would like to go to film school because I have the means to do so and the structure would be beneficial to me. But I'm open to not going if there is a better route. I know that going to film school is a topic that doesn't have a clear answer but I'd love your thoughts on a couple of questions I have. 1. I'm curious what your thoughts are on what to look for in a film school for a cinematography MFA - schools like USC and NYU are well known but I wonder if concentrating in cinematography during ones 2nd year takes away from developing your skills as a cinematographer than if you go to a school where you concentrate in that from the start (like Chapman). 2. How important is the reputation and connectedness of the school itself? I have heard that internships are important for film school students but at the same time I don't really know if internships are that important for aspiring cinematographers. It seems like aspiring cinematographers should just shoot and work on as many projects as possible. So, is it just important to go to a school that teaches you well and gets you a decent reel, or do the connections that big name schools like NYU offer matter? If you are in a city like NYC or LA, couldn't you network sufficiently without the school anyway? 3. Do you know anything about Feirstein School of Cinema (CUNY Brooklyn's new film school)? I have an interview with them tomorrow and it seems like a cool program because it's in NYC and focuses more on indie filmmaking. At the same time I am hesitant because the school is new and not much is known about its program or graduates. Things are a bit up in the air - I might go to film school, I might wait, I might not go at all but if you have any answers to these questions I'd appreciate it!