Guild's Brightest Share Knowledge at November Lighting Workshop

A few hundred Guild members and a few dozen film students filled Local 80’s Burbank soundstage on Nov. 16-17 to observe some of the Guild’s most celebrated members in action at our 16th annual Lighting Workshop.

The star-studded line-up for this year’s event – featuring Oscar, Emmy and ASC winners and nominees – consisted of Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC; Allen Daviau, ASC; Dante Spinotti, ASC; Stephen Burum, ASC; Stephen Lighthill, ASC, Richard Crudo, ASC; Russ Alsobrook, ASC; Bob Primes, ASC; Michael Goi, Michael Negrin, ASC; and Victor Nelli, Jr.

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As in previous years, the cinematography laboratory included a modest interior set piece designed to offer each cinematographer a vehicle to show attendees how he operates on the set, to explain the lighting techniques he employs and to share anecdotes from their own experiences.

Operator Jeff Norvet said the workshop is “a great way to access the wealth of information that our most distinguished members have accumulated. It truly emphasizes the artistry of our artform.”

The weekend covered a wide variety of subjects. On Saturday, Lighthill offered examples of how to best utilize diffusion and Primes discussed the ins and outs of shooting 24P. On Sunday, Deakins mused about the wonders of light and demonstrated how one might use a number of instruments to achieve the effect of having a single lighting source, while Daviau talked about the importance of location scouting.

“Over the course of my career, I’ve become increasingly interested in light, so I came to this workshop entirely to learn,” said Operator Wayne Orr. “It was a terrific education.

Operator Sonja Rom added, “I liked being able to see the little things and to have a chance to talk with some of the cinematographers. There’s no better way for cinematographers to share their knowledge. Nothing else is as immediate.”