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Go behind the scenes to learn from Sundance Advisors in our Conversations from the Labs series. This collection of 90-minute videos will deepen your understanding of all the creative disciplines that are supported through our Labs including Feature Film Directing and Writing, TV Writing, Emerging Media, Documentary, Producing, Film Music, and Theater.

In this video, Stephen Goldblatt shares his approach to cinematography. Reflecting on his experience as cinematographer on CONSPIRACY (HBO), Stephen explains how camera distance and angle can add to or diminish a character's power in a scene. New directors, he advises, should avoid getting involved with cameras and lenses and remain focused on the story. He reveals his criteria for selecting projects and tips for successfully collaborating with directors. And he notes that "film has its own reality - what you see isn't what you get - it's what you cut that gives you the sequence, direction, eye line" reminding us of the importance of coverage while shooting.

Other conversations in the series include those with editor Dylan Tichenor, actor/director Ed Harris, writer/director Karyn Kusama, writer/director/producer Kasi Lemmons, and others.

Cinematographer
Stephen Goldblatt, ASC, BSC, is a cinematographer who started his career as a still photographer. After three years at London's Royal College of Art, he began his career as a cameraman for documentaries and commercials and made the transition to feature films in the 1980s. He has worked with many directors including Tony Scott, Francis Coppola, Richard Donner, and Alan Pakula. Coppola's Directors Cut and restoration of The COTTON CLUB ENCORE was released in 2019. more...

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