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SVA BFA Film
FACULTY: Igor Sunara

Cinematographer/Director

Academic study should inform and enrich practical production work, and theoretical work should be based on an understanding of practice.

Learning the language of visual art is more than learning the difference between subjective and objective camera angles. It is the process of taking ideas, words, actions, emotional subtext, tone, and all other forms of non-verbal communication, and rendering them in visual terms. The camera should act as a participant in the drama, subtly affecting how we respond emotionally to what we see. A story may be the flesh and blood of a film, but the camera is the guiding spirit.

Students learn the technique of previsualization, explore the collaboration between the director and cinematographer (crew included), and prepare for their practical work. Topics such as camera controls, operating, support systems, blocking, motion, composition, lighting designs, exposures, lenses, perspectives, depth, shot coverages, and continuity are analyzed and practiced.


education

BA honors, University of Westminster

credits

FILMS INCLUDE:

Finding Julia (Director/Cinematographer), The Keeper (Sundance 1996), On the Run (Open Palm Gotham 2000 Award Nominee), Peroxide Passion (Silver Medal Houston FF 2011), The Mercy of the Sea, Somewhere in the City (HBO), Cop Land (2nd unit), Misplaced (PBS, Toronto, Deauville 1st Prize), Tripwire, Love or Money, Maniac Cop 2 (additional operator).

SHORT FILMS INCLUDE:

Point of View (Director – Student of the Year Award), The Landscaper’s Daughter, The Houseguest, Moments, and Erotic Tales (Melvin Van Peebles, Dir.)

DOCUMENTARIES INCLUDE:

American Dream (Oscar – additional photography), Searching for Orson, Heart of a Legend: Chico O’Farrill.

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE:

Till Death Do Us Part (Pilot), Il Giardino Armonico, America’s Most Wanted.

COMMERCIALS ICLUDE:

American Savings Bank (Director), Direct Deposit (Director), Kodak, AT&T, Bell South, Reebok, Coca-Cola, Coors Light, Be Smart About HIV.

MUSIC VIDEOS INCLUDE:

Perfect Gentleman “One More Chance” (Director), Edith Lefel “Mariet” (Director), Notorious BIG “Juice”, Whitney Houston “I Want to Dance with Somebody”, Rod Stewart “Crazy About You”, Diana Ross “Working Overtime”, Dolly Parton “River Unbroken”, Liza Minnelli “Don’t Drop Bombs”, Bon Jovi “Silent Night”, John Cale & Lou Reed “Songs for Drella.

classes taught at SVA

Intro to Film I & II

Production Workshop I & II

Shooting Film