Transcript of September 14, 1999 Chat with John Bailey, ASC Moderator (14-Sep-99 7:47:48 PM) Welcome to our first ICG chat with John Bailey, ASC. Let's start with a question from George Sprio Dibie, who would like to know what were John' Moderator (14-Sep-99 7:48:11 PM) What were John's reactions to what he saw at the Venice Film Festival. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:48:24 PM) I didn't see any films... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:48:33 PM) I participated in a panel on new technology... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:49:00 PM) Co-guests were Anthony Dod Mantel and Dean Cundy... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:49:24 PM) We interfaced with representatives from Phillips, Sony, Digital Projections Systems and discussed... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:49:36 PM) the impact of emerging technologies on film as we know i.t Jazz Bass (14-Sep-99 7:50:10 PM) George Lucas' embrace of digital technology makes it seem like it is inevitable. Have you experiemented with it? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:50:36 PM) Mr. Mantel is English-born but has been working in Denmark under the aegis of dogma 95... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:51:05 PM) His recent film Julian Donkey Boy was shown at the festival and its the first American film shot under Dogma 95 conditions... Moderator (14-Sep-99 7:51:08 PM) George Lucas' embrace of digital technology makes it seem like it is inevitable. Have you experiemented with it? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:51:50 PM) It's inevitable insofar as we have always used composite photography and mattes... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:52:01 PM) Traditionally they have been done photochemically... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:52:09 PM) Now we're doing them electronically... Robert M. (14-Sep-99 7:52:19 PM) But what about replacing film? Moderator (14-Sep-99 7:52:25 PM) But what about replacing film? Phil (14-Sep-99 7:52:42 PM) Will going digital take any of the art out of cinematography? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:52:50 PM) Film is still and for the foreseeable future will be the optimum capture medium... Moderator (14-Sep-99 7:53:01 PM) Will going digital take any of the art out of cinematography? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:53:34 PM) I don't think so. As long as cinematographers are able to be creatively involve din the process... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:53:53 PM) And it seems that the digitial facilities are eagerly embracing our involvement... Shari (14-Sep-99 7:53:53 PM) In general, did the European filmmakers you encountered seem as enthusiastic about the new technologies as we (Americans) are? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:53:59 PM) as well as the manufacturers. Jazz Bass (14-Sep-99 7:54:05 PM) How does digital fall short as a capture medium, or does it? Moderator (14-Sep-99 7:54:06 PM) In general, did the European filmmakers you encountered seem as enthusiastic about the new technologies as we (Americans) are? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:54:35 PM) I only spoke in some detail to Mr. Mantel. He seemed extremely eager... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:54:46 PM) to be shooting traditional 35 mm films... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:55:07 PM) especially anamorphic... I think he and many other cinematographers using digital... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:55:15 PM) are using it out of curiousity as much as anything.... Moderator (14-Sep-99 7:55:39 PM) Richard Crudo just asked: Do you think filmmakers take enough advantage of the form, or the visual structure of the film, that is available to us? Phil (14-Sep-99 7:56:02 PM) Shooting on film is expensive. Will the move to digital bring down production costs or boost them as the industry retools? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:56:30 PM) Film form and film sensibility is constantly evolving... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:56:45 PM) Editing pacing has accelerated... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:56:53 PM) More closeups are being used... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:57:29 PM) And in general, I think feature film technique is merging with music video and commercial technique... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:57:53 PM) I think the most innovative cinematography one can do today is classically oriented technique... Robert M. (14-Sep-99 7:57:58 PM) Do you think the "MTV effect" is good? Moderator (14-Sep-99 7:58:02 PM) Shooting on film is expensive. Will the move to digital bring down production costs or boost them as the industry retools? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:58:31 PM) I think it will make it much cheaper to make films... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:58:43 PM) The major expense is converting to film and blowing up to 35 mm... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:59:04 PM) Buena Vista Social Club was shot on video and blown up to film... Jazz Bass (14-Sep-99 7:59:04 PM) But with digital project technology, isn't that eliminated? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:59:15 PM) I assume it was a budgetary consideration... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:59:35 PM) I personally would have preferred to see Cuba in all its color and texture in 35 mm film... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:59:46 PM) I found the video aspect of it unrewarding... Phil (14-Sep-99 7:59:46 PM) What's digital look like in a theater? Better, dare I say, than film? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 7:59:55 PM) The music, of course, was extraordinary. