"I always try to key from one source," says Vilmos Zsigmond ASC, and then he explains why that makes the film look and feel more realistic. Zsigmond was talking to 36 young filmmakers from 20 countries who participated in the cinematography Masterclass at the Academy of Drama and Film, in Budapest, Hungary. [...]

The Masterclass is the realization of a dream that Zsigmond and his lifelong friend, Tibor Vagyoczky HSC, shared when they were classmates at the Academy. "We felt fortunate to study with Gyorgy Illes (HSC)," said Zsigmond "whom I believe is one of the world`s great cinematographers. He taught us film is important part of our culture, and that is our responsibility to help train the next generation." [...]

When one participant sounded discouraged, Zsigmond said, "The more mistakes you make, the more you learn. That`s the most important thing at this stage." Narrative films were screened almost every evening with the cinematographers present to discuss their work and answer questions. [...]

january 2000 Incamera