ACS Forum of Expectations Presentation by Ron Johanson OAM ACS Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

THE FUTURE OF THE CINEMATOGRAPHER We live in the most exciting time for cinematography with the development of Digital cameras and lenses capable of extraordinary quality and incredible devices to move the camera in ways previously only dreamt about No longer does it require years of experience to simply get an image on celluloid, now you simply turn the camera on, adjust the aperture and presto you can have a beautifully exposed picture The democratisation of the film industry through the reduced cost of entry at every level from Editing thru SFX to Cinematography has lead to an increasing number of very enthusiastic and often very talented but very inexperienced people joining us in the wonderful world we work in Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

THE FUTURE OF THE CINEMATOGRAPHER The future of professional cinematography lies in educating, training and mentoring the many inexperienced people joining our industry that haven’t had the benefit of “On the Job” training. To help inform these new players the ACS is putting together “Guide Lines for the Cinematographer” to educate the emerging cinematographer and the industry as a whole as to the role of the cinematographer in the modern production environment These guidelines will also include an understanding of filmmaking protocols that have been developed over the years to help produce productive and creative efficiencies Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

THE FUTURE OF THE CINEMATOGRAPHER We have to be mindful that the modern production environment is very different now and take note of input of all involved including all the other departments at all levels of production We are proposing that these guidelines should be “globally open source” moderated by panels comprising cinematographers of all levels of expertise and genres. As a start we have started to put together a list of bullet points and we look forward to receiving any suggested additions Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

PRE - PRE PRODUCTION Know and understand the Producer and Directors vision for the film Meet with all departments especially, Production Design, VFX, Editing , 1ST AD We want other departments to tell us what is required - collaboration We need to tell them what we need We want to collaborate with all departments creatively to make the set run smoothly and efficiently to produce a better-looking film Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

PRE PRODUCTION Continue working with Director and crew re creative, budget and scheduling Testing to establish a look and a LUT - Camera and Lens tests Make up, hair and wardrobe tests Establish the workflow with Editor and VFX Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

SHOOT What coverage do we need to bring the Directors vision to life? We need to take every opportunity to communicate with key crew and department heads Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

PRODUCTION DESIGN Production designers are our ‘best friend’ In some cases, integrated lighting is the only way to light Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

VFX Decide on technical requirements, after consultation Discuss artistic contributions and interpretations Cinematographers need to know what VFX are capable of and how we collaborate to create the best image Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

GRADING -TIMING Artistic control of the image from inception to exhibition 1. We design the look of the cinematography 2. We light and shoot to be graded in a particular way 3. We finally realise the vision in the Grading suite This is how we deliver what we promised to the Producer and Director Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

NEW TECHNOLOGY We need to be aware of any new technology and take charge of it Understanding technology allows our artistry to flourish Ignorance = Fear Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

FORUM OF EXPECTATIONS The ACS consults and collaborates with other Guilds We propose several Panel discussions: including “How our roles have changed due to new technology” and “How we relate to each other” Allow time for open discussion with all participants Aim is to enhance communications and understanding between each other Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

IN SUMMARY The future of cinematography has never been more excitingly creative and it is up to the Societies worldwide to keep cinematographers and the art of cinematography relevant in a world where most creative professions are undervalued. Nobody including the most talented postproduction artists can replicate what a cinematographer can photograph with the camera placed at that perfect height from the perfect angle, beautifully composed with the lighting just perfect. Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

ACS Forum of Expectations coming soon Presentation by Ron Johanson OAM ACS president@austcine.org.au Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS