Moving Pictures: Filmmakers and the Art of Cinematography

As a relatively young art form, film is constantly undergoing change. Decades ago, film cameras were unwieldy monsters on a tripod or rails. Now, a whole array of variants and aids have sprung up: from Steadicams and crane shots to incredibly light handheld cameras. The digital revolution also had a radical impact. And then again, not so much: the collaboration between director of photography and director is still as close as ever, professional traditions and jargon remain, and old masters such as Rembrandt still inspire many film professionals.

In an intimate setting, camera people such as Roger Deakins, Vittorio Storaro, Rachel Morrison, Christopher Doyle, Rodrigo Prieto, Matthew Libatique and Mahmoud Kalari talk about their profession. World famous directors such as Ang Lee, Francis Ford Coppola and Wim Wenders also speak candidly about their special relationships with their cameramen or camerawomen. Their shared professional experiences – not limited to just the technical aspects – are intercut with illuminating film clips.