I knew I always had the spark into movies since my school days. But then I did not know what can make me get into the industry. My first learning happened through my viewing experiences. I used to go to big screens for every releases despite of genre, language or anything. Certain movies really fascinated me and that's when I saw the movie 'Chappa Kurish' directed by Samir Thahir and shot by Jomon T John. That's when I realized this is what I really want to do.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I did my MS in computer science and communication from University of Glamorgan, UK. I come from a middle class family in a town called Pala in the district of Kottayam, Kerala.
I used to be an adherent movie viewer and lover since my childhood. I have been a huge fan of Mohanlal since my school days. I could undoubtedly say Priyadarshan - Mohan Lal movies influenced me the most and made me fascinated with the medium of cinema. I always wondered how the magic of cinema is created on the big screen.
2. How and when did you realize your passion for films?
I knew I always had the spark into movies since my school days. But then I did not know what can make me get into the industry. My first learning happened through my viewing experiences.
I used to go to big screens for every releases despite of genre, language or anything. Certain movies really fascinated me and that's when I saw the movie 'Chappa Kurish' directed by Samir Thahir and shot by Jomon T John. That's when I realized this is what I really want to do.
The cinematography of that movie inspired me to become a cinematographer. Following my interest, I tried for FTII but it did not happen for me. Then I went to study my masters in Communication and CS in U.K and I attended my cinematography workshops part time during those years. That's where I got the basic learning about movie making.
After pursuing my MS, I returned to Cochin where I took my masters diploma in cinematography in a cochin media school. Soon after my course I got to assist in a movie called 'Ennu ninte moideen'. Now that was a huge experience as we shot for around 120 days. It was equal to doing 3 movies. I was so glad I could work with Jomon T John whom I considered as my idol in my very first movie.
3. What are the important skills one should have to become a successful cinematographer?
You have to be a good observer and this is what I believe. Observe everything around you. Day and night, light and shadow, nature everything I would say. Once you know the nature, or I would just say the premise, then you will get an idea of how to manage a scene with that premise.
Don't be too bothered on the output but have an eye and mind to experiment and improvise. That's when you get a good shot.
Be a good listener to your director and narrative. Rather than showcasing your skill stick on to what the narrative demands. I always believe story is what should be on the top and everything else should be just below the narrative and that's what make a good film.
4. Which films do you appreciate the most for their cinematography?
- The Godfather part 1 done by Gordon Willis
- 'Chappa Kurish' by Jomon T John
- 1917 by Roger deakens are the few among my list which I consider as the best
5. What has been your biggest learning from your job?
Every project you do is a new learning curve for you. And I insist myself to explore and experiment everyday. I believe that's the best learning you get from a movie set.
Tobin Thomas
Cinematagrapher
Instagram id - @tobin_thomas7
Interviewed by - Ananie Borgia
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