Band Pro Open House 2019

Dean Semler, ASC, ACS. Photo by Jon Fauer for film and book “Cinematographer Style.”

Band Pro’s annual Open House takes place on Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 1 to 8 pm at their Burbank Headquarters.

Dean Semler, ASC, ACS is the guest of honor. Dean won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography on Dances with Wolves (1990). His credits also include Mad Max 2 (1981), The Lighthorsemen (1987), Apocalypto (2006), Maleficent (2014) and a list of films that takes up at least 2 more pages on IMDB.

Here’s an excerpt from an interview with Dean Semler in Cinematographer Style:

“I started as a props boy in television when I was 16 in Adelaide, South Australia, which was one of Rupert Murdoch’s very first TV stations. Within a year, I was operating a studio camera. Every afternoon, I would watch with envy as the news cameramen crossed through the studio, carrying their film cameras and wearing their light meters. As luck would have it, by the time I was 19, I was doing the same thing. My first camera was a 16mm Bell & Howell loaded with Kodak black-and-white reversal film, and I remember taking great pride in being able to tell two and sometimes three news stories in a 100-foot roll of film. Then I moved on to do current affairs, documentaries, commercials and features as a freelancer. It was Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior that gave me a kick start into the movie business on an international level.

“…I taught myself as I went along. My work on the Mad Max films, Dances With Wolve sand certainly Apocalypto reflects my early approach to capturing a story on film.

“What I like about the process is that when I first read a script and have no idea who the cast is, what the location is, what the sets are like, what the wardrobe is. I start to get a sense of the story in pictures in my imagination. Then, once I’m committed to the project, it’s a gradual process of discovery — location scouting, conceptual set designs, wardrobe sketches and casting. Then I can start seeing it as a movie.

“When filming begins, all the efforts of all the departments come together, and the very last piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle is put in place. Each movie has a style of its own, and most times a definite plan, but sometimes it’s an evolving process. Grand ideas can be shot down because of weather, schedule or money, and sometimes that allows magic to happen.

 

Band Pro President & CEO Amnon Band commented: “There’s so much to learn from Dances with Wolves and Dean’s work in general. He gave us a beautiful, vivid glimpse into the history of this country and a window into the early West. For me, it’s like watching a documentary.” Amnon is no stranger to documentaries, having produced Liberating Amnon this year and currently in production on another.

“Apocalypto” screening with Dean Semler

Band Pro will host a free screening of Apocalypto on Tuesday 12/10/2019 at the Dolby Vine Theater in Hollywood. Dean Semler will be the featured guest at a Q&A moderated by Band Pro’s Senior Technical Consultant, Randy Wedick. The screening is being presented as part of Band Pro’s One World Open House 2019.

Please note that seating is extremely limited. RSVP is required, but does not guarantee entry. Early arrival is strongly encouraged.

Tuesday December 10th, 2019
Doors open at 6:00 PM | Q&A prior to the film
Dolby Vine Theater ‐ Hollywood, CA
Free Admission with RSVP: www.bit.ly/dolbyvine

Equipment Exhibit

The Band Pro Open House is a popular expo of the latest equipment—like a year in review wrap-up. Exhibitors this year include Sony, Canon, RED, Blackmagic Design, Angenieux, LEITZ, Panasonic, ZEISS, FUJINON, IB/E Optics, SIGMA, 16×9, Inc., Anton/Bauer, Aputure, BB&S, Blackmagic Design, Block Battery, cmotion, Colorfront, Denz, DJI, Innovativ, Kamera Tools, Hedén, Hive Lighting, IDX, Lindsey Optics, Litepanels, Matthews, OConnor, PAG, ORCA Bags, Sachtler, SmallHD, Solid Grip Systems, Teradek, Tiffen,  and many more.

Two prototypes of the new full frame Angenieux Optimo Primes will be available for eyes-on review: the 40mm and 135mm.

Also new: ZEISS Supreme Prime Radiance lenses, Sony FX9, Canon C500 Mark II, etc.

Attendees include a who’s‐who of the global cinematography community who come not only to mingle, greet Dean Semler, but also to share the fine selection of food and drinks.

Brett Gillespie informs us that the exhibit space is now 100% rain proof. As an umbrella often seems to prevent downpours, this might predict that it will not rain on the event day.

There is no admission fee, and complimentary valet parking is provided.

Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 1 to 8 pm at Band Pro Burbank Headquarters.

RSVP is required for admission.

 

 

 

 

 

12/12/19
Band Pro Open House 2019: Dean Semler ASC, ACS guest of honor

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