The 12 interviews in this book, conducted with renowned cinematographers from around the world, cover all aspects of cinematography from pre-production planning to post-production, special effects, aerial photography, and second unit. Each interview gives a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the most popular shots in movies and shows were lit and captured. The subjects include: Thomas Ackerman (George of the Jungle, Jumanji); John Bartley (The X-Files); Donald Burgess (Back to the Future II& III, Forrest Gump); Dean Cundey (Apollo 13, Jurassic Park, Romancing the Stone); Roger Deakins (Dead Man Walking, Fargo); Stephen Goldblatt (Batman and Robin, The Pelican Brief, Prince of Tides); Donald M. Morgan (Miss Evers' Boys); Dennis Muren (The Abyss, Battlestar Galactica); and David Nowell (Apocalypse Now, Apollo 13). Technically and philosophically oriented, Contemporary Cinematographers on Their Art explores the tools, trends, personalities, and professional achievements of contemporary cinematographers, highlighting the behind-the-scenes struggles of the business of making motion pictures. Each chapter delves into the personal challenges, political proprieties inter-departmental interactions, and artistic achievements of the artists who bring scripts to life though their choice of cameras, lights, lenses, filters, gels, and other supporting equipment. Covering a variety of film and television genres -- from soaps and half-hour sitcorns to cable and network productions, and low- and big-budget features -- each interview explores the tools cinematographers use to capture their shots as well as the integration of mechanical and computer graphic effects. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.