The Look From Capture to Display

This one-day symposium explored and attempted 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 presented itself: who controls what aspects of a film’s look? This symposium traced how the ‘look’ of a shot changes at each stage of this process, explained some of the technologies that effect these changes, and discussed the decision-making behind these changes. It also explored the reorganisation of production roles and responsibilities that has resulted from the digitisation of film-making workflows. The symposium drew from a range of specialisms, bridging theory and practice: invited speakers included Ben Smithard (That Damned United, Cranford, Spooks),Geoff Boyle, Director of Photography FBKS (Wallander,Mutant Chronicles), Jonathan Smiles, Digital Production Supervisor (District 9, Green Zone), Luke Rainey, Colourist (Band of Brothers, Man on Wire), Professor Duncan Petrie, Professor Sean Cubitt, Dr Richard Misek, Dr Charlotte Crofts. The day consisted of four sessions: image capture, data management, colour grading, and display. Each of the four sessions comprised a presentation by a film industry professional, a presentation by a film academic to open up wider questions, and a dialogue between the two. The intention was 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. This symposium was organised and hosted by Terry Flaxton AHRC Senior Research Fellow (and DoP) and Dr Richard Misek, both from University of Bristol. A University of Bristol event in partnership with South West Screen and Watershed.