8 Cinematographers Share Shooting Strategies

The 2024 Sundance Film Festival marked a poignant farewell to Park City, Utah, as the event prepares for a new location. Beyond the logistical shift, the festival held particular significance for the cinematographers involved, ranging from seasoned professionals to emerging talents, each reflecting on the festival’s impact on their careers and the evolving art of visual storytelling.

A Festival’s Legacy

Longstanding Connections

For some, Sundance represents a cornerstone of their professional journey. Lol Crawley, ASC, BSC, whose work on Wicker was highlighted, noted that his 2008 Sundance premiere of Ballast, which earned him the festival’s Best Cinematography award, continues to open doors for him in the United States. Sam Levy, with five directorial premieres and a prior role as a camera operator at Sundance, also acknowledged a long-standing relationship with the festival, having even been a cinematography fellow “a long time ago.”

New Beginnings

The festival also served as a launchpad for newer voices. Stefan Weinberger’s debut as a cinematographer came with Union County, a project made even more special by meeting his wife at Sundance in 2019. Lidia Nikonova, whose 2021 Sundance debut was disrupted by the shift to an online format, was thrilled to return this year with two films: Night Nurse and Birdie.

Did You Know? The filmmakers featured all shared a common artistic goal: to visually immerse the audience within the perspective of their lead characters.

The Art of Visual Storytelling

Immersive Techniques

The seven narrative features highlighted demonstrated a commitment to using cinematography to convey a character’s internal state. Eric Branco, ASC, on Chasing Summer, employed a shift from controlled studio camera movements to handheld techniques to mirror the protagonist’s emotional journey. Similarly, Maria Sarasvati Herrera, on The Huntress (La Cazadora), aimed to keep viewers immersed in the main character’s deteriorating mental state, even during complex scenes filmed on a moving bus in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

Specific Approaches

Cinematographers detailed their specific approaches. Branco described a deliberate transition from fluidity to “awkward” framing in Chasing Summer to depict the protagonist’s discomfort. Crawley, working on Wicker, utilized clip-on impression filters and film emulation to create a timeless, magical quality. Nikonova, for Night Nurse, employed longer lenses to foster intimacy between characters, aiming for a world that felt both alluring and dangerous.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on internal character perspective suggests a broader trend in contemporary filmmaking, where visual language is increasingly used not just to depict events, but to actively convey emotional and psychological states. This requires a close collaboration between the director and cinematographer, as evidenced by the detailed descriptions of their creative processes.

Technical Specifications

The films showcased a range of technical approaches. Chasing Summer utilized an Arri Alexa Mini LF with Cooke Anamorphic/i FF lenses. Wicker employed an Arri Alexa Mini LF with Arri Signature Primes and Canon K35 lenses. The Huntress (La Cazadora) used an Arri Alexa Mini LF with Lomo Illumina Mark II lenses. The Only Living Pickpocket in New York featured an Arri Alexa 35 with Bausch & Lomb Super Baltar primes. zi incorporated a Red Komodo, 16mm Bolex, and Sony FX3 with Super Takumar and Zeiss Super Speed lenses. Night Nurse used an Arri Alexa Mini with Panavision Ultra Speed primes and Cooke Varotal zooms. Finally, Union County utilized an Arri Alexa 35 with Cooke S4 primes and Angénieux and Canon lenses.

Looking Ahead

As Sundance transitions from Park City, it’s possible that the festival’s identity and influence will evolve. The strong sense of nostalgia expressed by the cinematographers suggests a deep connection to the festival’s history and atmosphere. It remains to be seen how the new location will impact the collaborative spirit and creative energy that have defined Sundance for so many years. The festival could see a shift in the types of films and filmmakers it attracts, or it may successfully maintain its core values in a new setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was a common goal among the cinematographers featured?

The filmmakers behind the seven narrative features highlighted shared at least one artistic aim: to approach their films’ visual language as a means of transporting the viewer inside their lead character’s head.

Which cinematographer’s work led to continued opportunities in the United States?

Lol Crawley, ASC, BSC, noted that he still secures jobs in America based on the work showcased in the 2008 drama Ballast, his first feature to premiere at Sundance.

What was a significant challenge faced during the filming of The Huntress (La Cazadora)?

Everything shot on the bus was challenging, requiring the cast and crew to maintain stability while capturing intense emotional moments and chasing sunlight for visual effects.

How do you think the changing landscape of film festivals will impact the discovery of new cinematic talent?