Lessons on cinematography

Ashok touched upon his fascinating journey from a canteen boy in a film studio to becoming one of India’s most respected directors of photography.

 Upon being asked by one of the students on the working relationship between a director and a cinematographer, Ashok replied, “It is important that the director and cinematographer communicate with each other. The director should explain what he requires and wants to achieve in the scene. At times, some directors are unable to express themselves. So the cinematographer should probe them to find out what they exactly want.
Some directors give total freedom to the cinematographer to shoot the scene. The style of functioning differs from one director to another. But it is essential that they both communicate, through whichever means, in order to understand each other.”

When asked about his take on digital technology as opposed to the traditional film camera, he replied, “It is matter of time and probably in another five to ten years, the digital technology will be as good, if not better, as the current 35 mm quality. One should not be rigid and should be open to these new technology developments. Currently, the constraint with digital shoot is lack of more colours and depth. But I am sure within a few years, these constraints would be taken care of.”

 Kartikeya Talreja, director of the school said, “The students were delighted to have such a  legend from the industry who has really worked his way up to achieve a status which very few can achieve.”