Camerimage 2019

Camerimage in Poland is one of the world’s leading film festival with a focus on the art of Cinematography. Now in its 27th year the festival has gone from strength to strength. 2019's festival was my fourth and there is lots to report. The festival was a little different to the previous three I have attended due to a relocation to Toruń from Bydgoszcz. The new location is much the same as the previous in that its based in a large town with a medieval history. 

Torun city wall

Statue of Copernicus

The main festival hall was based at the CKK Jordanki, a fantastic contemporary theatre with more than sufficient space to house the excellent marketplace of companies from the world of camera and lighting through to pre and postproduction facilities. However whilst attending the festival I heard of the exciting plans to build a permanent CAMERIMAGE European Film Centre on a disused site a five minute walk from the CKK. The centre will be for research and training in the area of filmmaking all year round and not just during the festival – a great asset to Toruń and the wider community and Camerimage festivals to come!

CKK Jordanki main festival hall

The festival site consists of many locations for workshops and seminars held by leading figures from the cinematography discipline. One such venue this year was a local high schools hall that made a fantastic location for a set construction to display live demonstrations of camera and lighting set ups. I attend one such event run by Canon and lead by Claudia Raschke a leading documentary maker who creates films using the Cinema Verite style.

Workshop centre directions

Claudia Raschke workshop

I also had the chance to attend the ARRI seminar on connectivity. ARRI are one of the leading camera and lighting companies in the world. Created by two friends Arnold and Richter (AR + RI = ARRI) ARRI was born in 1917. Today the company offers training and their seminars and workshops are leading the way to understanding the now very complex landscape of camera technology cinematographers are faced with understanding. Look up tables (LUTs), metadata, wireless connectivity and camera access protocol (CAP) being just a few things covered in this in-depth seminar.

As well as the fantastic workshops and seminars the festival is predominantly a film festival like any other, with awards presented in all major categories of filmmaking. The main festival winners (Golden Frogs) this year where 1st place Joker, 2nd place The Two Popes and 3rd place The Painted Bird plus there were also awards for best documentary Midnight Family, best music video for James Massiha ‘Natural Born Killers (Ride for Me)’ plus best music video Cinematography for the Jon Hopkins ‘Singularity’ and round table discussion of short films Lefty/Righty, Cactus Blossom and Boarder Crossing to name a few.

Award ceremony

Helena Trestikova documentary event

The whole experience of visiting Camerimage 2019 despite the change of location was a real treat and one to remember. Discovering all the new venues and seeing familiar faces in familiar scenarios made for a real adventure. The new home of Toruń looks set to be an interesting chapter in the Camerimage story. The ever-changing face of cinematography technology shows no sign of slowing and with other developments looming in the future such as computer gaming engines crossover into the film industry, events such as Camerimage are an essential calendar event for industry professionals.

Rose jam Paczki shop (Polish Doughnuts)

Flower stall at night

So, another Camerimage over and I have no doubt the organisers are already busy planning and refining the 2020 event to be even more impressive and integrated with the town of Toruń, which incidentally was the festivals birthplace in 1993. The previous site of the festival, Bydgoszcz will always be a place I have fond memories of, and I will no doubt visit the town again in the future.

Web links:

Camerimage Festival

https://camerimage.pl/en/

Documentry filmmaker Claudia Raschke IMDB

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0711070/

Cinema Verite

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cin%C3%A9ma_v%C3%A9rit%C3%A9

ARRI 100 History

https://de-de.facebook.com/TeamARRI/videos/arris-history-1917-the-beginning/10156022267839061/

CAP app

https://pomfort.com/pocketcontrol/

ARRI LUTs

https://www.arri.com/en/learn-help/learn-help-camera-system/tools/lut-generator

Feature Films:

Joker

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7286456/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Two Popes

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8404614/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Painted Bird

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1667354/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Documentary Films:

Rene

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1334606/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Katka

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1533061/?ref_=tt_sims_tti

Honey Land

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8991268/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Music Video:

James Massiha ‘Natural Born Killers (Ride for Me)

https://vimeo.com/358604086

Jon Hopkins ‘Singularity’

https://vimeo.com/290574571

Short Films:

Lefty/Righty

https://vimeo.com/375462263

Cactus Blossom

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10719304/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1

Boarder Crossing

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10814852/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

F24 open day

Focus24 open day visit 11/07/2018

In 2013 I departed Focus24 (F24) to work at Goldsmiths, University of London. Back then F24 was based in a relatively new building on Central Street in the Old Street area of East London – a far cry from the humble beginnings on Hoxton Square. Today I have made the journey to Acton in West London to visit F24’s new digs on the well-known Park Royal Industrial Estate. Park Royal is home to some of the leading film equipment companies such as Panalux, Cirrolite, Take 2, VMI, SOLA Lighting and the now well-established studio facility Black Island Studios. The purpose of my visit – as well as to see F24’s new home – is to help establish industry contact and also to see what the latest trends are in the world of camera equipment hire.

