As a seasoned movie buff with a penchant for tales of cinematic journeys, I find John Seale‘s story to be nothing short of inspiring. His life, much like a well-crafted screenplay, is filled with twists, turns, and triumphs that resonate deeply within the heart of every film enthusiast.
John Seale, an Australian cinematographer who has won an Oscar for “The English Patient” and received four other nominations for “Witness,” “Rain Man,” “Cold Mountain,” and 2015’s “Mad Max: Fury Road,” was one of the most notable international attendees at the ongoing International Film Festival of India.
During a weekend workshop, he delved into various perspectives on cinematography and the broader film industry. The discussions encompassed working with actors, his affinity for the role of a lighting-cameraman, as well as employing multiple cameras and ensuring that each film is treated as a unique and distinct project.
Reflecting on his early days in TV production with modest budgets, alongside the groundbreaking achievements of ’80s Australian filmmakers, was not just a nostalgic journey but also an insightful guide for those navigating beyond the established Hollywood framework.
In the early 1960s, Australia’s movie industry barely existed. There was hardly any feature film industry at all, with only rare American films making their way into Australia or the Pacific. For the most part, it was television that dominated back then. After spending a year in Sydney, I managed to join the Australian Broadcasting Commission, which is a government-run TV station, and began a seven-year apprenticeship as there were no film schools available.
Initially, we had a team of 26 camera operators who were responsible for every facet of television production, ranging from news broadcasts, documentaries on rural and agricultural issues, to arts and music programs. I received extensive instructions on how to adjust the camera for horse races, which may seem trivial, but they proved incredibly useful, as they offered small tips on capturing a situation optimally.
Approximately halfway through his tenure, ABC chose to begin producing hour-long dramas. “All of a sudden, we were out in the wilderness with actors and a large 35mm camera, and I became deeply enamored with it,” he explained.
Deciding to concentrate more on his film career, Seale became self-employed instead of working for someone else. During this period, the film industry was experiencing a surge in popularity.
Over time, I’ve witnessed a flourishing of the Australian film industry. Pioneers like Philip Noyce and Peter Weir, both hailing from this land, began creating movies right here in Australia. Their stories, penned by fellow Australians, started to earn international acclaim.
In 1975, Seale served as the camera operator for Weir’s renowned “Picnic at Hanging Rock.” He recalls learning a great deal from Weir’s exceptional focus on emotional nuances. This simple tale of girls who vanish on a mountain was transformed into an intensely emotional and intricate film due to his meticulous attention to detail.
According to Seale, he found little appeal in the American filmmakers who arrived in Australia with rigid notions about what scenes should be wide shots, medium shots, or close-ups, as well as which lighting setups to use.
What’s so great about adopting that system? It’s because those initial Australian films received fantastic international accolades,” he explained. However, Seale traveled to the United States with Weir in 1985 to film “Witness,” a movie that earned several award nominations for its crew members.
We appreciated the Aussie work ethic immensely. There were no complications; everything was handled efficiently. It felt like they would say, ‘No problem, I’ll take care of that in a jiffy.’ And, since Australian film productions couldn’t afford overtime, we were rewarded with an ice-cold beer at the end of each day for putting in a little extra effort.
By instilling a respect for budgeting and deadlines into the American system, we contributed significantly to the success of many Australians. This approach to life, which we continue to uphold to some extent, has led to a large number of Australians finding employment not only in America, but also across Asia and Europe.
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2024-11-25 12:48