Ernest Dickerson, Director and cinematographer, shares his journey into the film industry, his collaboration with Spike Lee, and his transition into directing. They discuss the importance of lighting, influences from classical films, and the process of writing and shooting the film Juice. They also highlight the significance of doing your homework as a director and the joy of studying film history.
Ernest Dickerson emphasizes the importance of doing homework and studying film history for directors to make informed decisions and artfully tell stories.
Dickerson highlights the significance of collaboration with the cinematographer and the trust he has developed with producers in his work.
Deep dives
Ernest Dickerson's Journey into Filmmaking
Ernest Dickerson traces his passion for filmmaking back to his fascination with visual effects and the movie 'Oliver Twist.' He was introduced to photography and learned the craft from his uncle. His love for still photography and lighting eventually led him to film school at NYU, where he studied cinematography and honed his skills. He highlights the importance of seeing and having a vision as a filmmaker, and mentions the significance of lighting and color in his work. He eventually transitioned from cinematography to directing, starting with the film 'Juice.' Dickerson emphasizes the importance of doing one's homework, having a strong sense of film history, and finding inspiration from others in the industry.
Working with Spike Lee and the Importance of Visual Storytelling
Ernest Dickerson discusses his collaboration with Spike Lee on various film projects. He mentions their shared passion for film and their influences, including classic movies and visualists such as Alfred Hitchcock. They focused on using the camera as a paintbrush, employing color and composition to enhance storytelling. While emphasizing the significance of point of view and camera placement in his work, Dickerson also acknowledges the importance of collaboration with the cinematographer and the trust he has developed with producers. He further reflects on the differences between working on network television shows and cable/streaming shows, highlighting the freedom and trust he experiences in the latter.
Lessons Learned and Common Mistakes
Ernest Dickerson emphasizes the importance of doing homework and studying film history. He believes that understanding film history helps directors make informed decisions and artfully tell stories. He also mentions the significance of visual storytelling, utilizing composition, camera movement, and lighting to enhance storytelling. Dickerson shares his frustration with directors who do not do their homework or lack a sense of film history and believes that knowing and studying the craft is essential for success.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 58 - ERNEST DICKERSON - DIRECTOR / CINEMATOGRAPHER
Director and cinematographer Ernest Dickerson (BOSCH, JUICE, MALCOLM X) joins us in conversation on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. Having been exposed to photography as a young man by his uncle, Ernest first keyed into cinematography after watching David Lean’s OLIVER TWIST and later attended graduate film school at NYU. Ernest reflects on his professional relationship with Spike Lee and reveals how Spike generously delayed pre-production on MALCOM X to allow Ernest enough time to finish post on his directorial debut, JUICE. Finding himself frequently directing his directors, Ernest also shares how he saw his transition into directing as a natural progression of his career. We later discuss the value of doing your homework when brought on to direct television and the different professional expectations that are unique to the medium. At the end, we consider how creation is a patient search and the importance, joys, and benefits of studying film history.
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