The building is situated in amongst many like it – however on entering I was greeted by some well-dressed men who where pleased to see people where arriving. I signed in and made my way into a large function room with drinks and a huge flat screen TV (England V’s Croatia world cup semi-final). I got chatting to an old colleague I worked with on a short a few years back and then Ben Mitchell, F24’s owner, gave us a whirlwind tour of the facilities. Consisting of two large prep rooms, Lens collimation space (Gecko collimator & dark out room with projector) and a massive kit room floor with its own bay for an off road vehicle purpose built for filming. The bookings team have their own office and the hallways are decked out with inspiring film posters and comfy chairs for hanging out on. The space is brand spanking new and purpose built for the accommodation of pre-shoot test crews and equipment hire builds and processing to the highest standard.

Over the years since working at F24 I have increasingly noticed the name appear in credits of some of the most creative and technically excellent productions I have seen in commercials, music promos and independent films. When F24 acquired Filmscape Media in 2017, a well-established equipment hire company previously based at Pinewood studios and recently relocated to Acton, the F24 family expanded. With the addition of Motion24 and rummors of U24 in the pipeline, it seems F24 are well placed to weather the future. With other well-established companies just a stone throw away (Panavision, VMI, ARRI Rental etc.) this will be a space to watch in the world of film equipment hire over the coming years.

Web links:

Focus 24 http://focus24.tv/

Motion 24 https://motion24.tv/

F24 on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/focus24hire/

Other web links:

Goldsmiths https://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/ma-filmmaking-cinematography/

Black Island Studio http://www.islandstudios.net/black-island-studios/

VMI https://vmi.tv/

Panalux http://www.panalux.biz/

Cirrolite http://www.cirrolite.com/

Panavision https://uk.panavision.com/

ARRI Rental https://www.arrirental.co.uk/

Filmscape https://www.filmscapemedia.com/

SOLA Lighting  http://www.solalights.com/light

Take2 http://take2films.co.uk/

Camerimage 2017

If you are interested in film and are serious about being a Cinematographer then I would highly recommend getting a small group of friends together and visiting the Camerimage festival in Bydgoscve, Poland. Comprising of a small equipment market area most events are held at the Opera Nova in the town centre. However there are many other events held all over the place in varying venues so well worth exploring - plus the old town is a good place for sightseeing and photography. Here are some notes I made whilst visiting Camerimage 2017.

Step onboard

Sunrise on plane

Opera Nova - Camerimage 2017

Having arrived in Poland and familiarised myself with the local surroundings I headed into Bydgoscve center to my first proper day at Camerimage. I made my way to the main event venue ‘Opera Nova’ to assess the schedule and purchasing ticket passes. I decided not to get a week long pass but to instead buy individual passes for specific events (writing this up after the end of the festival I think I should have just brought a weekly pass even though I was only visiting until the Tuesday - full week passes are 390 Zloty - that's about £60). By only purchasing tickets for specific events I found myself having to think a lot more about when and where I could be and uncertain if I could buy a ticket as some events only went on sale 10 mins before they started. The up side however was I wanted to try and do the festival on a budget and managed to do this. a seminar cost 10 zloty and a screening also.

Bus timetable

Local shop near my digs

Airbnb

Im inside the Multikeno in Bydgoscve Poland and am sitting in the waiting area outside the screening rooms. I accidentally bought a ticket for Cocaine Grandmother when I actually asked for a ticket to the Darren Aronofsky film Mother! (Im blaming language translation barrier - i,e I can't speak Polish) Now I am sitting here thinking actually I could try and sneak into the screening I wanted to see that also has a Q&A with Chris Doyle and Anthony Dog Mantis. The staff look like they are quite organised but I don’t know if they will check tickets on entry to the screening rooms. I will sit here and observe what happens. Sometimes I know that after the film starts the steward leaves or sits down. If it is full then it could be very embarrassing but if it isn’t it could be a good event to attend.

