Earlier this summer I had the pleasure of traveling to Los Angeles to experience my first Cine Gear Expo. I traveled in a group of fifteen fresh faced MPT (Motion Pictures & Television) university students, all of whom shared one Airbnb.
Day 1- MPT Homebase
We spent a week taking Cine Gear by storm, conducting intense interrogations about the new gear and absorbing as much information as our brains would allow.
Day 2- At the Clairmont Camera Film & Digital
However, as it turns out, there is more than just knowledge to gain at Cine Gear. There is also swag. Each day we went about hunting and gathering as much swag as was humanly possible. It’s fair to say that our inner five years olds were re-awakened to the days of walking down the cereal aisle in the grocery store, only this time we were collecting hats, screwdrivers, coffee mugs, basically anything and everything that the different display stands had to offer. Chances are we would have accepted booth banners had they been for the taking.
Day 3- Cine Gear Expo 2016
Overall the expo was fantastic. Not only was it held inside the legendary Paramount Studios, but I got to experience the crème de la crème in cinematography technology; and it’s fair to say that the stakes are pretty high. There is an overwhelming amount of technology and just as many talented artists out there that are putting all of it to good use.
However, the culminating moment of the entire week had to have been when we listened to Vittorio Storaro discuss his artistic process from his latest feature film Café Society (2016), directed by Woody Allen. I was among the first group of people who watched the premiere of this film, which featured a wonderful story that was beautiful and visually engaging. As expected of any group of artists, each of us had a handful of opinions to share, but the one thing that remained clear was that Vittorio Storaro continues to be an expert at his craft. He is an artist that brings more than just beautiful imagery to the silver screen. He spoke to us about the psychology of lighting in film, current and past philosophies of life and art, and how he applies it all to his work today.
Day 4- Going Home
Overall, it was fun to share my passion for motion pictures with other young enthusiasts. It’s rare that I have an opportunity to partake in serious discussions about all of the new technology that is coming up in the industry while also dissecting the old and the new latest greatest films. As a newcomer to the world of motion pictures, I found myself sitting back and asking a lot of questions. With a group as large as ours, there was always a geek (I say this affectionately) or two that were more than happy to explain the wonders of anamorphic lenses, the latest Vericam, drone photography, and more.
Lessons I learned at Cine Gear
The Artist Must:
-Go with their gut, it’s usually right.
-Be passionate, it is the key to success.
-Be Fearless. You only grow when you take chances.
-In order to be a great cinematographer you need to be a great story teller.
-Be ready and willing to play, and never be afraid to dream. Dreams are what films are made of.
Technology:
-Technology is important, but an eye for composition and art is essential for success in any level of the camera department.
-Technology is our friend and we should embrace it with both hands, but it should never be a substitute for the creative mind. Remember that you are telling the story not the camera.
-A great camera doesn’t make a great film. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what camera you are using, it’s all about what you are doing with it and what you are trying to say.
Longevity in Cine Life:
-Balance is the key to a life as a cinematographer. Feed your soul. Go out and live your life so that when you return to your art, you have a life to give to your work.
-Be adaptable. Sometimes not getting what you want can lead to great discoveries.
-Know when to say no. Your time is valuable, don’t waste it on someone who isn’t going to appreciate it or your input as an artist.
-Know your place on set. We all have to pay our dues and there is nothing wrong with starting at the bottom and growing your way to the top. Enjoy being on set and learn as much as you possibly can.
-We all suffer through the same situations. Being under appreciated and abused seems to be something all artists go through. As my mom always says “Even bad teachers can teach you something.” Learn your lesson and move on.
-Build a strong and dependable team. You’ll thank yourself for it later.
-Read and study all parts of art history and life. Simply knowing what has been done and where things originate from can help inspire and make you a better artist.
More Life Lessons:
-Film students are some of the savviest and most resourceful people you will ever meet. Fifteen people in one Airbnb, we got this! #filmschoolequalsreallifeschool #where’stheairmattress?
-Board games, card games, and interactive games are not dead and are still fun no matter how old you get. #80-90skids #precellphoneera
-Sleep overs are still a thing when you’re in your twenties, and awkward dance parties never go out of style. #wecan’tdance #doesn’tmatter #passthevodka
-Realizing that you are not the only student whose dinners will occasionally consist of Swiss cheese, orange juice, and cheese puffs. #brokestudentlife #youarenotalone #cheesepuffsforever
-When in doubt always pack extra toilet paper! #amistakeyouonlymakeonce
Alicia M. Blair