Masterclass at Doc Café: The Secrets of Cinematic Creation by Giorgos Frentzos

As part of the International Short Documentary Festival of Kalamata, Doc Café hosted a unique masterclass in collaboration with the Kalamata Photography Group. Renowned cinematographer Giorgos Frentzos shared his invaluable experience, offering a step-by-step analysis of the production process for the short fiction film “Wings”, directed by Phoebus Imellos.

A Journey Behind the Scenes of Creation

Giorgos Frentzos provided an in-depth look at every stage of a film's production, from the initial concept to its final completion. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by a cinematographer and the strategies employed to overcome them.

Topics Discussed:

1. Initial Collaboration with the Director
   • Script analysis.
   • Aligning the artistic vision between the director and the cinematographer.
2. Pre-Production
   • Preparation for lighting conditions, the sun's position, and angles of illumination.
   • Selection of equipment and photographic references.
   • Location scouting and creation of test shots.
3. Filming and Challenges
   • Use of the camera and lighting tools.
   • Rehearsals with actors and the technical crew.
   • Solving unforeseen problems during filming.
4. Post-Production
   • Processing the final image for optimal on-screen results.

The Film “Wings”

The event culminated in a screening of the film, giving the audience a chance to see how Giorgos Frentzos's visual style and technical choices significantly shaped the film's overall atmosphere.

The masterclass offered participants unique insights and highlighted the importance of cinematography in filmmaking, demonstrating how every detail—from lighting to camera movement—is crucial to a production's success.

This was yet another remarkable initiative by the Kalamata Creative Documentary Center, reinforcing its reputation as a key hub for cinema enthusiasts.