Categories: Articles - Cinematography

Things I’ve Learned as a Moviemaker

Published by

Steven Mason

Connie Nielsen, John Travolta and Brian Van Holt in Basic

The cinematographer creates the framework.

I believe the cinematographer needs to create a framework or philosophy for him or herself so that they can visualize the film in every detail, from the macro to the whole.

It’s all part of the big picture.

You visualize staging of actors, framing, color, performance, locations, characters and the relationship that the camera has to those characters, etc. Does the camera have a character or is it just watching? Should the camera have empathy or be against a character? Is it a sad scene that would be better lit with a happy tone rather than an empathetic tone? Every cinematographer approaches this differently.

Watch the film before you’ve shot it.

As a cinematographer, I read the script and put the details together so that I am in the cinema watching the film before shooting has begun.

Have a vision.

Having a vision is the most important starting point.

Filmography for Steve Mason
The Wendell Baker Story (2004)
Basic (2003)
Rollerball (2002)
Bootmen (2000)
BASEketball (1998)
Buddy (1997)
That Old Feeling (1997)
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
The Custodian (1993)
Broken Highway (1993)
Redheads (1992)
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Waiting (1991)
Luigi’s Ladies (1989)
The Tale of Ruby Rose (1988)
Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey (1988)
BMX Bandits (1983)
Starstruck (1982)
Flash Fire (1981)