Customer Reviews

Film Lighting: Talks with Hollywood's Cinematographers and Gaffers

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Kris Malkiewicz has assembled some of the finestcinematographers and gaffers in the world to create a must-have bookfor all aspiring and working Directors of Photography. This book is both technical and creative in description of design and technique. From Nestor Almendros, ASC to Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC and other contemporary greats in-between--the reader learns lighting of sets, close-ups, background plates and much more. Both soft-light and hard-light techniques are covered too. Reading the meter is discussed by Caleb Deshanel, ASC who states, "Basically I use the meter after I have finished lighting" to Malkiewicz who states, "a caucasian face has about 35 percent reflectance, but a black face reflects less than 16 percent." He goes on to explain the proper technique for exposing dissimilar facial colors with reflective metering. The late James Wong Howe, ASC and Jordan Cronenweth, ASC are quoted describing their day-for-night techniques. All in all this book covers the basics and beyond and has served me well as a reference book that I consult from time to time, and recommend to others.

I am an aspiring D.P., interested in lighting and camera operation. This book gives a good insight to the relationship between D.P. and director. It does not give dull "how to set up lights," but provides some interesting information provided by some outstanding cinematographers, many are members of ASC. I found it to be an excellent read.

If you are looking for a good, instructional book on lighting setups and techniques...keep looking. This book may be useful to a seasoned director or gaffer, but is rather useless for beginners. This is essentially a book on interviews, and while has some techniques discussed throughout, is not presented in a way that would be useful for someone hoping to learn the finer details of lighting.

I am a director and found this book to be really intersting. I really enjoyed hearing advice and techniques from a collection of accomplished cinematographers and gaffers. Too many books just merely point out that there are many ways to approach lighting a scene. This actually shows how different people choose to light particular scenes.

The only complaint that I have is that it is a bit out-dated. Personally, I use a lot of newer lighting equipment that was not mentioned (especially Kino Flo lights). Nevertheless, still probably the best lighting book I have encountered.

As an amateur seeking to grow in professional production, this book was a great transitional piece. LOVED IT. Keep in mind that I was already familiar with lighting terms and techniques. This just helped me to polish my technique and better understand which lights do what etc....

If you have done several music videos, small indie projects etc, than this book will help you get to the next level. If your a beginner you'll be lost.

Overall, great stuff, a little beefy at times, but worth it.

If I had known it was written in 1986, I might not have purchased and read this book. That would have been a big mistake. Obviously, technology, imagers and instruments have changed since then, but the important things discussed herein by so many experienced cinematographers haven't. Collaborating with designers, working with directors, working with different budgets, and practical examples of lighting are still applicable. The number and bona fides of the contributors make this an advanced course in film and video lighting.