Team Deakins BEN DAVIS - Cinematographer
Mar 5, 2025
Ben Davis, a talented cinematographer known for films like The Banshees of Inisherin and Guardians of the Galaxy, shares his journey into filmmaking and the impact of his family background. He discusses the importance of understanding a film's cutting process and reflects on working with Martin McDonagh. Ben contrasts the challenges of low-budget vs. big productions, explores post-production techniques, and voices concerns about AI's influence on creativity in filmmaking. He adds a humorous touch with an impression of producer Dino De Laurentiis.
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Finding Film Set Structure
- Ben Davis was drawn to the film industry when he experienced the structure and hierarchy on set during a visit in America.
- Skateboarding and photography were early passions, but the film set gave him the order he craved in life.
Big Budgets Can Waste Light
- Big productions often use expensive solutions that can be excessive and wasteful.
- Smaller budgets force creative, effective alternatives to achieve the desired look.
Less Light Is More Effective
- Cinematographers tend to use too many lights and later realize fewer lights create a cleaner effect.
- Reducing lights focuses the image on what truly matters, improving lighting quality.