Episode 36: Seeing Yourself in Your Work with Morgan K. Spencer
Learning to use a camera as a cinematographer is an important step toward mastering the art of visual storytelling. A cinematographer's ability to understand and harness the intricacies of the camera as the eyes behind the lens are critical in capturing the intended mood, atmosphere, and emotions of a scene. This process entails learning the technical aspects of camera operation, such as exposure, focal length, framing, and movement while developing an artistic sensibility to create compelling visual narratives. Cinematographers unlock a world of creative possibilities by immersing themselves in the camera realm, allowing them to transform words on a page into captivating cinematic experiences.
In this episode, I'm joined by Morgan K. Spencer, a cinematographer who has worked on museum pieces, fashion, documentary, and narrative films, to discuss the importance of learning the camera in your career as a cinematographer. He discusses the value of mentorship in cinematography, how cinematographers can learn how to use a camera, and the best way to light a scene. He also discusses how to overcome setbacks as a cinematographer and how to rekindle your love for filmmaking as a filmmaker. Likewise, he has worked in the camera department on productions such as Star Wars Episode VIII, Spectre, and Mission Impossible for over ten years, and his commercial clients include Gucci, Stone Island, Marc Jacobs, Tate Modern, Audemars Piguet, Hugo Boss, Jaeger-LeCoultre, KW Gallery, Jerwood Gallery, Self Service Magazine, Dazed, and Louis Vuitton, among others.
Tune in to find out more about this and other interesting topics!
Timestamps
[01:21] Morgan’s first experience with cinema
[06:37] The process of learning the camera as a cinematographer
[11:10] The importance of mentorship in the film industry
[13:14] Morgan’s best way of lighting a scene
[15:30] The experience of shooting a documentary
[22:51] Morgan’s experience working on the ‘I Am Rebecca’ film
[24:41] How Morgan felt when he came to America for the first time
[26:38] Morgan’s communication style with the director on set
[30:07] Tips to overcome a setback on set as a cinematographer
[32:39] What the camera means to Morgan
[39:26] Gaining the love for film back as a filmmaker
[42:08] How Morgan sees himself in his work
Notable quotes:
“The easiest way to light the exteriors and interiors is to find out what the weakest link is.”
“A camera is a tool that everybody should be able to use, and everyone should understand its images.”
“The camera is a passive instrument, but as soon as you use it, it has intention and meaning.”