ZEISS Talking Cine - Jamie D. Ramsay, SASC

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Finding the Look for Your Chosen Film

Step 1: Initial Script Read

1. Start by reading the script of your chosen film to understand its essence and themes.
2. Pay attention to how the ideas in the script resonate with you and evoke emotions.
3. Look for scenes or moments that stand out to you and start envisioning the visual representation of the film.

Step 2: Dialogue with the Director

1. Engage in a dialogue with the director to align on the vision for the film.
2. Discuss the metaphorical aspects and emotional tones of the film rather than technical details initially.
3. Identify key scenes that serve as anchor points for shaping the narrative and characters.

Step 3: Choosing Equipment and Techniques

1. Consider key elements that influence the look of the film, such as camera choice, lens selection, lighting, and camera movement.
2. Place importance on the choice of lenses, as they can significantly impact the visual style of the film.
3. Experiment with different lenses in test rooms to find the right fit for the desired look and feel of the film.

Step 4: Establishing the Look

1. Aim to create a visual style that combines elements of classic film aesthetics with a modern touch.
2. Draw inspiration from classic photographers and cinematographers to inform your lighting and composition choices.
3. Opt for robust and characterful large-format lenses that can deliver the desired contrast and color ratios for a cinematic look.

Step 5: Lighting and Composition

1. Use the reference palette of imagery from different eras to guide your lighting and composition decisions.
2. Consider the texture and character of the imagery to convey the layered drama of the film effectively.
3. Infuse your lighting setups with a touch of magic through filtration techniques to enhance the visual language of the film.

Step 6: Personal Influences and Career Path

1. Reflect on personal experiences that shaped your interest in storytelling through the lens of a camera.
2. Draw from your observations of the world and past experiences on film sets to inform your creative approach.
3. Embrace your journey in discovering a passion for cinematography and the visual language of storytelling.

By following these steps, you can effectively find the look for your chosen film and bring its narrative to life through visual storytelling techniques.