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:00:03 PM) And overpowered the visual medium... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:00:07 PM) that was used. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:00:09 PM) Do you think the "MTV effect" is good? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:00:40 PM) It's a tool, but not an entire lifestyle... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:00:59 PM) And I think the problem today is that too many young cinematographers are enraptured by this... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:01:03 PM) small tool... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:01:29 PM) But with digital project technology, isn't that eliminated? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:02:25 PM) In the near future, many theaters will be equipped for digital video projection... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:02:44 PM) And it won't be necessary to have a film answer print for large-scale projection... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:03:04 PM) Currently, however, I feel digital projection technology even with TI system... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:03:11 PM) is far inferior to film.. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:03:20 PM) Especially for any shot wider than a medium shot.. Robert M. (14-Sep-99 8:03:31 PM) What films have you seen that were so affecting that you felt, "Damn, wish I had done that!"? Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:03:32 PM) What's digital look like in a theater? Better, dare I say, than film? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:03:50 PM) It's definitely NOT better... Phil (14-Sep-99 8:03:54 PM) Will any jobs, grips, assistants, operators, projectionists be lost to the new medium? Or will time ease the pain? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:04:24 PM) I saw a very controlled demonstration of TI system and JVC Hughes system at the SMPTE seminar... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:04:35 PM) in May at USC under optimum conditions... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:04:57 PM) Low key and close-up shots, for instance from The Godfather, were quite good... Jazz Bass (14-Sep-99 8:04:58 PM) Do you watch films in the multiplexes, or do you catch most things at industry screenings? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:05:13 PM) Wider shots, and high-key lighting were noticeably inferior to film... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:05:27 PM) But, of course, this is a very fast evolving technology... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:05:36 PM) And in several years it should be excellent. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:05:38 PM) What films have you seen that were so affecting that you felt, "Damn, wish I had done that!"? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:06:19 PM) Obviously the touchstone for me is The Conformist... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:06:36 PM) and Storaro's work is always very compelling for me... Hal (14-Sep-99 8:06:51 PM) Hi John, do you think that todays young (MTV type) director's are utilizing the dp's skills as much as in the old days. in other words, are todays dp's in the creatve still in the creative "loop" John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:07:03 PM) I recently saw Run Lola Run and was amazed at the energy and style of the cinematography... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:07:06 PM) Do you watch films in the multiplexes, or do you catch most things at industry screenings? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:07:31 PM) I enjoy seeing films with a live audience in a multi-plex... WDS (14-Sep-99 8:07:33 PM) Do you think the current trend of "thrill ride" effects driven features will continue? Phil (14-Sep-99 8:07:47 PM) Do you think digital will have its own oscar or emmy award as the technology grows? Kind of like how black and white was still rewarded at the advent of color? Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:07:53 PM) Hi John, do you think that todays young (MTV type) director's are utilizing the dp's skills as much as in the old days. in other words, are todays dp's in the creatve still in the creative "loop" John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:08:06 PM) but unfortunately print quality and projection is inferior to projection at the Academy or DGA. Jazz Bass (14-Sep-99 8:08:37 PM) ...which makes me wonder about digital projection -- won't it bring a uniform quality to the experience? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:08:50 PM) I think dps are always in the creative loop... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:09:12 PM) and the exchange of learning between young and exciting directors and veteran cinematogrphaers John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:09:23 PM) is a very compelling and heady brew. I have recently... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:09:40 PM) done commercials with very exciting young directors eager to do their first feature... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:09:54 PM) Also, I just did a film with Sam Raimi... Jess (14-Sep-99 8:10:07 PM) Which was wonderful! John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:10:17 PM) whose approach is very exciting and unconventional... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:10:29 PM) ...which makes me wonder about digital projection -- won't it bring a uniform quality to the experience? Phil (14-Sep-99 8:10:53 PM) Does digital and the wonderful eyepopping effects it produces detract from spending resources on developing storylines and scripts, or is that always going to be a paradox? