Reflections on the cinematographer´s craft in the Film to Digital transition in Spain´s film industry (2001-2016)

  • Federico Duplá Universidad Carlos III Madrid
Keywords: Cinematographer's craft, authority, authorship, digital cinema, Spain's film industry

Abstract

This research delves into the role and authority of feature film cinematographers in Spain’s film industry during the film-to-digital transition. From 2001 to 2016, 87 relevant films for the Spanish Academy that were successful in domestic theatrical distribution have been selected: 41 cinematographers have been identified.

To grasp the agency of the industry’s cinematographers, the chosen methodology combines in-depth interviews with over 20 relevant cinematographers and filmmakers in different roles, such as directors, producers, production designers, colourists, and crew members[1]; with the observation of participants in film sets, industry gatherings, and congresses; and lastly, data mining from books, media, and video online interviews.

Results show that, among the chosen cinematographers, their authority in feature films as skilful managers and leaders of the visuals has remained the same, or even increased, over the years, rather than being curbed by the threats of new set workflows and image manipulation in postproduction by colourists and VFX artists.

cinematographer´s craft , Federico Duplá
Published
2021-05-10
How to Cite
DupláF. (2021). Reflections on the cinematographer´s craft in the Film to Digital transition in Spain´s film industry (2001-2016). Cinematography in Progress, 1(1). Retrieved from https://www.cinematographyinprogress.com/index.php/cito/article/view/65