Matthew Bennett - Director of Photography - Narrative
These are some of the great experiences I've had as a Director of Photography for Narrative projects over the past few years. I haven't done it all by myself - I've worked with some great Directors, and sometimes collaborated closely with other DP's to produce this work.
My philosophy as a Cinematographer is simple and direct. I enjoy using natural light, practicals, and augmenting light to create strong compositions. My background as an editor and director allows me to think in sequences of shots, with emphasis on creating visual stories.
Cameras used include RED, Canon 5D Mark II, Andromeda DVX, Sony FS100 and Canon C300.
Credits.
CONCRETE - Feature Film. This by far is one of the most ambitious films I've worked on. Concrete is an action/martial arts picture by Team BM (myself and filmmaking partner Sasha Moric). I was the Director of Photography for the flashback and training scenes in the film.
JASON'S DAD - Short Film. Directed by Matthew Campea, Director of Photography Matthew Bennett. The story of a young man who finds a disturbing secret about his recently dead Father. This was one of my favourite collaborations with director M. Campea. We worked closely to create a simple, clear visual style with specific camera movement and staging, with nods to some of Hitchcock's greatest works.
LAST MAN IN SUBURBIA - Short Film. Directed by Matthew Campea. Director of Photography Matthew Bennett. Shot at night in the suburban environs around North Toronto, this piece was a great exercise in extreme low-light and augmented practical photography. The piece follows a young man coming to realizations about his misspent life.
THE TERMINAL - Short Film. A Team BM science fiction short, set in a world where a secret supercomputer has developed psychic connections to a group of Ten Men, which it calls 'The Terminal'. A close collaboration with filmmaking partner Sasha Moric.
VERONA - Short Film. Directed by Laurie Lynd. Although Sasha Moric was the main director of photography for the project, he called me to fill in for an action packed day shooting rugby sequences in North Toronto. Lots of fun, and a great collaboration with steadicam operator Michael J. Heathcote.
KJ - REPEAT - Music Video. Directed by Lavado Stubbs. Director of Photography Matthew Bennett. A one-shot steadicam video that we shot in an alleyway along Queen West. Another great collaboration with Michael J. Heathcote.
AGENT PROVOCATEUR - Short. Directed by Luke Langsdale. Sasha Moric was the Director of Photography here. I operated second camera, and then did the VFX and coloring of the special effects driven sequence portraying a young jewel thief hard at work.
PERSONAL DAY - Short. Director of Photography Matthew Bennett. I Directed and shot this short about a young woman coming to terms with a recent tragedy. I employed a large number of body-attachment shots, using a DSLR to film the motion in an erratic way to portray the feelings of the heroine.
SYNTHETICA - Opening titles for Pilot. Director of Photography Matthew Bennett. I shot and did the VFX for the opening title montage of Synthetica, a spec TV Pilot about a near future where life-like robots are being introduced into the general populace.
GRAND THEFT AUTO - Short. A short film set in the GTA Universe. This was a close collaboration with DP/Partner Sasha Moric.
THE TRANSFERS - Titles. Director of Photography Matthew Bennett. Short science fiction themed film about a group of beings who invade a quiet town. I shot time-lapse sequences in near-dusk to convey the floating, mysterious nature of the story.
Related Links:
CONCRETE. Trailer.
vimeo.com/44358378
THE TERMINAL. Scene.
youtube.com/watch?v=bE395tbhY3Q
LAST MAN IN SUBURBIA. Short.
vimeo.com/34941632