DOC NYC PRO Day: Documentary Cinematography

In our first session, DOC NYC’s features programmer Jessie Fairbanks moderates a conversation with Director/DP Rachel Lears (Knock Down the House, The Hand that Feeds) and cinematographer Iris Ng (A Better Man, Stories We Tell), cinematography in fast-paced, emotionally charged, and unpredictable environments, including on the campaign trail and among survivors of domestic violence. The session will discuss best practices in establishing rapport between cinematographer and subject; preparing and selecting equipment; and shifting gears in dynamic scenarios.

In session two, we discuss filming during the Covid-19 pandemic. What precautions must be put in place? How can a DP create safety protocols for their whole crew? How can DPs work with directors and producers who are working remotely and not on-set? How are DPs navigating issues of PPE, equipment sterilization and insurance? Veteran cinematographer Jerry Henry (Netflix’s forthcoming High on the Hog, The Rachel Divide, Exit Through the Gift Shop), who is currently shooting on three separate doc projects, joins from Los Angeles, as does DP Shana Hagan (The Kingmaker; 63 Up; Generation Wealth), and DP Bryan Chang (Brasslands, Island Soldier, Into the Streets) joins from Brooklyn. All discuss planning for shoots; pivoting in high-risk environments; safety protocols; and the importance of trust between director and DP.

In our final session, Mo Scarpelli (Anbessa, Frame by Frame) joins from Rome to discuss directing and lensing her latest documentary feature, El Father Plays Himself, which premiered at Visions du Réel in April 2020. Set in the Amazon, the film follows the production of a narrative film, whose director has cast his own father in the lead role. Variety called the film part of “a tradition of nonfiction films about the blood, sweat and tears of feature production,” in which Scarpelli “delves provocatively into how and why we tell stories, and at what cost.” In conversation with DOC NYC Features Programmer Jessie Fairbanks.

Following our panel programming, live attendees will be paired with presenters in small-group settings for virtual breakout question-and-answer sessions.