Cameraman Meet Cameraman

The benefits of having an assistant at anytime cannot be underestimated but having someone who is local and speaks the language is a bonus. So for me Cannes was very different this year, in part because I had the good fortune to have an assistant who was as happy to be working with me as I was to have him. His name was Johann and he was recommended by a friend's assistant who'd previously attended the same film and photography school in Nice.  He was friendly (a good networker) and conscientious.  The bonus for him was being introduced to the cinematography of Jack Cardiff via a special screening in Cannes of Cameraman: The Life and Work or Jack Cardiff.

Coincidently, the week before I had photographed the director Craig McCall with Martin Scorsese (who gave a special introduction) at the BFI Southbank.  In fact Johann was so enthused by the movie that he went to a talk the next day given by Craig.  So thank you Johann for your help and enthusiam. It will be remembered.  ps.  He's also a dab hand in the kitchen.

Palme d'Or Winner...

Well a good start (see previous post) and a good end to the Cannes International Film Festival for me.  With in fact plenty of good bits in between. This was my last shoot of the festival and on Sunday director Apichatpong Weerasethakul beat the other 18 entries when he became the recipient of the Palme d'Or the main competition prize for his movie Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.  If you want to hear him speak about his work he'll be at the BFI Southbank (via Skype) on Tuesday 25 May

The Queen and I... and Taylor Hackford

Wednesday, first working day at the festival where I did a shoot for Screen International. Portraits of Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford. They were interviewed about a new movie together, their first in over 20 years since meeting on White Nights. The film Love Ranch is based on a true story about the first legal brothel to open in Navada.  Mr Hackford directs and Miss Mirren plays the Madam a woman in charge...once again.