[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]
Film Courage: How does a new cinematographer come to understand lighting?
Suki Medenčević, ASC/NYFA Filmmaking and Cinematography Instructor, Filmmaker: How a new cinematographer comes to understand lighting is by failing, by doing things that you might think works but it doesn’t.
You have to really try and fail in order to understand.
Lighting is not a simple thing. These are tools. Each of these lights do something different. There’s so many lights, more than ever nowadays but in its essence light is a light. You learn from nature. You have to learn how to observe what light does in nature. Then if you get in a dark stage like here when you put one light and turn it on you have to understand what this light does.
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The hardest thing really for a cinematographer is to grasp the concept that you can create with the light that you see in your mind. You have to see the image. You have to feel the image as you read the script.
It’s like Ah, okay it’s going to be like that. Okay, okay and then for this I need this and plan it properly to make sure it’s all in place.
That’s the key thing I think for cinematographers to understand and that comes with experience. You might have experience but talent too, you have to have a certain level of talent but I think equally as talent is more important that you are constantly doing and sharpening your skills, understanding and learning about lights.
I learned about lights all the time, even today I learned about some light that one of my students thought…(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.
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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.
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Nyfa.edu/location/nyfa-los-angeles
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