American Cinematographer - May 2004 - 12

Porta-Brace
3 Compact Camera
Case solutions
DV

President's Desk
Back in the October 1947 issue of this magazine,

Organizer

DVO-2/CR3 fits

of the ASC's greatest

old-time members, Leon
Shamroy (who earned four Academy Awards and
a total of 18 nominations), wrote the following: "Not
too far off is the 'electronic' camera. A compact, light¬
weight box no larger than a Brownie Kodak will
contain a highly sensitive pickup tube 100 times faster
than present-day film. A single-lens system, adjusting
to any focal length smoothly by turning a knob, will
replace the cumbersome, interchangeable lenses of
today. The camera will be linked to the film recorder by
one

Sony DSR-PD170,150,

DCR-VX2100, VX2000
DVO-2/CR4 fits Panasonic DVX-100,
100A, DVC-80

coaxial cable

Sound familiar? It's too bad Mr.
-

CS-DV4

or

radio. Electronic-monitor

screens

connected into the system will make it possible to view the scene as it is
recorded. Control of contrast and color will be possible before development."
he could have had

an even more

being

Shamroy was such a talented cinematographer
career handicapping thoroughbreds at

lucrative

Santa Anita.
All

kidding aside, though, what caused me to mention these predictions was
recently by one of our greatest contemporary members, William A.
Fraker (whose achievements include five Academy Award nominations, the ASC
Lifetime Achievement Award and the Camerimage Golden Frog for Lifetime
Achievement): "Regardless of any new technologies or what might happen in the
future, cinematographers have always found ways to adapt. What's most important
is that you get the image you want up there where other people can share it. Only the
artistry matters."
Bill's comments are an apt addendum to Mr. Shamroy's musings. Despite
reams of irresponsible, uninformed journalism and the hysterical blathering of certain
manufacturers on a quest to sell equipment, arguments like the ones surrounding
"film vs. digital" have done nothing to promote better cinematography. For all the talk
of the revolution that's supposedly taking place in motion-picture imaging, few people
seem to have noticed that it's really a load of bull. In reality, the essence of what we
do hasn't changed one iota. A quick look at the resumes of artists such as Mr.
Shamroy and Mr. Fraker shows that while they are indeed virtuosos in their applica¬
tion and control of technology, that's not what their work is about. Does anyone really
believe that the creativity of either man would be diminished if he suddenly changed
his medium of choice from a roll of film to a roll of, say, paper towels? I suspect that
whatever art resulted from this choice would still reflect their high standards.
As for those 56-year-old prognostications listed above, they've all come true.
But big deal! The relevant question for cinematographers today is the one that was
asked after the first turn of the crank on Edison's prototype camera: "How can I use
this tool to express myself?"
The answer takes infinite forms and indicates precisely why our role as
authors of the image will remain vital and absolute for as long as movies are made.
a

CS-DV4 fits Panasonic AG-DVX100,
DVC80

Sony PD150, 170, DSRVX2100, VX2000

CS-DV3

CS-DV3 fits Panasonic AG-DVX100,

100P, DVC80,

Sony DSR-PD150, PD170,
DCR-VX2100, VX2000,
VX1000, DSR-PDX10

statement made

K&HProducts^UU

/JC

Box 249
North Bennington
Vermont 05257 USA

Richard Crudo

www.portabrace.com

ASC President

PHONE: 802-442-8171
FAX: 802-442-9118
10

KDiorkulagnlads.

byPhot
American Cinematographer - May 2004

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Cinematographer - May 2004
