17:29:21 Moderator {public msg} hello
17:40:53 peter_kowalski {public msg} hello
17:41:30 peter_kowalski {public msg} help
17:43:43 Moderator {public msg} hello
17:48:05 peter_kowalski {public msg} k
17:48:58 Moderator {public msg} h
17:55:58 Moderator {action} hi everyone. welcome. we're
talking to peter
kowalski, B5 camaraman. send in your questions.
17:56:24 Moderator {action} here's our first question.
17:56:33 JoanDarc {question presented} What was your main impression
you
had on your mind when you 1st joined the B5 set? What did you think of it as a
whole (ie) did you think, this is going to be interesting to be involved in??
17:57:13 peter_kowalski {public msg} well...
17:57:31 peter_kowalski {public msg} first my impression was...how
long will
this last...
17:58:01 peter_kowalski {public msg} then as a whole I was never in
space
before
17:58:13 peter_kowalski {public msg} so I was very interested in
being in space
17:58:27 Reschell {question presented} Which is more of a challenge
to film, a
close shot between few characters or a full-Zocalo type of shot?
17:59:00 peter_kowalski {public msg} a full zocalo type of shot is
difficult
because
17:59:17 peter_kowalski {public msg} on a wide shot there are so
many things
to look out for
18:00:03 peter_kowalski {public msg} like booms, lights, off the set
camera
angles, AD's giving cues to extras and make up dept. chairs!
18:00:34 peter_kowalski {public msg} close ups are hard for the
first assistant
camera person because of focusing
18:00:39 VorlonSega {question presented} What is the average numbers
of
angles you film from for a scene?
18:00:57 peter_kowalski {public msg} it really depends on the scene
18:01:14 peter_kowalski {public msg} rarely we do a "oner",
which makes us
happy
18:01:31 peter_kowalski {public msg} usually if there is three
people in a scene
there will be a
18:01:36 peter_kowalski {public msg} master wide shot
18:01:47 peter_kowalski {public msg} and three pieces of coverage
18:02:03 VorlonSega {question presented} Has the staff of cameramen
increased
as B5 has continued?
18:02:34 peter_kowalski {public msg} not really, but we do bring a
second
camera team from time to time
18:02:39 JoanDarc {question presented} Seeing you've been with the
show
since it started, what has been your most favorite episode to film and why?
18:03:21 peter_kowalski {public msg} there are so many...
18:03:46 peter_kowalski {public msg} but I really liked shooting
"In The
Beginning" with Mike Vejar directing.
18:04:10 peter_kowalski {public msg} why? because being a two hour
episode,
18:04:19 peter_kowalski {public msg} we shot it more like a feature
film
18:04:25 peter_kowalski {public msg} we had more time
18:04:32 peter_kowalski {public msg} the shots were more critical
18:04:37 peter_kowalski {public msg} more stylized
18:04:55 peter_kowalski {public msg} which it makes for more
challenging for
me
18:05:00 Reschell {question presented} Are you usually Camera #1,
Camera #2,
or do you all switch around?
18:05:28 peter_kowalski {public msg} we call it camera A and camera
B...I am
camera A
18:05:34 arielkh {question presented} Does the director pretty much
leave you to
the framing of the scene (with maybe a short briefing etc) or does he
check each shot before the camera rolls?
18:05:56 peter_kowalski {public msg} he checks with each shot before
we roll
18:06:16 Reschell {question presented} What is the difference for
the cameraman
in the style of different directors?
18:06:40 peter_kowalski {public msg} every director has his/her own
style
18:07:15 peter_kowalski {public msg} that you have to be like a
chameleon and
adapt to each direcots style and vision
18:07:20 Bajele {question presented} How much freedom do you have to
suggest camera shots, angles etc to the different directors?
18:07:41 peter_kowalski {public msg} depends on the director
18:07:58 peter_kowalski {public msg} some a lot of freedom, some not
18:08:02 Reschell {question presented} Is there any difference in
the way you do
your job with B5 than on other shows you've worked for?
18:08:22 peter_kowalski {public msg} yes
18:08:38 peter_kowalski {public msg} every show has a different
style or
ambiance
18:09:17 peter_kowalski {public msg} B5 is highly technical
18:09:31 peter_kowalski {public msg} because of the CGI and visual
effects
18:09:51 peter_kowalski {public msg} where other shows are maybe
more
"standard" drama or comedy
18:09:59 Captain Hilton {question presented} How did you begin your
career as
a cinematogropher? What advice could you give to someone who wishes to
begin a career?
