EP 132: Jeremy Benning: Cinematographer

Second Act Actors

In this conversation, cinematographer Jeremy Benning shares his journey to becoming a cinematographer. What is a cinematographer, you might ask? Or you might not because you feel stupid asking it....FEAR NOT! I ASKED HIM!

He discusses his early interest in photography, his experience volunteering at a community television station, and the different paths people can take to become a cinematographer. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and actively pursuing work. Jeremy emphasizes the collaborative nature of working on set, particularly with directors and producers. He shares insights into building rapport and trust with actors and adapting the blocking to their needs. He emphasizes the trust and collaboration between camera operators and the cast, as well as the technical awareness and continuity of experienced actors. Jeremy provides tips for actors to make his job easier, including taking acting for camera workshops and being open to asking questions and seeking guidance from the crew. He also shares memorable moments on set and expresses his gratitude for being able to pursue his dream job.

Takeaways

• Building relationships and networking are crucial in the film industry.
• Collaboration and communication are key when working with directors and producers, as they set the tone and vision for the project.
• Working with actors requires flexibility and trust, allowing them to bring their own ideas and interpretations to the scene. Camera operators are an extension of the DP and play a crucial role in working with technical teams and the cast.
• Experienced actors have a strong technical awareness and continuity, which helps in achieving consistent shots.
• Actors can make the DP's job easier by taking acting for camera workshops, asking questions, and seeking guidance from the crew.
• Being aware of the camera and lighting can greatly enhance an actor's performance and contribute to the overall quality of the shot.
• Persistence is key in the entertainment industry, and actors should never give up on their dreams.

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