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:11:10 PM) I think so. Assuming that digital equipment is properly tweaked... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:11:31 PM) We don't know yet what perils and pitfalls await us in the digital world of multiplexes... Shari (14-Sep-99 8:11:36 PM) Do you foresee a special need for "digital D.P.'s"? (Perhaps people with an effects background rather than one in traditional cinematography?) Robert M. (14-Sep-99 8:11:36 PM) Aside from your own work and Lola, what films in the past year have made you excited about the business? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:11:37 PM) but we'll find out, I'm afraid... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:11:42 PM) Does digital and the wonderful eyepopping effects it produces detract from spending resources on developing storylines and scripts, or is that always going to be a paradox? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:12:25 PM) I think we are presently intoxicated with digital effects and we're bound to have a backlash... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:12:46 PM) I actually think the interest in Dogma 95 techniques is a reaction by way or rejecting... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:13:05 PM) sophisticated and manipulative techniques. There never has been and there never will be... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:13:16 PM) a substitute for a compelling and engaging dramatic storyline... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:13:38 PM) That's why we make feature films. Otherwise we could just continue making commercials and ... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:13:44 PM) music videos. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:13:45 PM) Do you foresee a special need for "digital D.P.'s"? (Perhaps people with an effects background rather than one in traditional cinematography?) Robert M. (14-Sep-99 8:13:51 PM) storyline ... just tell that to the studio execs. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:14:10 PM) Yes, indeed. And we currently work with digital effects supervisors... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:14:20 PM) both on the set and in post production telecine... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:14:39 PM) storyline ... just tell that to the studio execs. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:15:14 PM) We're descending ever-deeper into the post literate age... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:15:22 PM) and most people say they don't have time to read... Jess (14-Sep-99 8:15:39 PM) That's what assistants are for! John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:15:40 PM) It's a common joke that studio executives only read coverage, not screen plays.. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:15:57 PM) Another q from George Dibie: At the USC/SMPTE Conference, you delivered the Keynote Address and spoke about violence in movies. In reality, how can a cinematographer influence that issue? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:16:19 PM) You start by reading the script... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:16:38 PM) and if the material is deeply disturbing and offensive to your moral values, you don't have to do it... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:16:57 PM) By passing on offensive material it allows you to be free to find something more worthwhile... Robert M. (14-Sep-99 8:17:02 PM) What did you think of "Pulp Fiction"? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:17:13 PM) If you agree to do offensive material because you need the work, you're trapped... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:17:26 PM) Also,we create a reputation by the kind of work we do... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:17:42 PM) And if you continue to shoot violent films, that's what you'll continue to be offered... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:17:48 PM) What did you think of "Pulp Fiction"? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:18:07 PM) I think it's a brilliant film and deeply disturbing, but then it was meant to be.... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:18:38 PM) It was a landmark and caused us to re-examine the whole issue of violence in film and life. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:18:56 PM) What are the issues that concern you about the future? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:19:21 PM) I have anxiety about what I know to be the inevitable disappearance of motion picture film... Phil (14-Sep-99 8:19:43 PM) Does all the clamour about jobs leaving hollywood concern you? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:19:45 PM) and its replacement by video. My generation is perhaps the last one to be completely John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:19:58 PM) trained in film. I have a very deep and abiding attachment... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:20:18 PM) to film as film. But I'm also excited by the broader spectrum.. Suzie (14-Sep-99 8:20:33 PM) Have you shot in DV yet? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:20:39 PM) of creative possibilities in digital video as it improves and approaches film quality. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:20:47 PM) There's also something wonderful... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:21:12 PM) about the aural and visual satisfaction of watching 35 mm film run through a camera. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:21:29 PM) It's tangible and sensory in a way that video just can't be. Jazz Bass (14-Sep-99 8:21:41 PM) Have you ever wanted to shoot an IMAX picture? