[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]
Film Courage: I’m wondering what you think of this quote here “I don’t think about a shot, I feel a shot. I just do what I feel.
Suki Medenčević, ASC/NYFA Filmmaking and Cinematography Instructor, Filmmaker: That’s exactly what it is. You don’t think about shots. You are there in a moment. It’s like famous photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson said something that he doesn’t take pictures, pictures take him. There’s that moment that you witness, that you point the camera, you get a moment and that becomes forever. Never before, never later but that particular moment is what this image is.
For cinematographers, you don’t think about the shot. It’s like I use a lot of analogy usually with cooking and music because I like both. I would also use a quote by Miles Davis. He said something about The note that you don’t play is equally important or more important than the one that you play.
I would apply the same logic to cinematography. It’s not about that particular shot, that particular shot might be interesting. But if this particular shot is part of the whole story or sequence or whatever works well and it feels right then you’re doing a good job. Then this is good art. Then you’re creating something that is not only an image or particular shot but it’s emotional response and again everything comes down to your emotional response. You either have an emotional response or you don’t.
As a cinematographer, somebody who is creating it as well as people who are watching it, it’s the same kind of you’re doing it for the audience. You want people to experience what you experienced as you are right there in the moment when the camera is rolling and everything’s happening and you feel great about it…(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.
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Nyfa.edu/location/nyfa-los-angeles
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