Saturday 12 February 2011

The Look: Digital Cinema Aesthetics and Workflows

The Look: Digital Cinema Aesthetics and Workflows will take place in Bristol (UK) on 1st April 2011

I am placing this post here because the syposium will summate what I'm currently trying to do.

This one-day symposium will explore, and attempt to demystify, the movement of film and video footage through the digital production process from camera to exhibition. The ‘look’ of a film used to be the domain of the cinematographer. As a result of the various new forms of image manipulation that have appeared in the last decade and a half, new types of collaboration have resulted – for example, between cinematographers, post-production supervisors, visual effects artists, and colourists. Given the multiplicity of ways in which the aesthetics of a film can change after shooting is complete, a key question presents itself: who controls what aspects of a film’s look?

This symposium will trace how the ‘look’ of shots changes at each stage of this process, explain some of the technologies that effect these changes, and discuss the decision-making behind these changes. It will also explore the reorganisation of production roles and responsibilities that has resulted from the digitisation of film-making workflows.

 The symposium will draw from a range of specialisms, bridging theory and practice: invited speakers will include Oliver Stapleton BSC (The Proposal, The Cider House Rules), Geoff Boyle DoP FBKS (Wallander, Mutant Chronicles), Jonathan Smiles Digital Production Supervisor, (District 9, Green Zone) Luke Rainey Colourist, (Band of Brothers, Man on a Wire), Professor Duncan Petrie, Professor Sean Cubitt, Dr Richard Misek, Dr Charlotte Crofts. Introduced by Professor Sarah Street. Mark Cosgrove, Director of Programme, Watershed Bristol

The day will consist of four sessions: image capture, data management, colour grading, and display; then a final plenary. Each of the four sessions will comprise a presentation by a film industry professional, a presentation by a film academic to open up wider questions, and a dialogue between the two hosted by Terry Flaxton AHRC Senior Research Fellow (and DoP). The intention is to introduce the practice of each to the other and of both to the general public, facilitating an open conversation about the aesthetic issues, pressures, technologies, and production roles involved in contemporary film production.

TICKETS: £50 With pre-ordered buffet lunch (If not ordered, meals can be purchased in the Watershed Bar, but waiting times may be long), £35 (including only morning and afternoon tea and coffee)

To book, Watershed box office +44 (0)117 927 5100

More information and schedule: http://www.flaxton.btinternet.co.uk/KT4.htm
Concessions available. The attendance of industry professionals at this event is contingent on their feature commitments which is clear at the time of writing.