Sunny Joseph ISC Master Class SICA /BME – DAY 2!

Sunny Joseph Dazzles SICA Masterclass with Tonal Magic

The second day of the BME Hyderabad witnessed a masterclass of pure cinematic light with internationally acclaimed cinematographer Sunny Joseph, courtesy of the Southern Indian Cinematographers’ Association (SICA). Joseph, a master of tonal range, captivated the audience with his insights on how light shapes story, revealing the secrets of the zone system and navigating the digital age with light meters.

The session wasn’t just a technical deep-dive; it was a journey into the heart of storytelling through light. Sunny Joseph’s masterful command of tonal range resonated through anecdotes and practical demonstrations, illuminating the power of light to evoke emotions, build tension, and guide the viewer’s eye.

From the subtle nuances of creating mood to the dramatic impact of high contrast, Sunny Joseph delved into the zone system, a timeless tool for mastering light. He demystified its application in the digital age, equipping aspiring and seasoned cinematographers alike with the knowledge to translate vision into reality.

One particularly captivating moment arrived when he spoke about the profound influence of legendary cinematographer, Subrata Mitra.

“Subrata Mitra once told me,” Sunny Joseph recounted, his voice filled with reverence, “that the most important meter reading you’ll ever take is the reflected light meter reading.” This simple statement ignited a spark within Joseph, leading him to embark on a self-taught odyssey into the world of zonal levels and tonal range.

Armed with his trusty reflected light meter and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Joseph delved into the complex relationship between light, exposure, and image tone. He learned to meticulously measure the light bouncing off different parts of a scene, understanding how each reading translated into a specific zone on the film’s tonal scale.

This newfound understanding proved transformative. Sunny Joseph discovered that by meticulously controlling the light falling on different elements within the scene, he could craft distinct tonal variations, creating a sense of depth and dimension that transcended the flatness of a single exposure. He learned to sculpt shadows, bathe highlights in ethereal glow, and balance contrasting elements within a single frame, all thanks to the insights gleaned from his reflected light meter readings.

Throughout his masterclass, Joseph shared practical tips and anecdotes, demonstrating how he applied his knowledge of zonal levels and tonal range in his own work. He spoke of the power of using negative fill to create rich blacks, the subtle interplay between highlights and midtones to convey emotion, and the deliberate use of underexposure to inject drama and intrigue into a scene.

Sunny Joseph’s masterclass at the BME event was a captivating journey into the world of light, shadow, and storytelling. He delved into the visual magic of his Cannes award-winning film, Piravi, sharing insights that left the audience spellbound.

Balancing Grim and Glory: The Climax of Piravi

Sunny Joseph focused on the film’s climax, a scene shot on a grim, rain-soaked day that takes a sudden turn into a burst of vibrant light. He discussed the challenges of balancing such contrasting elements, ensuring both the grimness of the setting and the emotional impact of the light were conveyed effectively.

The Magic of the 25-25-25 Shot

Sunny Joseph then revealed a fascinating secret: the “magic shot” in the lab printer. This particular shot, crucial to the scene’s impact, had a color value of 25-25-25,

Embracing Technology: The Red Camera HDR Advantage

Next, Sunny Joseph explored his use of the Red camera’s HDR capabilities. He showcased a scene filmed in the unfinished building’s fifth-floor interior, bathed in bright daylight. He explained how he used  the HDR technology  to capture the full range of light and shadow in the scene, preserving both the brightness of the exterior and the details of the interior.

A Masterful Blend: Lessons from Sunny Joseph

Sunny Joseph’s masterclass was a testament to his artistry and technical prowess. He demonstrated how cinematographers can use light, color, and technology to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences. His insights on balancing contrasting elements

The SICA masterclass with Sunny Joseph was more than just a lecture; it was an inspiration, a revelation, and a testament to the enduring power of light in cinematic storytelling. As the session concluded, the audience emerged with not just technical knowledge but a deeper understanding of the emotional language of light, ready to paint their own stories with the brilliance of a master.

After the session SICA team visited TCA(Telugu Cinematographers Association)

SICA Deepens Ties with Telugu Cinematographers Association

Following the invitation from TCA  a delegation from the Southern India Cinematographers’ Association (SICA) President Karthik Raaja and Treasurer Sakthi Saravanan embarked on a journey to strengthen ties with their esteemed counterparts in the Telugu film industry. Their destination: the Telugu Cinematographers Association (TCA), where a warm welcome and enriching experiences awaited.

President Vindha Gaaru and the TCA team graciously hosted the SICA delegation, creating a vibrant atmosphere for engaging discussions and meaningful connections. The shared passion for cinematography and the common goals for the cinematic fraternity were evident throughout the visit, leading to insightful conversations on potential collaborations between SICA and TCA.

The visit marked a significant step towards fostering a fruitful partnership between the two associations. Ace Cinematographer Ajayan Vincent played a key role in  facilitating valuable conversations, adding his expertise and fostering a spirit of unity.

“We were deeply touched by the hospitality and the opportunity to connect with our colleagues from TCA,” expressed  SICA President Karthik Raaja “The shared passion and commitment to the craft of cinematography were truly inspiring, and we believe this visit has laid a strong foundation for future collaboration says SICA Treasurer Sakthi Saravanan.

SICA looks forward to welcoming the TCA team to Chennai soon and continuing to nurture this newfound bond between the two associations. This promising partnership holds the potential to elevate the cinematic landscape of South India and contribute to the growth and development of the film industry in the region.

BME event Day 3 – Cinematic Visions unveiled an hour with Master Cinematographer Rathinavelu will be followed up next article

Article by

CJ Rajkumar

Author/Cinematographer