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:21:44 PM) Also, you can hold it up to a light with your hands and see it because it' John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:21:59 PM) it's a photograph and not numbers. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:22:03 PM) Does all the clamour about jobs leaving hollywood concern you? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:22:19 PM) It deeply concerns me... Phil (14-Sep-99 8:22:27 PM) What's your favorite movie of all time (or top two if you can't choose)? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:22:34 PM) and I fear that it's not going to improve in the short term... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:22:55 PM) The producers and studios, it seems to me, feel no loyalty to the Hollywood-based workforce... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:23:13 PM) This is a result of the change of studios from ownership by people who wanted... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:23:34 PM) to make movies to ownership by conglomerate entities that are only concerned with the bottom line.... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:23:52 PM) We have seen downsizing in the larger American society for some years, and now it's affecting us... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:24:29 PM) I have a friend, a cinematographer, who used to be my assistant, who has just applied for landed-immigrant status in Canada because he can't get a job here in Hollywood... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:24:46 PM) And he shot several successful series... That breaks my heart... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:24:51 PM) And I'm also very angry... Phil (14-Sep-99 8:25:10 PM) Will legislation help the situation? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:25:12 PM) I just did a film earlier this year in Toronto, Canada and was appalled at the lack of realization ... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:25:30 PM) or apparent concern of many of my Canadian crew members to what was happening here... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:25:44 PM) and their lack of understanding that while they may be living off the fat of the land now,... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:26:03 PM) famine could just as easily await them as soon as the studios find an even cheaper place to go. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:26:08 PM) Will legislation help the situation? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:26:29 PM) Legislation might help... Suzie (14-Sep-99 8:26:29 PM) Despite your sadness and anger, you still went to Canada and worked there... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:26:42 PM) but fundamentally I think we need a moral response... Robert M. (14-Sep-99 8:26:49 PM) Maybe if stars didn't get $20 million, the wage difference for below the line wouldn't be surch a temptation. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:27:00 PM) on the part of studios and producers. Do you think THAT will happen? Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:27:07 PM) Despite your sadness and anger, you still went to Canada and worked there... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:27:32 PM) Yes I did. I had worked several previous times in Canada, including directing a feature there 4 years ago... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:27:45 PM) I have always had very good feelings about Canadian crews and working there... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:28:01 PM) It was while I was there on this most recent picture that this whole crisis erupted... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:28:10 PM) and I found myself in a real dilemma... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:28:25 PM) I am not particularly eager to work in Canada again under the current situation... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:28:35 PM) Ialso found the Canadian union very resistant... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:28:52 PM) to bringing a key crew member with me whom I had worked with... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:29:01 PM) for 14 years. He was the only person I asked to bring. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:29:19 PM) I have to admit, my feelings right now about Canada are very ambivalent. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:29:29 PM) Maybe if stars didn't get $20 million, the wage difference for below the line wouldn't be surch a temptation. Jess (14-Sep-99 8:29:30 PM) How can we compete? There is 30 or 40 cent difference in the monetary exchange. The Canadian gov't also gives 22 % incentives to Hollywood producers to shoot in Canada? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:30:12 PM) It's my understanding that the studios... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:30:26 PM) are desperately trying to reduce salaries for overpaid actors... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:30:38 PM) and I think it's one reason there has been such a slowdown in production. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:30:45 PM) How can we compete? There is 30 or 40 cent difference in the monetary exchange. The Canadian gov't also gives 22 % incentives to Hollywood producers to shoot in Canada? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:31:05 PM) Your figures are accurate... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:31:23 PM) I wish I had an answer. I would prefer deal with creative issues now rather than spend... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:31:38 PM) a lot more time on a very volatile and frustrating issue. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:31:51 PM) From Richard Crudo: So many movies today seem to depend on the overuse of close-ups. What's your experience with that? