Insights from George Burt’s Workshop
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On a recent club night in Cheam, Sutton Filmmakers had the pleasure of hosting cinematographer George Burt for an engaging and insightful talk on lighting for filmmaking. The session offered attendees a deep dive into the realities of working as a Director of Photography (DOP) in the industry today.
George Burt: From Club Member to Cinematographer
George Burt has an impressive background, having worked on films such as Joe Baby (starring Ron Perlman, Harvey Keitel and Dichen Lachman) and Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance. His career has also brought him into collaboration with actors like Elizabeth Hurley, Samantha Bond and John Rhys-Davies.
George Burt was once a member of Sutton Filmmakers himself, though his membership has since lapsed. The club holds no grudges on that front, of course! It’s always nice to see club members come back with stories of their successes.
His journey to becoming a cinematographer highlights the importance of networking and versatility in the film industry. George shared how his role on Joe Baby came about through a personal recommendation while he was working as a spark on another production. He emphasised that his most fulfilling jobs have all come from personal connections, reinforcing the value of maintaining strong relationships within the industry.
Working in a Changing Industry
Joe Baby was shot over just three weeks, though George mentioned that a five-week shoot would have been ideal. Shrinking production schedules have have meant that budgets are increasingly constrained and maximised.
These financial pressures also make connections and relationships more crucial than ever, particularly when it comes to securing in-demand equipment such as Cooke Anamorphic SF lenses (Google them is you want to witness jaw-dropping visuals and the accompanying price tag…) for one of his recent projects.
Taking on various roles within the industry allows you to meet more people and develop relationships over time. Less stressful roles, George pointed out, offer more opportunities for networking and gauging the character and professionalism of potential collaborators.
He illustrated this with a personal anecdote, after his interview for Joe Baby, the director reached out to an actor he had worked with to ask for a reference. This underscored the importance of maintaining professionalism on set, as reputations follow you throughout your career.
The Art and Practicality of Cinematography
George also shared some of the tools and techniques he uses to craft a film’s visual aesthetic. He recommended using resources like ShotDeck, a website that provides lens and camera metadata alongside film stills, to help build lookbooks and communicate visual ideas effectively. He also spoke about storyboarding, noting that while it is beneficial, it is less common on smaller productions with tight schedules. He reassured attendees that even stick figure drawings can be useful, as long as they clearly convey the desired shot composition. AI tools can assist in this process, but they require a strong reference image to be truly effective.
On a more technical level, George highlighted a common mistake among new filmmakers, bouncing a large light source off a ceiling to illuminate the scene. While this can provide an even light, it often results in flat and undramatic images. He explained that in these situations, additional lighting and negative fill are often needed to create contrast and maintain a more cinematic look.
Memorable Moments and Lessons from the Industry
George also shared a memorable early job at Shepperton Studios, working on Batman Begins. He was struck by the sheer scale of the production, though this also meant he felt somewhat disconnected from the overall filmmaking process.
While he didn’t get to meet director Christopher Nolan, he did see Michael Caine, despite his legendary status, lining up for craft services like any other member of the cast and crew. This simple act of humility left a lasting impression on him – reinforcing the idea that no matter how successful one becomes, staying grounded and approachable is essential.
Beyond feature films, George has also worked extensively in television, commercials and music videos, with credits including projects for N-Dubz, Sam Smith and Enrique Iglesias. Over the years, he has built up his own base kit, consisting of his preferred lenses and lighting equipment, allowing him greater creative control over his work.
The Importance of Collaboration
A key message George left the audience with was the importance of collaboration in filmmaking. He stressed that good co-workers make your own work look better, whether they are actors, production designers or other crew members. Building strong professional relationships and surrounding yourself with talented, dedicated people can elevate the quality of a production immensely.
Final Thoughts
George’s stories and advice were engaging, informative and at times humorous, making for an enjoyable and educational evening.
Sessions like these are a fantastic resource for aspiring filmmakers, offering a rare opportunity to learn from industry professionals who have navigated the challenges of the business firsthand. George’s talk was a testament to the power of perseverance, networking and a keen eye for detail in crafting compelling visual storytelling.
For anyone looking to refine their cinematography skills and gain a deeper understanding of the industry, workshops like this are highly recommended. Sutton Filmmakers continues to host a variety of guest speakers, ensuring its members have access to a wealth of knowledge and experience to help them grow as filmmakers.