Janusz Kamiński, Wally Pfister and Phedon Papamichael: Collaboration
The principals discuss the ins and outs of collaboration with directors, productions designers, assistant directors and other filmmaking pros. What is Janusz Kaminski’s procedure with Steven Spielberg, and how does that differ from that of a low budget independent shoot? Why is early involvement with set design and narrative important? When should a filmmaker stand his or her ground, and when should he or she compromise?
0:00 – What is collaboration? Why is it important? How does it begin?
1:04 – It’s a director’s medium; our job is to visually interpret the material
2:05 – Recognizing a potential collaborator; challenge each other
2:59 – Personal chemistry compared to talent and track record
5:00 – Working with the art department – lessons for aspiring filmmakers
7:35 – Kaminski: I usually avoid deep conversations with the director about style
9:10 – Ideal collaborations, and how it worked on The Diving Bell & the Butterfly
10:28 – Pfister: How it works with Christopher Nolan
11:06 – Directors with an extremely specific visual plan will be disappointed – let it evolve
13:02 – The importance of taking advantage of what you see at the moment
13:33 – Get involved early in the blocking
14:40 – Understanding the narrative helps you effectively influence the director
16:58 – When to stand your ground; insecurities in your collaborators
17:12 – Working independently versus bringing the director along
17:54 – When the collaboration is not working
21:10 – Personal style and its impact on collaboration
24:10 – Beautiful pictures versus being a storyteller (Phedon’s audio returns.)
25:15 – Communicating to the director in the right moment; being ahead of the game and preventing panic
27:19 – Working with the first AD on planning; avoiding conflict
28:37 – The connection between logistics and creative freedom
31:30 – Collaboration and caring
32:09 – Early involvement in set design; working with the production designer