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:32:04 PM) I couldn't agree more... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:32:21 PM) Images have become very claustrophobic as well as abrupt... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:32:40 PM) The smallest detail of an actors expression has been blown up to Grand Canyon proportions... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:32:52 PM) It doesn't invite the viewer to participate or create... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:33:02 PM) a dramatic experience. There's something wonderful... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:33:23 PM) about seeing two shots and masters that are typical of films of the 30s and 40s... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:33:34 PM) Your eye can explore the frame... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:33:43 PM) you can watch more than one actor at once... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:33:51 PM) and register the subtle interplay between them... Shari (14-Sep-99 8:34:07 PM) What filmmakers haven't you worked with but would like to in the future? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:34:09 PM) Excessive use of close-ups manipulates the viewer... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:34:27 PM) and I fear often betrays a director's lack of faith in the viewer's sensitibilities. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:34:35 PM) What filmmakers haven't you worked with but would like to in the future? Suzie (14-Sep-99 8:34:40 PM) Have you seen the new Technicolor Dye-Transfer process that the 13th Warrior is printed on? Phil (14-Sep-99 8:34:57 PM) Can you comment about the quality of cinematographers being produced by today's film schools? Are they taught the craft well enough, or has there been some erosion due to videotape? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:35:16 PM) I would like to work with Tarantino... Jazz Bass (14-Sep-99 8:35:30 PM) Ciao, I've been summoned to chow. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:35:39 PM) if he wrote another script as breakthrough as Pulp Fiction... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:35:59 PM) I'm particualrly attracted to the vision of writer-directors... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:36:34 PM) I would like to work with Neil LaButte, Darren Aronofsky and Kevin Smith... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:36:48 PM) I think all three of them have extraordinary and offbeat views of the world... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:37:13 PM) the problem, of course, is I imagine they would be reluctant to work with a mainstream Hollywood cinematographer... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:37:23 PM) I think the collaboration could be extraordinary... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:37:28 PM) Have you seen the new Technicolor Dye-Transfer process that the 13th Warrior is printed on? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:37:52 PM) I have not, but I'm old enought to remember to old technicolor dye- process... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:38:07 PM) which, I believe, was called Imbibition Printing... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:38:26 PM) Can you comment about the quality of cinematographers being produced by today's film schools? Are they taught the craft well enough, or has there been some erosion due to videotape? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:38:47 PM) I don't really feel qualified to answer that... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:38:58 PM) because I haven't been to any film school classes the last few years... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:39:04 PM) From George Dibie: You shot a one-person play in super-16 for HDTV display. In retrospect, what is your reaction to that experience? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:39:23 PM) It was an extraordinary experience... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:39:37 PM) but as dyed-in-the-wool Filmmaker... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:39:46 PM) I found it strangely unsatisfying... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:39:57 PM) to complete the film on video only for delivery to the BBC... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:40:11 PM) I had the sensation that the whole project somehow exists in cyberspace... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:40:31 PM) It is the first thing I've ever done that I did not have a film answer print to see... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:40:45 PM) We hope to eventually blow it up to 35 mm film... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:40:54 PM) and find a theatrical distributor. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:41:10 PM) I would feel completion if that happened. I guess that... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:41:22 PM) kind of dates me as someone trapped... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:41:34 PM) in an ancient technology. Shari (14-Sep-99 8:41:36 PM) You mentioned directing a film. Do you have any plans to direct again? Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:41:45 PM) You mentioned directing a film. Do you have any plans to direct again? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:42:03 PM) I do indeed... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:42:17 PM) I just returned from a trip to Jerusalem where we scouted locations... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:42:24 PM) and met Israeli production personnel... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:42:40 PM) to intitiate a feature film that I would direct... