Cinematography rolls on

Bad-Dog
The pace of change in film and TV (and web and iPhone) production is astounding. In just a few years, digital acquisition has become the norm for TV production, and is rapidly taking over feature film production. Cameras like the Arri Alexa, and Sony's new F65, along with the Red…
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Richard Leacock, RIP

Bad-Dog
Richard Leacock, one of the founders or inventors of direct cinema style of documentary film making (a close cousin of cinema vérité) and a prolific documentary filmmaker, has passed away.  A good obituary and discussion of his work is on the blog All These Wonderful Things by AJ Schnack.  Ricky Leacock's own web site doesn't…
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Reflexivity

Bad-Dog
Reflexivity in film making is a tricky thing.  It is very easy to fall into self-indulgent and narcissistic pits - why should our own struggles be interesting to anyone else?  The specter of the wealthy dilettante, fooling themselves that they are some sort of artist (and pandered to because they…
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What’s the Theme, Sherlock?

Bad-Dog
Does a film need to have a theme? I suppose it does, at least a documentary does. Some way of organizing the chaos we've caught on tape after tape. Otherwise, it is more of a home movie than a film. Can't have that... Please read on, then vote! Theme is…
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What style is this movie?

Bad-Dog
Having shot much tape at Alan's retirement and birthday party, I am now wrestling with the theme and style of the film. These questions can't be answered with finality until we're in the thick of editing, but still must be grappled with now. Without some sense of purpose and direction,…
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