Michael Helenek
Cinematographer
My high school art teacher, Mrs. Rosen, used to say, “Good art takes time.” We all would laugh because she said it every single day as she inspected our pencil sketches. Years later, I realize her comment was on point. Filmmaking, at least good filmmaking, is in fact art, and does take time. I put in that time, and will certainly match, and possibly exceed, your directorial efforts because I view your film as a chance to visually create; the film becomes personal for me.
On any set, time is limited because money is limited. So the time I invest occurs in pre-production, often weeks before, buring the midnight oil. Well ahead of day one call time, I’m discussing visual style with you. I’m thinking about things like perspective, highlight, shadow, color, contrast, movement, and texture. The prep happens at home and translates into gear decisions, lamp and camera placements, and crew direction. The camera and lighting teams know what’s happening when we arrive because the hard work happened ahead of time.
Cinematography involves cameras, surely, and the knowledge of how to utilize them. But cameras won’t ever make your film expressive, nor will they make it look dramatic, solemn, comical, mysterious, or magical. Films were expressive long before modern camera systems. Composition, movement, stasis, choice of lens, light and shadow, coupled with investments in costume & production design are the elements that allow each frame of your film to come to life. My job as your cinematographer is to enhance your narrative visually. I craft visuals to show the viewer something she would not see when viewing the scene with her own eyes. I chose frames that allow the viewer to discover specific details or show the viewer a certain relationship that is important to the story. I show the viewer where to look, and create emphasis or lack thereof. I may put a sparkle in an actor’s eye, or may create silhouette. I may have light dance across the floor or do the opposite and create murky shadow. Lens, camera angle, distance, movement, and blocking are tools and elements that we can use to create spacial relationships and to indicate p.o.v., power, or isolation. Color in lighting can evoke emotion and reinforce narrative intent. Countless visual elements contribute to the art of cinematography. Great cinematography will enhance your motion picture.