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:42:50 PM) that takes place in Jerusalem in the mid '50s. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:43:09 PM) A coming of age love story between an American girl and an Israeli boy and his friend... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:43:17 PM) a Jordanian boy. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:43:37 PM) From Suzie: Have you shot in Digital Video? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:43:54 PM) I'm afraid I haven't... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:44:06 PM) the only thing I have ever shot in video was an educational film... Phil (14-Sep-99 8:44:11 PM) What do you think of Douglas Kirkland's portraits of 80 cinematographers (did you like your picture?) ... and how important is it to reflect on your craft's history, rather than trying to predict the future? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:44:12 PM) for KCET almost 20 years ago... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:44:23 PM) I don't know if I should admit that, but ... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:44:27 PM) as I said, I John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:45:08 PM) I'm an unrepentant FILMMAKER and don't want to abandon celluloid until I have to.... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:45:19 PM) What do you think of Douglas Kirkland's portraits of 80 cinematographers (did you like your picture?) ... and how important is it to reflect on your craft's history, rather than trying to predict the future? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:45:57 PM) That's a lot of questions. I think Doug's portrait was too flattering.. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:46:20 PM) What pleased me most was that it was a dual portrait with my wife, Carol Littleton... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:46:48 PM) Your second question -- on my craft's history: I think it's always important to reflect on our history... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:46:59 PM) a constant questioning of the past is the loadstone... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:47:04 PM) to understanding the future... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:47:11 PM) From Tim Wade: Do you think the studios underestimate the taste of the audience? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:47:38 PM) I think they both underestimate and accurately estimate... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:47:44 PM) that's what marketing is about... Suzie (14-Sep-99 8:47:49 PM) Will you be involved in a workshop at CamerImage this year? I heard something about it. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:47:59 PM) They underestimate the audiences' ability... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:48:14 PM) to understand nuance and subtlety... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:48:33 PM) But they also seem to estimate quite accurately another kind of audiences' endless thirst... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:48:44 PM) for thrills and sensation and violence. Shari (14-Sep-99 8:48:48 PM) W Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:48:52 PM) Will you be involved in a workshop at CamerImage this year? I heard something about it. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:49:32 PM) Yes, I'm looking forward to giving a workshop with Paul Schrader and my wife, Carol Littleton... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:49:50 PM) CamerImage is a wonderful and innovative... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:49:59 PM) venue for cinematographers... Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:50:11 PM) Thank you, John. Before our time is up, do you have any closing thoughts? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:50:49 PM) I've enjoyed this very much. And find it very rewarding to have such good questions posed. .. Phil (14-Sep-99 8:50:50 PM) Any advice for the young dp in training? Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:51:04 PM) Any advice for the young dp in training? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:51:19 PM) Search for the best material... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:51:31 PM) Read it carefully. If it moves you emotionally... Phil (14-Sep-99 8:51:35 PM) What's your favorite movie of all time? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:51:44 PM) have the courage to let everyone know how much it means to you... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:51:59 PM) You'd be amazed at how seldom producers and directors... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:52:06 PM) get that simple kind of feedback... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:52:21 PM) I think too many cinematographers go into a meeting on a project... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:52:32 PM) and spend most of the time talking about technique and style... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:52:40 PM) Talk about the script and the characters... John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:52:46 PM) That's it. John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:52:53 PM) Good night. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:53:10 PM) What's your favorite movie of all time? John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:53:23 PM) The Battle of Algiers. Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:53:30 PM) Thank you all for participating. Stay tuned for next month's chat. Suzie (14-Sep-99 8:53:42 PM) who will that be? Moderator (14-Sep-99 8:54:05 PM) Richard Crudo John Bailey (14-Sep-99 8:54:52 PM) Thank you and good night all!!!