Dinner

Selfie with Christopher Doyle

Well I managed to blag my way through in the company of the visiting Cinematographers and got a good seat. We watched Christopher Doyles latest film ‘The White Girl’ and then after Christopher Doyle, Anthony Dod Mantel, Ed Lachmen and Jenny Suen (Director of The White Girl) sat at the front of the cinema and the ‘Like a Virgin’ discussion started. The concept of the discussion was 'how does each member of the panel keep their approach to film fresh and virgin like'. 

Festival graphics

Like a Virgin discussion

'Like a virgin' music video clip

Canon workshop

Stephen Goldblatt the Cinematographer holding this workshop worked with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda on ‘Our souls at Night’ and in that film he shot them in a bedroom scene. For the workshop he wanted to demonstrate how to light people of age in a flattering way. Also how to film actors in darkness or give the impression of darkness. Modern high sensitivity cameras can film in virtual darkness but the lighting will be flat or unmotivated. Physically on set actors need light to work with and as the audience we need to see their eyes lit.

Workshop with Stephen Goldblatt (ASC BSC)

Lighting demonstration

Recreating a scene from 'Our souls at night'

Our Souls at Night still

Stephen went on to talk about the importance of pre shoot tests. He suggested testing everything prior to the actual shoot. Things that might need testing are wardrobe choices - these may include patterns, textures, qualities that change under different lighting conditions. Make-up, set design also should be looked at. Materials used on screen should be thoroughly checked under varying conditions. On set there won’t be time to experiment as much as in pre-production - shoot tests. It is the Cinematographers responsibility - even if not requested by the production to proactively pursue these things. On set small tweaks that require a lot of attention and focus might not be possible during the chaos of a busy shoot.

He talked about how actors are just people and they have their own personalities and ways of doing things like everyone else. Pre-shoot meetings should occur to allow understanding of each other to develop. When working with actresses they tend to have a strong idea of how they would like to be lit - may have a preferred side of the face. People of age may want to be lit in a flattering way to ensure they are represented as best can be.

A mention of how eye lines are a huge part of the communication with the audience. Techniques like tape on matt box to enable consistent eye lines. Most actors are familiar with the idea of not making eye contact when delivering lines. Using high ISO/Sensitive camera’s used to have lots of lights for example in the 1993 film The Pelican Brief scene on Madison Steet would have used lots of lights to achieve the shot. Now days its possible to achieve the same shot but without an army of trucks and people. Shouldn’t shoot wide open either as you want a large depth of field to see the location as its a part of the story.

Video clip here

Hawk Anamorphic Lenses discussion panel
Attendies: Magdelena Gorka PSC // Andrej Bartkowisk ASC // Stuart Dryburgh ASC // Peter Flinchenberg PSC // Peter Martin (Hawk) // Daniel Pearl ASC

Panel at Hawk Anamorphic Lens Discussion

3 x ranges of lens to cater for different types of sensor.

Mini Hawks - Hybrid anamorphic - 9 primes and 2 zooms

Hawk Class-X - 2X anamorphic - 9 Primes and 2 zooms

Hawk65 - Large format anamorphic - ranges from 40mm to 150mm

Daniel Pearl - Likes the detail in the bokeh after the de-squeez. He only uses rec709 in all his work as used to the solid workflow and can light to the final look.

Mag’s - Likes to stamp the image (creating a destructive/burnt in style that cant be removed from the shots) as knows won’t be part of the grading process.

Andraej - Critical focus is difficult. Finding a consistent look important.

Stewart - Film reference ‘The Secret life of Walter Mitty' he used 1.3X on 3 perth film. 16:9 on Alexa ST also mentioned 16mm.

Peter - Film reference 'Concrete Night’ Uses mixed lenses. Cinematographers loosing the chance to make magic so should embrace the chances to make magical images. Used zoom series (mini hawks).

A member of the audience asked about the use of filters with anamorphic lenses. Mag’s replied that she uses a lot of things to destruct the image as much as possible to create unique look. Stewart mentioned that when filming women he creates image adaptation by placing nets in front of and behind the lenses.

It was also great to witness the enthusiasm of Wayne Isham and his whirlwind tour of some of the amazing back catalogue of music videos he has made since a lucky break after putting together a Jimi Hendrix archive clip in his old job. He has directed videos for the likes of Metallica, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Foo Fighters, One Republic, Sheryl Crow and Richy Martin to name a few.

