Practical Cinematography

Practical Cinematography discusses the principles of cinematography and the expertise which is unique to the Director of Photography (DoP). It deals with all the basic theory such as colour temperature and sensitometry, and all the practical things a DoP needs to know, from the make-up of the crew to how to prepare an equipment list.

The book is divided into six sections: The Unit; The Technology; The Cinematographer's Craft; Operating; The DoP's Preparation; Future-proofing.

Its contents are arranged so that it may be dipped into for quick reference - perhaps to answer a specific question or deal with practical problems relating to a shoot - or read from cover to cover.

Film-making is an art, but, like so many art forms, there are basic underlying tools and techniques and a body of theoretical knowledge that must be understood and mastered before artistic expression can flourish. This book is intended to be of assistance to all aspiring DoPs, whether you are just starting a career, or already have considerable experience in the other grades.

Paul Wheeler has a wealth of practical expertise as a Cinematographer, combined with wide experience as a highly respected trainer. After 25 years with the BBC, latterly as a Senior Film Cameraman, he has had a flourishing career as a freelance Cinematographer which has brought him many awards. Between his busy film-shooting schedule, Paul has stood in twice as Head of Cinematography at the National Film and Television School and also spent some time as Head of Cinematography at the Royal College of Art. He is a member of the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) and a Fellow of the British Kinematograph, Sound and Television Society (FBKS).

Paul Wheeler BSC FBKS was trained at the BBC rising to become a Senior Drama Film Cameraman. Paul Shot one of the first BBC Drama Series to be photographed using the then new Digi Beta cameras, by which time he was freelance. He is a renowned cinematographer/director of photography and trainer, he has been Head of Cinematography at National Film & Television School and still runs courses on Digital Cinematography there. He has also been Head of Cinematography on the Royal College of Arts MA course. Paul was invited to become an associate of Panavision in order to help them introduce the Panavised version of Sony's HDW 900f camera which meant he joined the HD movement 3 days before the first Panavision camera arrived in Europe. Despite all this he is still very much a working cinematographer. He has been twice nominated by BAFTA for a Best Cinematography award and also twice been the winner of the INDIE award for Best Digital Cinematography. His previous books, "Practical Cinematography” and "Digital cinematography”, are both published by the Focal Press.