AFTRS Virtual Library

A collection of writings about Australian film from the film-maker's perspective.

This article profiles cinematographer Donald McAlpine, recipient of the 2009 American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) International Award. Among his notable works are Gillian Armstrong's "My Brilliant Career," Bruce Beresford's "Breaker Morant" and Paul Mazursky's "Tempest." His educational and career background are provided, as well as a discussion on McAlpine's contributions to the Australian film industry.

An interview with Australian cinematographer Don McAlpine is presented. When asked about his career, he states that he has been interested in photography and his career as cameraman started on his sports trip to a Sydney news television station. McAlpine claims that his trip with his father who worked for a bank opened his mind to explore the world of opportunities. He also shares the reason that led him to work for Film Australia.

The article relates the experiences and creative works of cinematographer Donald McAlpine during the shoot and production of the movie, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," which in part was shot in Australia. McAlpine contributed in the design and creation of characters through the use of digital techniques. The use of grain-free Kodak Vision 3 500T 5219 film provides a wide range of latitude for shots with bright highlights and dark shadows. McAlpine acknowledges his opportunity to work with director Gavin Hood.

An interview with Australian cinematographer Donald McAlpine is presented. McAlpine says he admires a cinematographer who shows him a new approach to lighting or camera manipulation. He reveals that his most biggest mistake doing on a project was when he was on a remote location giving his personal opinion to a writer and director whom he admired and had worked with few times. He said that he would prefer genres with the combination of music and camera.

The article presents the views of cinematographers Xavier Pérez Grobet, Donald McAlpine and Bryan Newman on their diverse careers, filmmaking and digital cinematography. Grobet observed that commercialmaking gives chance to set the mind on something specific and come up with quick solutions. McAlpine says that though there are advantages and disadvantages to the digital cameras the progression forward is exploding.

The article profiles Australian cinematographer Donald McAlpine, the honoree of American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) international award. It provides information on his collaboration with director Paul Mazursky, and on his involvement in the creation of the films "Moscow on the Hudson," "Moon Over Parador," and "Down and Out in Beverly Hills." Information on his camera works is also offered.

Features Donald McAlpine, a cinematographer and contender for an academy award for his work in the film "Peter Pan." Key equipment used; Aesthetic considerations when filming.

The article offers information on the cinematography of the film "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," directed by Gavin Wood. Don McAlpine, the film's cinematographer, discusses the techniques he applied in the production of the film through the utilization of different films and cameras and control the images by incorporating them into an Adobe Photoshop and Apple Cinema Display. He states that the process help him create quality photographic images and effects in the movie.

Few people would know his face, but Australian director of photography Don McAlpine has been responsible for the cinematography in over 50 films, including Puberty Blues, Moulin Rouge and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.