November 15, 2024
Shot Talk – Strange Darling with DP Giovanni Ribisi
Summary
In this episode of Shot Talk, Lawrence Sher, ASC sits down with cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi for an in-depth conversation about his work on the indie thriller Strange Darling, which follows a chaotic one-night stand that spirals into a deadly murder spree.
From navigating the challenges of a limited budget, to starting his career as an actor before getting behind the camera, Giovanni offers an insider’s look at the creative journey the crew overcame to bring the film to life, as well as insight into the future of independent filmmaking.
Key moments
- 00:01:45 Starting as an Actor and Transitioning to Cinematography
- 00:06:32 Why It Was Necessary to Shoot Strange Darling on Film
- 00:08:45 Film Overview and Talking About the Prep Process
- 00:12:50 Building the Visual Language of the Film
- 00:15:30 Know Your Limitations and Use Them to Shape Your Story
- 00:21:09 Lighting Tests and Deciding the Correct Source for Your Movie
- 00:22:51 A Brief History of the Hazeltine Color Timing Process
- 00:25:55 The Benefits of Shooting on Stage and Its Considerations
- 00:29:46 The Job as a Cinematographer, Working Fast and Effectively
- 00:34:19 The Benefits and Flexibility of Small Crews
- 00:39:00 The Benefits of Longer Shoots
- 00:41:30 Preproduction, Scouting, and How It Helps You Roll With the Punches
- 00:47:26 Run and Gun When Improvising
- 00:48:07 Managing the Studio Expectations and Being Shot Down
- 00:50:35 Shooting With Long Lenses and How “Mistakes” Can Work to Your Advantage
- 00:52:18 A Major Lesson: Don’t Burden Actors With Production Problems
- 00:53:36 The Importance of Input From Your Collaborators
- 00:58:38 Learning to Adapt and Embracing the Imperfections
- 01:03:42 Color Saturation on Film and Its Use to Tell a Story
- 01:07:42 How to Measure and Monitor Light on Film
- 01:09:38 Reflecting on the Journey: What Would Rabisi Have Changed
- 01:11:02 Being Mindful When Talking to Actors
- 01:12:17 Which Cinematographers Inspired Your Transition From Acting to Cinematography?
- 01:13:53 Final Thoughts and What’s Next
