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Film Theory

Deadfall gif
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“Deadfall” DP on American Cinematographer Podcast

American Cinematographer recently produced a podcast about shooting Deadfall -- “going inside the visual landscape of a suspense filled winter wonderland.”
Ron Swanson nodding with headphones
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Hurlbut Visuals Podcast

The NeedCreative Podcast is an online radio show that covers topics related to creativity. I had the privilege of being the guest of co-hosts Paul Antico and Jason Sidelinger from Anticipate Media to discuss my history and experiences in the film industry.
Master Shots Volume 2: 100 Ways to Shoot Great Dialogue Scenes
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Educational Resource Books for Cinematography

Many people have approached me with questions about books that have inspired me as a filmmaker. We have compiled a list of valuable resources for you to use to expand your scope and vision.
Camera Test Chart
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Cinematographer: The Importance of Camera Tests

We have so many new digital tools at our disposal that you cannot just pick them up and start shooting with them. Treat your new digital camera like a new film emulsion that needs testing.
Herb Ritts Exhibit at the J. Paul Getty Museum
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Herb Ritts Exhibit at the J. Paul Getty Museum

From 1991-1996, I had the unique opportunity to work with one of the most talented still photographers of the 20th Century. Not only was Herb Ritts a great artist, he was also an amazing human being.
Lighting Theory with Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut
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Lighting with Canon 1DC DSLR 4K Capture Project “The Ticket”

On The Ticket, the lighting was a challenge because we used natural, available light and shaped it. I turned lights off, then added accent lights to bring out the depth of a location.
Work, Work, Work.
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Meet the Cinematography Intern DREAM TEAM

The Cinematography Internship Program was an educational labor of love for Hurlbut Visuals for the 2010-2011 year. It has been our way of educating and inspiring young filmmakers. The goal was to create a variety of hands-on immersive experiences: shooting, lighting, theory, and storytelling, Let’s…
50 Cent driving in car with Patrick in back seat
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Cinematographers: The Importance of Being Mobile

"Have a safe flight. Someone from production will pick you up." How many strange [...]
Sun spreading over horizon
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Capturing the Sunrise Across America with Canon 5D

We employed Technicolor’s Cinestyle on its maiden voyage. This picture style seemed to work well in [...]
Film slate on wooden table
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What Makes a Great Cinematography Reel?

A reel is your creative expression and a very powerful tool to showcase unique talent.
Lighting Deadfall and the Stag Horn Saloon
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Behind-the-Scenes Lighting of Deadfall Movie

It is so sad saying goodbye to Montreal. I love this amazing city. The crew was the [...]
Cinematographer wearing mask
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What’s Your Go-To Camera Format? The World is Your Filmmaking Canvas

You are going to Dubai to shoot a motorcycle race that will require mobility and high speed.
Yahoo Main Penalty Shot
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9 Canon 5Ds Capture The Shot on Goal for Yahoo Sports – WORLD CUP 2010

In May of last year I was hired to shoot a web interactive game for Yahoo sports in the LA Coliseum. The Director Jason Zada...
Arri camera on Kessler Crane's CineSlider
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Kessler Crane CineSlider Performance On Set and Off

When I started the 5 week Marine’s commercial two months ago, I knew we would be in wide open spaces as well as tight quarters on the Amphibious Assault Destroyer. The project required gear that was versatile, so I turned to Kessler Crane's CineSlider. NAB was where I...
The Santa Monica Pier at night gif
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The Making of The Carnival Sequence from “The Last 3 Minutes”

Episode III “Carnival” was on Day two of our four day shooting schedule. This day was a very ambitious one because we had four company moves. We started at the ranch house location, moved to meadow location, then on to the main street location for the street fight.
Boats drifting on calm waters with fog
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The Making of The Vietnam War Sequence From “The Last 3 Minutes”

We are going to give you a special treat on this blog. When I travel around the world, many people come up and ask me about the one shot helicopter crash in Terminator:Salvation. So I thought this was a fitting place to talk about all in one shot sequences...
Bearded old man frowning
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The Making of The Janitor Sequence From “The Last 3 Minutes”

When Canon and Hurlbut Visuals teamed up on this joint venture, we wanted to put together a trilogy of Behind the Scenes videos where I narrated about what goes on inside my head as a cinematographer. We also wanted to show that even though there is a planning process...
Girl in abandoned room tied to chair
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The Making of “The Last 3 Minutes”

Here are details from our EPK crew on "The Last 3 Minutes." With this first person perspective, it is not like a scene where you do a wide shot and then go in for coverage. It plays out like a play where everything has to work.
Man with gun coming into focus gif
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The Power of Focus in Cinematography

Focus is probably one of the biggest obstacles that the 5D encounters. So many of our colleagues have questions and wonder why it is absolutely essential to have a focus puller. They are the backbone of this amazing technology. Shooting with practical...
Picture Style Menu
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Picture Style: How Do You Choose?

I am frequently asked about picture style. There are so many internet sites making RAW picture styles, Flat picture styles, Panavision Genesis Picture Styles and all the picture styles in between for the Canon 5D, 7D, and the 1D. It is confusing to know which one to choose and I...

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