News

FILMMAKING DIPLOMA UPDATE: 007 Cinematographer Phil Meheux mentors LFA students
(6/8/2009)

LFA Filmmaking Diploma students recently received expert tuition from the BAFTA-nominated Cinematographer Phil Meheux.

BAFTA-nominated for his cinematography on James Bond’s 21st outing, ‘Casino Royale’ as well as his camerawork on the BBC’s ground-breaking drama series ‘Play for Today’, Phil has more than 40 years’ experience in the film & TV industry. His credits include the British classics ‘Scum’, starring Ray Winstone in his breakthrough role, and ‘The Long Good Friday’, critically acclaimed as “the best British gangster movie ever made”. He has also shot the Hollywood blockbusters ‘The Mask of Zorro’, ‘The Saint’ and ‘Entrapment’, and began his association with the Bond franchise as Director of Photography on ‘GoldenEye’. Phil has just completed the new Mel Gibson-fronted thriller ‘Edge Of Darkness’. To see a full list of Phil’s cinematography work, please visit http://uk.imdb.com/name/nm0005793/.

Phil offered advice to Diploma students on the production of their four-minute narrative fiction films, the culmination of studies during Term Two which develop experience in the key roles of filmmaking by emulating the conditions of a professional film set. Phil met with students to discuss ideas for visual style, offered feedback on their footage, went on recce days to help them find suitable shooting locations and was also available on set to help with the final filming.

“He always knows what he is talking about, is helpful when needed and understands what can help us the most," says Diploma student Alice Katriou of her experience of working with Phil. "He is good at explaining things to beginners and he is not constantly trying to underline the gap between students and industry professionals." 

Phil spent a total of four weeks working with Diploma students, in addition to helping with their films, he gave a talk about his career and presented a masterclass in lighting and camera.

The next Filmmaking Diploma starts on 21 September 2009. Click here for further information or to apply: http://www.londonfilmacademy.com/courses/diploma_in_filmmaking.asp?id=16.