18:10:25 peter_kowalski {public msg} I began working at a camera
rental house
in hollywood
18:10:51 peter_kowalski {public msg} taking classes for
cinematography at
UCLA
18:11:15 peter_kowalski {public msg} and working for free on any set
that
would allow me to as a camera production assistant
18:11:21 peter_kowalski {public msg} advice?
18:11:35 peter_kowalski {public msg} study cinematography
18:12:03 peter_kowalski {public msg} try to go to camera rental
houses and see
if they have one day courses teaching the mechanics of the camera
18:12:16 peter_kowalski {public msg} and a little luck!!!
18:12:17 JoanDarc {question presented} How long have you been doing
this,
and have you had the chance to work in other shows, or movies? If so, how would
you compare
them :)
18:12:44 peter_kowalski {public msg} I've been doing this for 15
years
18:12:56 peter_kowalski {public msg} I've worked on many shows and
movies
18:13:25 peter_kowalski {public msg} and they are all
different. it would take a
book to explain all the differences.
18:13:28 Reschell {question presented} When you see other TV series
or
moviesw, you must be very aware of the cinematography. Is there are series
or movie whose
work really impressed you as a professional?
18:14:00 peter_kowalski {public msg} Hmmmmmm....
18:14:11 peter_kowalski {public msg} A series right now that I like
the look of
18:14:21 peter_kowalski {public msg} is Ally McBeal
18:14:53 peter_kowalski {public msg} I like it because
18:15:05 peter_kowalski {public msg} they shoot a lot of long lens
masters
18:15:17 peter_kowalski {public msg} they shoot at a low Fstop
18:15:28 peter_kowalski {public msg} which makes the background go
out of
focus
18:15:35 peter_kowalski {public msg} which gives it a rich look
18:16:03 Captain Hilton {question presented} How did you first land
a job on
B5?
18:16:42 peter_kowalski {public msg} .I had worked with John C Flinn
III, the
Director of Photography before
18:17:02 peter_kowalski {public msg} on previous series, Magnum PI
and Jake
and the Fatman
18:17:18 peter_kowalski {public msg} He brought me aboard!
18:17:19 arielkh {question presented} Did you "always"
want to do Camera
work? Or did you kinda just fall into it?
18:17:33 peter_kowalski {public msg} I kinda fell into it
18:17:42 peter_kowalski {public msg} I started in the DGA program
18:17:59 peter_kowalski {public msg} in the early 80's there was a
writers strike
18:18:16 peter_kowalski {public msg} and I could not get any work as
a DGA
trainee so
18:18:32 peter_kowalski {public msg} I was offered a job at a camera
rental
house, renting camera equipment
18:18:37 Reschell {question presented} Are there any TV series where
you
appreciate the story, but just *itch* to redo the camerawork?
18:18:52 peter_kowalski {public msg} owow!
18:19:35 peter_kowalski {public msg} I don't watch a lot of TV and
when I do,
I watch what I like, cause I like the camera work
18:19:37 peter_kowalski {public msg} but
18:19:55 peter_kowalski {public msg} I don't like NYPD Blue
18:20:06 peter_kowalski {public msg} somebody thinks that it is cool
18:20:16 peter_kowalski {public msg} but I think it is the kinda
show
18:20:34 peter_kowalski {public msg} you have to take Dramamine to
watch!
18:20:55 peter_kowalski {public msg} and God knows how anybody can
follow
the story with all that movement
18:20:57 Reschell {question presented} Because you are not filming a
"complete" scene a lot of the times (because of the CGI), do you
mentally "fill in the blanks" as
your filming?
18:21:13 peter_kowalski {public msg} yes
18:21:34 peter_kowalski {public msg} usually there is a visFX person
on set
18:21:40 peter_kowalski {public msg} when we are filming CGI
18:21:53 peter_kowalski {public msg} so I always ask them to fill in
the blanks
for me!
18:22:08 arielkh {question presented} So when you rented out the
cameras...did
that include an operator too or did you start doing that later?
18:22:42 peter_kowalski {public msg} first I was in the rental
house...then I
became a film loader at FOX studios
18:22:55 peter_kowalski {public msg} then I became a second
assistant camera
man
18:23:03 peter_kowalski {public msg} then first assistant
18:23:15 peter_kowalski {public msg} then operator and still
climbing!!
18:23:19 Reschell {question presented} Besides camera angles, what
are the
elements of camera work that you can use to get the effecst you want?
18:24:08 peter_kowalski {public msg} lenses, lights, filters, high
speed,
cranes...
