“The Gamma and Density Journal” is an internet publication devoted to the Art and Craft of Cinematography.
We plan to cover a variety of world-wide events related to the life of cinematography.
Due to the progress of technology, the role of the cinematographer in the image/cinema-making process is often challenging today. It is a trivial to remind “challengers” that the cinematographer is a person who not only sets a correct exposure, places the camera in the “right place,” sets lights, and chooses an appropriate workflow for digital production, but is a creative person who by use of the letters of the images alphabet, tells the visual part of the story.
❖ And nothing better would illustrate the point as an excerpt from Todd Rainsberger's book “James Wong Howe, Cinematographer“ (1982) – arguably one of the most important and significant books about cinematography in the last 30 years. (Click to read article)
❖ How the art of cinematography is viewed today? The web site www.MUBI.com is based in Palo Alto, New York, Paris, and London., and it unites enthusiasts and aficionados of independent, foreign and classic films from around the world. The most important - it promotes the idea of the fundamental importance of the creative visionary thinking behind the camera.
The site is known for its lists, and one of many cinematography lists allowed us a rare glimpse of which films and cinematographers are the most admired by supporters of art of cinematography and cinema.
Most noted films for camera work:
"2001 – A Space Odyssey" – Geoffrey Unsworth, "Citizen Kane" —Gregg Toland, "Paris, Texas" – Robby Müller, "Cries And Whispers" – Sven Nykvist, "New World" - Emanuel Lubezki, "Thin Red Line" – John Toll
Most popular, most often mentioned cinematographers according to pool conducted a year ago are: Christopher Doyle, Raoul Coutard, Sven Nykvist
Rest of the lists and commentaries are found here.
❖ The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC Web site) is the oldest (since 1919) association of professional cinematographers dedicated to advancing the art of filmmaking. Its latest initiative is “Friends of The ASC”
- "Want To Learn From The Best?" Learn how the world’s greatest cinematographers create their most startling and memorable images by becoming a Friend of the ASC. This subscription benefit is like spending a day at the ASC Clubhouse and personally interacting with ASC members! Sign up here!
❖ Cinematography was born in Europe. By June 1896, the Lumières Bro's. had sent a half dozen of the first-ever cinematographers to organize screenings and to film various events. Since the 1940s, cinematographers from all over Europe have formed a variety of national societies promoting and encouraging original and outstanding work in the Art of Cinematography. In 1992 IMAGO, the European Federation of National Cinematographers Association (Imago web site) was founded. Original members were AIC (Italy), AFC (France), BSC (UK) and BVK (Germany).
Since then IMAGO has been on the forefront of many valuable and indispensable initiatives important for the life of cinematographers worldwide. Please read (article) about “A Call for a Global Forum” by Oscar Winner Guillermo Navarro, ASC, AMC, dedicated to inspiring UNESCO to declare the medium of film a World Heritage.
For other IMAGO news articles, click here.
On Technical Matters
❖"Dynamic Range Capabilities of Digital Camera”
A lot of questions have been asked about the claimed 11, 13, or 16 f-stop “capabilities” of certain digital cameras. Here is our point of view on this contentious subject.
We’re really talking about two separate definitions: Observable Dynamic Range and Extractable Dynamic Range. Please look at the results of the Dynamic Range test of the RED MX, conducted by Gamma and Density, in association with colorist-researcher Aaron Peak of Hollywood DI . (Click to read article)
❖ And those of you who have not yet signed up with the Cinematographer’s Mailing List – do it “pronto”. It’s hard to imagine the life of a contemporary cinematographer, assistant, or DIT without their morning dose of CML. There is no subject in technology, everyday practices, the art of film, etc. which is not covered by the 9000+ members of CML from around the world. Just check these topics Click here!
So here is our first issue. We are looking for feedback, suggestions, critique etc. Cinematography is the Art without Borders and we are very much devoted to its Progress. Please email us at Journal@gammadensity.com
Yuri Neyman, ASC
Publisher of The Gamma & Density Journal
Founding Partner of Gamma and Density Co.
