[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]
Film Courage: What do you consider bad cinematography?
Suki Medenčević, ASC/NYFA Filmmaking and Cinematography Instructor, Filmmaker: I would say bad cinematography is something that is when the form takes over the content. Bad cinematography is gimmicky. Bad cinematography is something that is just there for its sake on its own.
Best cinematography is there that is just making images which have no reason really or they’re not founded in anything. There is no intent behind the images. I would not even call it cinematography. I would call it content. That’s what nowadays we live in a world of people creating content calling themselves cinematographer but you’re not really telling the story. You’re just creating something that is gimmicky, flashy like all these TikTok videos and stuff which are designed to just grab your attention, get a click and move on.
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11 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at 11am PST!
Bad cinematography is something that you watch and you forget and never think about it again.
Film Courage: What was the hardest part of learning cinematography for you?
Suki: For me, oh well everything’s hard and nothing is hard really. When you look at this like to me the hardest part was to really get into that like I get in cinematography completely I would say by accident. I never had intention to become a cinematographer or secretly I wanted to study photography in my high school days because photography…(Watch the video interview on YouTube here).
About:
Suki was born in Derventa, Bosnia and Herzegovina. While in high school he became interested in still photography but his real involvement in film started when he was accepted at The National Film School for Dramatic Arts, FDU, Belgrade, Yugoslavia. He continued his education at the renowned National Film School (FAMU), Prague, Czech Republic, where he earned his Master’s Degree with Honors in cinematography. Shortly thereafter, he came to the USA to continue his professional career. He was involved in several high profile documentaries for Pixar, ILM, The Hearst Corporation, “The History of Imagineering” for Disney Studios being one of them. In 2024 he received “Jan Award” by ASBH for his cinematography at “Shining Vale” series. In 2010, he became a member of the American Cinematographers Society (ASC). In addition, for his academic achievements and contribution to the art of cinematography, he was awarded a Honorary Doctorate Degree in Fine Arts. Suki is a proud father and husband and living and working in Los Angeles.
CONNECT WITH SUKI MEDENCEVIC
About New York Film Academy:
Founded in 1992 by Jerry Sherlock, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) provides an accessible, hands-on education in filmmaking, media, and the performing arts. With a mission to make the film industry more accessible to all, NYFA empowers students from diverse backgrounds to tell powerful stories through a project-based, immersive curriculum. Students work closely with industry professionals, gaining invaluable mentorship and real-world experience while building creative, technical, and collaborative skills. NYFA’s global community includes students from over 160 countries, fostering a network of passionate storytellers. From day one, students dive into creating projects that refine their craft and prepare them for successful careers. With a focus on practical experience and individualized support, NYFA equips students with the tools and confidence to excel in the competitive world of filmmaking and the arts.
CONNECT WITH NYFA
Nyfa.edu/location/nyfa-los-angeles
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