Re: HD

Here's the interview with Anthony Dod Mantle that I mentioned in your post about HD:

http://www.viceland.com/int/v16n9/htdocs/our-two-favorite-cinematographers-133.php

They also interviewed Christopher Doyle:

http://www.viceland.com/int/v16n9/htdocs/our-two-favorite-cinematographers-doyle-134.php

HD

I have been a fan of HD when it facilitates our doing something that we are not otherwise able to do with another medium. I have always thought that was most obvious in production when using very small cameras to record big images, as was done so well on Slumdog Millionaire. When HD is used in the same way as traditional film (big cameras in studio configurations), then I have found it to be less interesting and less applicable. Unless of course there are aesthetic or practical reasons.

Last night I went to a screening of A Serious Man, which included a Q&A with Roger Deakins where he was asked about shooting HD and he put it succinctly. I paraphrase his reply - When HD is easier to shoot than film, and renders a better result, it will make sense to shoot it. Until then, it doesn't make sense to me. Up to now - it is not easier, and the results are not better, so I continue to shoot film. Arri is working on some interesting new technology that I want to test - if it lives up to its promise, maybe I'll shoot with it.

Each of us has to decide for ourselves which is the best medium for each project. When budget or convenience are the only considerations, then the artistry of the cinematographer is denigrated. The aesthetic demands of the individual production must weigh into the equation - and then balanced against the schedule, budget and other practical issues.

A Conversation with Christian Berger

I just wanted to share this interesting interview with Christian Berger, Michael Haneke's cinematographer, about The White Ribbon. The film will be released in the United States on December 30th.

http://www.movieline.com/2009/10/a-conversation-with-christian-berger-cinematographer-of-michael-hanekes-the-white-ribbon.php?page=all

Call Sheets

Call sheets are a crucial part of production communications. They list who is supposed to be there, the time they are due, the scenes in the order they will be shot, and many more essential pieces of information.

Inaccurate call sheets cause confusion, and slow the labor intensive production process.

Call sheets are also legal documents. They are part of a legal contract that declares when cast and crew are expected on set and they make clear the expectation that cast, crew and production will honor the standing labor agreement (on both sides). Further, call sheets and DPRs together are evidence that the expectations of the labor agreement will be followed, and of work completed.

Department heads and key crew members do not wait to be told by the AD what is "next" they refer to their call sheets, and armed with this information, then can plan ahead, so that the work of the day progresses smoothly and efficiently.

All this can grind to a halt when call sheets are not accurate, when the information is incomplete, or when changes are made, but not communicated to all the crew.

The second AD generates the call sheet based on information provided by the first AD. The first AD reviews and confirms the information - and preliminary call sheets are distributed, usually by lunch, so that department heads can review and call attention to any details that they feel need to be considered. After vetting, the final call sheet is generated, signed by the UPM, AD and Director, as a contract - an agreement, that this is the planned work and that they expect it is reasonable to complete in the time allotted.

The call sheets are then distributed, and everyone who is named is obligated to be ready to work at the specified time. The production in turn, is obligated to honor their agreement with the cast and crew in terms of breaks, meals, compensation, etc.

Be sure to read your preliminary call sheets, let the AD know of any concerns you have, and then read the final call sheet before you go home for the night. Know your call time, be early, be professional in all your dealings.

Your reputation is everything!