18:24:28 peter_kowalski {public msg} specialty visual lenses are fun
too!
18:24:33 Satai_Leo {question presented} What is the difference
between being a
Director of Photography and a what you do?
18:25:04 peter_kowalski {public msg} A DP works with the director
designs the
blueprint for the scene
18:25:34 peter_kowalski {public msg} and then I expedite what they
created
18:25:45 VorlonSega {question presented} Have you ever done camera
work on
a event, like say a sports game or press conference?
18:26:10 peter_kowalski {public msg} I did a variety show
18:26:24 peter_kowalski {public msg} I want to do
sports...especially the
Lakers!
18:26:33 peter_kowalski {public msg} Do you have any contacts for
me??
18:26:35 Satai_Leo {question presented} How difficult is it to
create that
"shock" shot...used in so many productions including B5...where the
camera dollys in while
zooming out...or vice versa?
18:27:12 peter_kowalski {public msg} it is VERY difficult
18:27:29 peter_kowalski {public msg} it takes time, which we don't
always
have
18:27:46 peter_kowalski {public msg} everybody on the camera has to
make
critical marks
18:27:50 peter_kowalski {public msg} the dolly grip
18:27:54 peter_kowalski {public msg} the focus puller
18:28:01 peter_kowalski {public msg} who also zooms
18:28:08 peter_kowalski {public msg} and the camera operator
18:28:37 peter_kowalski {public msg} if all the marks are not in
sync at the same
time... the shot doesn't work.
18:28:56 peter_kowalski {public msg} It usually doesn't happen in
"take one"
18:28:58 JoanDarc {question presented} which variety show did you
do?
18:29:42 peter_kowalski {public msg} An awards show for female
singers...and
no, I don't remember who won!
18:29:45 Reschell {question presented} When it comes to lighting,
does the
designer determine your work, or do you direct the lighting design, or do you
sort of thrash it out together?
18:30:18 peter_kowalski {public msg} it is definitiely a thrash out
together system
18:30:41 peter_kowalski {public msg} which we like to call
"collaborative effort" by all.
18:30:46 VorlonSega {question presented} Barring difficulties, about
how many
scenes are you able to film in an average day of filming?
18:31:17 peter_kowalski {public msg} scenes depend on the script.
18:31:29 peter_kowalski {public msg} usually we do about 5 scenes a
day
18:31:44 peter_kowalski {public msg} totalling about 20-25 set ups
on a good
day!
18:31:48 Reschell {question presented} Do you actually have a copy
of the script
when you work? Or before? What other kind of preparation do you go
through in advance of
filming?
18:32:19 peter_kowalski {public msg} yes I always get the script
before
18:32:25 peter_kowalski {public msg} and READ it!
18:32:46 peter_kowalski {public msg} but there is a daily excerpt of
that days
work that I go ovb
18:32:58 peter_kowalski {public msg} over each day before working
18:33:04 peter_kowalski {public msg} and usually
18:33:20 peter_kowalski {public msg} right before we rehearse each
scene I go
over it again
18:33:24 arielkh {question presented} I know they never do just one
take on any
scene, so how many takes per shot do you usually get to do?
18:34:26 peter_kowalski {public msg} they don't do one take for
every scene
usually, because you want to "protect yourself" incase of an
unexpected problem
18:34:40 peter_kowalski {public msg} often we do about 3-5 takes
18:34:45 mfarah {question presented} Do you have any input on what
gets on
stage (as in extras, their positions within the set, etc)?
18:35:10 peter_kowalski {public msg} oh yes!
18:35:28 peter_kowalski {public msg} it is all about camera frame
composition
18:35:51 peter_kowalski {public msg} I work close with the AD's on
setting the
extras
18:36:17 peter_kowalski {public msg} closely with the prop
department on
showing B5 gadgets
18:36:31 peter_kowalski {public msg} yes, a lot of input with many
departments
18:36:37 Reschell {question presented} What are the differences in
duties
between a second and first camera assistant?
18:37:00 peter_kowalski {public msg} 1st - is responsible for many
things
18:37:08 peter_kowalski {public msg} making sure the camera works
18:37:11 peter_kowalski {public msg} focus
18:37:14 peter_kowalski {public msg} zooming
18:37:32 peter_kowalski {public msg} any camera problem at all is
directed at
the 1st assistant
18:37:53 peter_kowalski {public msg} 2nd - responsible for making
the right
film on the camera
18:38:07 peter_kowalski {public msg} the correct ID numbers on the
slate
18:38:19 peter_kowalski {public msg} marking the actors for
rehearsals
18:38:43 peter_kowalski {public msg} the 2nd assistant sleeps alot
better than
the 1st at night!
