Wolfgang Held ASC on Documentary Filmmaking, Learning From Maysles, & More

In this episode, we welcomed New York-based Cinematographer Wolfgang Held, ASC. Wolfgang has shot over 100 documentaries and feature films including The Andy Warhol Diaries, Joan Baez I Am a Noise, This Stolen Country of Mine, All In: The Fight for Democracy, The Fourth Estate, Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, Particle Fever, Brüno, Teeth, and the Oscar-nominated documentary Children Underground. In our chat, Wolfgang shares about his early days, his journey into documentary filmmaking, his mentorship with Albert Maysles, thoughts on cinema verité, and much more.The Making Of is presented by AJA Video Systems:Exciting new solutions and updates from AJAAJA rolled out powerful new products and updates this fall – from KONA X, its next-gen I/O card for ultra-low latency video capture/playback and Desktop Software v17 to a feature-packed AJA HDR Image Analyzer 12G update, and new 12G-SDI openGear conversion solutions. Get acquainted with the latest from AJA via the What’s New Page.  Film Festival This Week: Mallorca Film Festival — October 18-24thThe Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival enters its 12th edition this week. This year marks the 2nd Annual Cinematography Focus, which includes Educational Panels, Workshops, Networking and Awards. Erik Messerschmidt, ASC will accept the festival’s Cinematography Icon Award this year — and ARRI joins as an official sponsor. The Mallorca Film Festival is recognized as "One of Europe's 10 Most Exciting Film Festivals" by The Guardian, as MovieMaker’s “Top 50 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee” and appears on the 100 Best Reviewed Film Festival list on FilmFreeway! Learn more hereFilm Book of the Month:American Cinematographer's Shot Craft: Lessons, Tips & Techniques on the Art and Science of CinematographyA collection of Jay Holben’s SHOT CRAFT column from American Cinematographer magazine. A treasured series of educational pieces on the art and science of cinematography. An extraordinary book for the film student and refresher for the seasoned pro, SHOT CRAFT is written in an easy-to-read tone that explains the technical and complicated in simple language. It is a must-have for everyone working in the art of visual storytelling in motion pictures.A curated selection from the first five years of SHOT CRAFT providing insights on: cinematography fundamentals, formats, exposure, lighting & electricity, optics, travel & locations, filmmaking techniques, relationships, communication & career.  Available from Adakin Press: hereZEISS Conversations with James KniestGather round, horror fans! Join us for ZEISS Conversations on Halloween as we explore the spine-chilling work of Cinematographer James Kniest! Be sure to register now to get the inside scoop on his projects such as the iconic "Annabelle," which is the second installment of "The Conjuring" universe, and his spooky work on “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and “American Horror Stories.” Plus, get an exclusive look at what went into crafting Mike Flanagan’s 2022 “The Midnight Club”, including Kniest’s strategic selection of ZEISS Supreme Prime Radiance lenses. Don't miss out on the chance to learn from a master filmmaker who will share how he employs various camera techniques, lensing, lighting, and composition for creating the most frightening scenes. Halloween has never looked scarier! Register now for an unforgettable and interactive virtual event on October 31st at 12pm PST. Sign up HereGreat Film & TV Music at No Cost to You!All you need to do is provide music cue sheets for your qualified projects. It’s Really That Simple. In addition to most TV Shows and Feature Films, even some TV Pilots can qualify. We're not talking about music that sounds like it should be free. This is cutting-edge underscore used daily on a global basis by Hollywood's Major Film and TV Studios. Visit Zero Fee Music OWC Thunderbolt Go DockThe OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is the first of its kind, full-featured Thunderbolt dock with a built-in power supply and 11 ports, for additional ease and connectivity while on the Go. It’s a one-dock solution that works with all past, present and future Thunderbolt and USB devices and accessories. Check it out herePodcast Rewind:Sept. 2023 - Episode XVIII…The Making Of is produced by Michael Valinsky.To promote your products or services to over 6,700 top film, TV and video industry pros receiving this newsletter, email [email protected] Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe