Tricks of the Trade

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by Steve Yaconelli, ASC

It seems that frequently the best places for a light — where it would do its utmost for the cinematographer — are in the shot. Obviously, in most cases, it can't be there.

So, from that point on, the cinematographer is compromising. How much we compromise is what the game (or battle) is all about. Specific problems arrive every day on every set and we deal with them. The nice thing is that we don't work alone. We surround ourselves with creative people and if we're smart, we encourage them to be creative. Find the best solution for the moment, use it and move on. I love momentum! I've also become a minimalist. If I can do it with one light, it's done. Walk away! (Okay, maybe a little fill.)

Oh, in passing, one of my favorite quotes: this from Owen Roizman to James Glennon to me, "If you don't control the set, it controls you."