Wayne Isham 'choreography of images' event

As well as these events I have mentioned there are also some fantastic networking opportunities and the town of Bydgoscve is well worth exploring. This year also saw the appearance of David Lynch showing his latest Twin Peaks series (Episode 1 & 2) and holding a Q&A after with great insight into his process to filmmaking. The neighbouring town of Torun held an exhibition of his work. Once again I would highly recommend attending Camerimage if Filmmaking and Cinematography are your interest.

David Lynch Q&A

Me on my way home

Screenings:
The White Girl (2017)
Cocaine Grandmother (2017)
Twin Peaks: A Limited Event Series (Episode 1 & 2)

Weblinks:

Hawk Lenses

Camerimage festival website

Glastonbury 2017

Sound Art Exhibition

Goldsmiths University in New Cross has played a large part in my development as a camera operator. Through studying the MA in Filmmaking I developed a solid understanding of cinematic techniques and the importance of team work in filmmaking. Recently I returned to Goldsmiths as a member of staff working in the Media and Communications department as a technical advisor. Once again I find myself pushing the boundaries of my filmmaking knowledge and further developing my own understanding of digital cameras and the filmmaking workflow. Through practicing with my own work I maintain my knowledge and skill set to the best it can be. Here is a short video clip I pieced together using a BMPCC and Adobe Premier Pro. The piece covers a research exhibition called 'From me flows what you call time' and features work by Goldsmiths, Slade and RCA researchers.

Make Architects Conference Film

Make architects held a conference to unveil their proposal to expand Stansted airport into a hub for international flights.

I filmed the event using a Sony EX1 and a Nikon D7000. I then edited the footage using Adobe Premier on a mac and delivered the project via Vimeo in H.264 Quicktime Compression using 780x1080 pixels.

Kriston's Stagfest in Kent

Kriston dressed in his Stag outfit

Just got back from my older brother Kriston's stag doo (or Stagfest as I am naming it!) in Teynham, Kent. It was a truly awesome weekend of drinking, music and mopeds. I arrived on Friday night around 9pm after a long journey on the slow train out of London Bridge - taking in the country side through the window helped pass the time.

My travel kit

Travelling through familiar towns such as Strood (Billy Childish wrote a Song about this place), Chatham (home of the famous Dockyards) and Rochester with its Castle. I soon arrived to an empty house, so proceeded to investigate the orchard out the back. In the distance I could see some tents so went to investigate.

Site from a far

I soon found myself enjoying a nice pint of Master Brew with the stag group kindly provided by Gez who works at Faversham Sheppards Neame.

Kegs of beer from Sheppards Neame

Saturday started with a megaphone message from Grant (Best man) "Good morning campers, ballroom dancing will begin shortly, so rise and shine" which made me laugh and got me up and out of my socking wet sleeping bag (forgot to close the outer door of my tent in a drunken state the night before - Doh!). The start of the day involved helping get the site ready for the arrival of more stags later in the day. Three large marquee tents, a Hog Roast, Archery, BB guns, Golf, Wood Chopping for the fires...it took a little while but soon people started to arrive.

Archery target

The group arriving

Things got more and more drunken and generally messy (not just the floor that had know turned into mud after raining for sometime). Kriston was now very drunk, as where most of us. I would never condone drink driving and think it is a stupid thing to do. We did however have a few mopeds at our disposal.

We where on private property and tried to remember to put head protection on whenever taking the bikes out for a spin. My dad had a go and proceeded to fall off more than once (nothing new there) there was even a spot of moped jousting - great fun! As dusk approached it was time for a bit of music. The band arrived in their range rover and unloaded their kit.

The band set up

The band

We watched and listened

Canopy set up to prevent rain getting on instruments

It was still raining so a few of us constructed a canopy to stop the rain getting onto their instruments. They played two stonking sets and sounded great considering they had a pretty tough audience of twenty or so drunken men. We all then stopped for a lovely hog roast and a few more drinks.

Hog roast being served up

We enjoyed the food

The fire kept us warm

The night was lively

The night finished around 1pm and the following day involved a good clean up session.

Clean up time

There was a bit of food and drink left over so I bagged myself some hog roast, cheese and pittas for the journey back. Its easy to forget that life goes on outside of the big smoke - must make more effort to get out and enjoy it.

My travel kit with additional food supplies

Cant wait for the wedding at Whitstable Castle in a weeks time!