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Cinematography Salon

Greig Fraser, ASC, ACS: Collaboration, Humility and Mentorship, From "The Batman" to "Dune"

Mar 28, 2024
Greig Fraser, ASC, ACS, is a renowned cinematographer known for his stunning work on films like "Dune" and "The Batman". In this insightful discussion, he shares the delicate balance between lighting precision and storytelling authenticity. Fraser emphasizes the importance of collaboration with directors and how technology aids this process. He reveals how music influences emotional depth in scenes and champions mentorship within the cinematography community, highlighting the need for knowledge sharing among aspiring filmmakers.
01:06:46

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Greig Fraser emphasizes the importance of authenticity in cinematography, advocating for 'smart mistakes' to achieve a more genuine visual impact.
  • He highlights the necessity of strong collaboration with directors, stressing clear communication to align visual storytelling with narrative intent.

Deep dives

The Art of Imperfection in Lighting

Greg Fraser discusses his approach to lighting in films like Dune Part 2, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and intentional imperfection. He notes that while it's possible to achieve technically perfect lighting, it often doesn't translate well on screen, appearing false and overly polished. To counter this, Fraser incorporates 'smart mistakes' into his setups, allowing for a more natural and realistic portrayal of scenes. He shares examples of moments where missing the mark in camera operation resulted in more compelling and genuine visuals, demonstrating that the emotional impact of a shot can outweigh technical precision.

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