Todd Banhazl, ASC: The Power of Trust & Collaborative Work
Aug 31, 2023
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Cinematographer Todd Banhazl discusses the power of trust and working collaboratively. Topics include bold decision-making, artistic integrity, taking calculated risks, building relationships, analog tools, practical effects, using the Komodo camera, and visual style with unconventional camera techniques.
Creating a personal and meaningful work is more important than chasing trends or budgets.
Embracing imperfection and prioritizing raw moments lead to visually alive and real cinematography.
Successful cinematographers have a punk rock mentality, challenging rules and fighting for the director's vision.
Deep dives
Maintaining a Love for Cinematography
For me, cinema is like a church, a holy place that I'm deeply passionate about. It's a well I reach into when I run out of inspiration. I also find inspiration in working with others and creating a beautiful on-set experience. The key is to focus on making work that feels personal and meaningful, regardless of the budget or project.
Transitioning to Directing
Directing allowed me to fully embrace my love for filmmaking and to create the weather conditions for lightning to strike on set. It's about creating scenarios for actors to surprise us and capturing those moments. It reminded me that it's okay to be both a cinematographer and a director and to embrace the broader love of filmmaking.
Embracing Imperfection in Cinematography
In the cinematography I admire, there is a common thread of embracing imperfection and naturalism. These cinematographers prioritize capturing raw moments and authenticity, rather than controlling every aspect of the image. It's about finding the beauty in imperfection and creating visuals that feel alive and real.
Influences and Unified Traits in Inspiring Cinematographers
The cinematographers who inspire me tend to have a punk rock mentality, challenging the traditional rules and embracing a sense of rebellion. They prioritize capturing the director's vision and fight for it intensely. I see a common thread of personal taste and a willingness to take risks. They create visuals that evoke an emotional response and have a strong point of view.
Embracing Imperfection: The Visual Style of the Show
The podcast episode discusses the visual style of a show called 'Winning Time' and the cinematographic philosophy behind it. The goal was to create a documentary-like feel, capturing moments in a fast and dynamic manner. The show utilized multiple cameras, including vintage formats like 16mm and VHS, to add a sense of authenticity. The collaboration with camera operators was crucial in achieving the kinetic camera movement. The operators had to problem-solve in real-time, capturing the fast-paced basketball action. The visual style aimed to feel raw, real, and personal.
The Role of VFX and the Challenge of Replicating Film Formats
The podcast episode highlights the importance of visual effects (VFX) in enhancing the authenticity and realism of the show 'Winning Time.' The challenge was to make the VFX match the look of the original film formats used in the era the show is set in. This involved communicating with the VFX teams that realism was not the only goal, and that the VFX should replicate the limitations and characteristics of shooting on film in the 80s. The podcast also emphasizes the need for VFX to match the vision of the director, ensuring that the effects blend seamlessly with the analog aesthetic of the show.
On this episode of the Cinematography Salon podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Oren Soffer interview cinematographer Todd Banhazl, ASC about his work on HBO’s “Winning Time” and “Hustlers” starring Jennifer Lopez. Touching on the mechanics of bold decision-making and the necessity of exciting everyone involved in a project, this episode peels back the curtain on artistic integrity across different budget levels, the audacity to take calculated risks, and the power of working with like-minded collaborators. It's not just about chasing what's trending, but doing what feels right for each project.
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