18:38:45 Reschell {question presented} Is there any particular
character that
you're really glad to see in a script, since you know it'll be more fun to
shoot?
18:39:04 peter_kowalski {public msg} there are a few!
18:39:32 peter_kowalski {public msg} starting with Andreas Katsulas
18:39:40 peter_kowalski {public msg} who is always colorful
18:39:47 peter_kowalski {public msg} full of surprises
18:40:03 peter_kowalski {public msg} and a pro at the art of acting
- at it's best!
18:40:21 peter_kowalski {public msg} Peter Jurasik - you know you're
always
going to laugh
18:40:37 peter_kowalski {public msg} you know that you'll get thru
the scene
fast
18:40:47 peter_kowalski {public msg} and he's just a pure pleasure
18:41:00 peter_kowalski {public msg} and Jerry Doyle...
18:41:13 peter_kowalski {public msg} cause ya never know what is
going to
happen with Jerry
18:41:18 Satai_Leo {question presented} How difficult was it to film
the scene
in "The Face of the Enemy" when Garibaldi drugs Sheridan...I thought
that was excellent!
18:42:03 peter_kowalski {public msg} there were a lot of camera
"tricks" in that
scene
18:42:19 peter_kowalski {public msg} technically, it was very
difficult for all the
camera personel
18:42:52 peter_kowalski {public msg} we used things on the camera
that I had
neeeever saw on a camera before
18:43:05 peter_kowalski {public msg} like
18:43:29 peter_kowalski {public msg} a heavy, heavy high speed
camera with a
rotating mesmeriser lens
18:43:34 peter_kowalski {public msg} hand held
18:43:48 peter_kowalski {public msg} and ramping the camera speed
18:44:09 peter_kowalski {public msg} with the lights on and off on
the
stage...so you really couldn't see!
18:44:30 peter_kowalski {public msg} it was heavy, critical, glad
it's over...it
looked great!
18:44:33 Moderator {action} we have time for 2-3 more questions for
peter so
get them in now!
18:44:41 Satai_Leo {question presented} Mark Walters stated that one
of his two
favorite directors to work with was Goran ...how did you like working with him?
18:45:21 peter_kowalski {public msg} I loved working with Goran!
18:45:51 peter_kowalski {public msg} he's always up positve and
pleasant...very high energy...who wouldn't want to work with him!
18:46:09 VorlonSega {question presented} That Jarring affect on a
shot, how is
that done on your end?
18:46:46 peter_kowalski {public msg} if it's not CGI, we shake the
camera
ourselves.
18:46:53 peter_kowalski {public msg} If it is a CGI shot, post
shakes the
camera, not us.
18:46:56 Jds532218 {question presented} in Severed Dreams...the
scene where
Sheridan in the Conference room where he realizes what is happening was *so*
excellent. How
did you guys work that? I got dizzy just watching it!
18:47:49 peter_kowalski {public msg} I think I missed that day...
I'm not sure.
18:47:51 JoanDarc {question presented} what is your fav blooper that
you
shot..who did it?
18:48:16 peter_kowalski {public msg} I think it has to do with Matt
Plummer
18:48:22 peter_kowalski {public msg} There are two...
18:49:11 peter_kowalski {public msg} one sheridan and delenn are
having a
romantic moment, with blue screen behind them and Matt crawled over the edge and
ruined the
moment!
18:49:15 peter_kowalski {public msg} the other...
18:49:46 peter_kowalski {public msg} is when debris was being thrown
by
telepaths...
18:50:00 peter_kowalski {public msg} at Jeff Conaway, and we started
to throw
it at Matt!
18:50:08 Moderator {action} this is our last question for peter
tonight.
18:50:42 Satai_Leo {question presented} As a cameraman, who's face
in the
cast, in your opinion, "loved the camera" the most?
18:52:07 peter_kowalski {public msg} Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle ,
Mira,
Peter, Andreas, Jeff, Bill, Pat, Rick, Claudia, Tracy, jason,...
18:52:15 peter_kowalski {public msg} and yeah, Stephen too!
18:52:20 Moderator {action} thanks everyone for joining us
tonight. and thanks
peter for taking the time out tonight to be with us!
18:52:39 peter_kowalski {public msg} thank you all for coming out
tonite and
showing your support!
18:52:42 Moderator {action} good night everyone
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