A New England native, cinematographer David Wexler’s first experiences behind the
camera were with his parent’s Super 8 camera. The journey into film began after he
discovered the journal American Cinematographer and received encouraging words from
a professor who believed David could make a life of this- even when David himself had
doubts. This ultimately led him to California to pursue a Masters degree in
Cinematography from AFI.
“Lighting was my background coming up into the cinematography ranks,” says Wexler.
Hired as a loader and P.A. on the Wes Anderson film Bottle Rocket, David was attracted
to working with D.P. Robert Yeoman (Drugstore Cowboy, Rushmore, The Darjeeling
Express). This experience helped David choose to pursue cinematography by moving up
the ranks in the electrical department. David stresses how important it is to understand
what light does in real life situations. David compares cinematography to being a fly on
the wall observing people, places, and mood. A cinematographer will notice how the
light falls on someone’s face in a coffee shop or the mood it creates.
David is wrapping up production as D.P. on two documentaries. The first being an
untitled nutrition documentary and the other, “The Child Dreams,” an international
documentary shot on location in Los Angeles and Tel-Aviv, Israel. Working along side
D.P. Robert Brinkmann, the two clicked right away. Wexler credits this chemistry to the
language of film. “When you know the language of film it’s easier to communicate by
sign language or mouthing something than with working with people with zero
experience.”
Wexler is excited about the technological advancements in digital cinema. “I think the
industry is going in the direction of smaller digital-SLR-all-in-one-camera to a certain
price point. A high dynamic range and 35 mm depth of field- that’s what everybody
wants.” But with smaller formats also come smaller budgets and producers trying to cut
corners. “Everything’s getting smaller. If you’re going to replace a format make sure it’s
as good or better than the original.” David likes to adapt the smaller cameras to handle
and feel like bigger cameras. “Anytime I go handheld on a smaller camera I always bring
my Zacuto rig with me.”
“The reason why I ultimately picked Zacuto products is because they’re premium and
well made. I’m very particular about my gear. If I’m going to buy gear it’s got to be
true, tried and tested. It needs to work in the field and have a company that stands by it
and Zacuto is certainly that company.” David uses the Zacuto HH Newsman Unit. What
does he like best about the products? The ergonomic feel, smooth moves, how the
camera holds steady. He adds, “The Zacuto products were integral in what I’m looking
to get in terms of quality, and the look and feel of how we approached the two
documentaries. Wexler is not only impressed with Zacuto’s products, but finds their web
program, FilmFellas, a resource other filmmakers should utilize as well. “Zacuto keeps
people abreast on what’s available and new technologies. It’s a worthwhile place for
people to go, a worthwhile venue for people to check out.”
David’s words of advice for anyone just getting into the business involve rolling up
sleeves and taking the hands on approach to learning. “I think being in the business and
working in the business is your film school. Contact people whose work you admire.
People are always willing to give advice. Learn by doing.”
“As a D.P. you want to be as versed in as many shooting formats possible and need to be
informed.” Bottom line? Get your hands on the equipment.
Website: www.DavidMWexler.com
Email: fortvincimus@mac.com
David Wexler: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0923296/
For more information on “The Child Dreams” visit: www.helnweinmovie.com
Behind The Scenes Images:
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