If you have missed that brilliant documentary produced by Zacuto, this is your chance to catch up.
In 2013 “Light & Shadow” won 2 Emmy Awards for best documentary. The team at Zacuto Films spent an year and a half making this incredible documentary, which features some of the best cinematographers in the world such as Janusz Kaminski, Rodney Charters, Stephen Goldblatt, Vilmos Zsigmont, Bob Primes, Peter James, Nancy Schreiber, Philip Bloom and others.
As filmmakers we all want to create beautiful, appealing and remarkable images. It would be great if we could have the most expensive gadgets, cameras and gear that we can use for our productions.
Nevertheless, those are just tools and actually what matters more is the person behind the tool. Our creativity, vision and ideas are the most important ones. In this film, legendary cinematographers share their personal perspectives on what they do and what it means to them. If you’re searching for textbook answers and an education on how to excel as a cinematographer, you won’t find them here.
Thought-provoking questions such as “What is creativity?”, “What shapes your vision?” and “How do you look at life?” provide a more inspirational view about what we do.
“Creativity is the expression of your emotions”.
“Light & Shadow” is a really moving and essential documentary and definitely a must-see film. It’s only 20 minutes long, however, there is so much truth and wisdom in the words of those great cinematographers that are so inspiring for every young filmmaker who aspired to become a remarkable visual storyteller.
So, it’s important to remember that creating a visual piece of art that is emotional and powerful is one of the most essential things for all of us. It doesn’t matter if you shoot with the brand new Arri Amira or with your Iphone 5. Both cameras are capable of producing great images. The story is the most important part of your work, and it will make a real difference.
Many of the cinematographers in “Light & Shadow” share the view that the technical stuff is something that we all can learn. It is not so difficult to operate a camera. The hardest thing is to shoot images that are so powerful and so strong that can move your audience.
Crafting the power of light and being able to use it, is one of the secret ingredients to creating powerful and moving images. It is a paramount concept to every filmmaker and cinematographer. The best way to achieve that is to work really hard, to be dedicated to the craft, to develop your skill set, and at last but not least – to have talent. Those are the things that will make you stand out from the crowd.
You shouldn’t worry if your first film isn’t as good as dreamed of. That is absolutely normal and it’s ok. After all, the most important thing is to do more of the things that make you happy. If shooting films makes you happy – great! You are a lucky one!
“If you have only one takeaway from Light & Shadow, let it be a reminder that cinematography, like all art forms, is something that comes from within. The technical can be taught, and anyone can pick up a camera and learn how to operate it. To capture an emotion and move an audience through visual storytelling is what real artists are all about. The big question is this: can it be learned or are you born with it? With or without this born talent, it’s still upon you to keep learning and honing your craft.”
See the film in HD below.
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