Cinematographer Bradford Young discusses serving the story through cinematography, his lens choices, and his unique lighting approach of subtracting elements. He shares his experiences on Arrival and working on Star Wars. They also talk about choosing projects, collaborating with directors, and navigating cinematography challenges.
Bradford Young emphasizes the importance of cinematography serving the story and the director's vision.
Young discusses his unique process of lighting scenes, using subtractive lighting and natural light when possible.
Despite initial hesitation, Young found a fit in working on the Star Wars franchise, bringing his unique perspective and achieving the desired look with a combination of cameras and lenses.
Deep dives
Accidental Journey into Filmmaking
Cinematographer Bradford Young recounts how he unexpectedly stumbled into the world of filmmaking, starting from his upbringing in Louisville, Kentucky, and attending Howard University
Influence of Art and Cinema History
Young discusses his exposure to different artists and cinematic works during his time at Howard University, exploring how these influences shaped his approach to cinematography and storytelling
Working with Directors and Choosing Projects
Young shares his criteria for choosing projects, highlighting the importance of the director's vision and the connection he sees between himself and the material. He emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of the story and the director's intentions
Approach to Lighting and Lens Choices
Young explains his process of lighting scenes, including his preference for subtractive lighting and the use of natural light when possible. He also touches on his lens choices and how they contribute to the visual storytelling of each film
Embracing the Unlikely Fit: Joining the Star Wars Franchise
Initially skeptical about joining the Star Wars franchise, the cinematographer recalls his hesitation due to the stark contrast between the indie films he had previously worked on and the grand scale of Star Wars. However, after speaking with the directors and discovering their vision, which referenced films like McCabe and Mrs. Miller, he began to see the potential fit. Despite concerns about his place in the studio system, he sought advice from his community, who encouraged him to pursue the opportunity and bring his unique perspective to the table.
Navigating Change: Shifting Directors and Working with Different Cameras
The cinematographer discusses the transition between directors during the production of the film. While initially apprehensive, he appreciated the support and commitment to artistic integrity from figures like Kathy Kennedy. Additionally, he shares his experience working with different cameras, combining the Alexa 65 and the mini. He found the Alexa 65 ideal for capturing stunning close-ups and landscapes, while the mini was better suited for practical day-to-day scenes. The combination of cameras and lenses allowed him to achieve the desired dynamic and textured look for the film.
Team Deakins sits down with cinematographer Bradford Young, (ARRIVAL, SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, SELMA), for a great conversation. We talk about many things - among the topics are his belief that the cinematography must always serve the story, how he chooses his projects, what his process is on starting a film, his lens choices, and his desire to shoot it the way you want rather than fixing it in post. He shares his experiences on Arrival and that it was his first experience working with storyboards and also speaks about his work on Star Wars. We learn his unique way of lighting where he blacks everything and then adds light, “subtracting is adding”. And much, much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with a true artist.
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