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Thomas Del Ruth

Director of Photography

"Cinematography and still photography is nothing more than an extension of painting, except with the addition of motion. You are essentially paralleling what people do with brushstrokes. If you can understand the Old Masters and Vermeer and other aspects of the world of fine art, then it's easier for you to visualize a particular set of circumstances for a show that you're about to do."

About This Interview

Thomas Del Ruth was interviewed for two hours plus in Los Angeles, CA. Del Ruth talked about growing up the son of parents in the entertainment industry (his father, Roy Del Ruth was a director, and his mother a singer) and his early interest in cinematography. He discussed his first jobs as an assistant on such series as Batman and Peyton Place . He then detailed his climb up the production ladder, which culminated in his becoming a bona fide Director of Photography on the series Mrs. Columbo . He discussed his other work in television, including the pilots for Simon & Simon, The X-Files and ER . Finally, he detailed his work on the series The West Wing , in particular, setting the tone for the series and his liberal use of the steadicam. Throughout the interview, Del Ruth discussed the art of cinematography and the technical aspects of the profession. The interview was conducted by Karen Herman on January 18, 2007.

Related To This Video

  • Shows
  • Professions

Shows

  • Batman
  • ER
  • West Wing, The

Professions

  • Film & Video Production Professionals
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  • Highlights
  • Interview
  • Shows
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  • Professions

Highlights

  • Thomas Del Ruth on working as assistant cameraman on <i>Batman</i> ; technical aspects of shoots and lightingThomas Del Ruth on working as assistant cameraman on Batman ; technical aspects of shoots and lighting
    Clip begins at: 00:37, Duration: 06m 56s
  • Thomas Del Ruth on his choices for the dark look on <i>West Wing,</i>  as its Director of Photography<BR/>Thomas Del Ruth on his choices for the dark look on West Wing, as its Director of Photography
    Clip begins at: 17:38, Duration: 01m 02s

Interview

  • Part 1
  • Full Chapter One
    Clip begins at: 0:0
  • Part 2
  • Full Chapter Two
    Clip begins at: 0:0
  • Part 3
  • Full Chapter Four
    Clip begins at: 0:0
  • Part 4
  • Full Chapter Five
    Clip begins at: 0:0

Shows

  • Batman
    • Thomas Del Ruth on working as assistant cameraman on Batman ; technical aspects of shoots and lighting
      Clip begins at: 00:37, Duration: 06m 56s
  • ER
    • Director of Photography Thomas Del Ruth on the approach to and look of medical drama ER
      Clip begins at: 04:08, Duration: 01m 47s
  • West Wing, The
    • Thomas Del Ruth on his choices for the dark look on West Wing, as its Director of Photography
      Clip begins at: 17:38, Duration: 01m 02s

Genres

  • Medical Dramas
    • Director of Photography Thomas Del Ruth on the approach to and look of medical drama ER
      Clip begins at: 04:08, Duration: 01m 47s

Professions

  • Film & Video Production Professionals > Director of Photography
    • Thomas Del Ruth on what a Director of Photography does; described the professiona and relation to the director
      Clip begins at: 07:35, Duration: 04m 37s
    • Thomas Del Ruth on his repuration as being a "daring" Director of Photography, where his "look" came from
      Clip begins at: 12:12, Duration: 06m 28s
    • Director of Photography Thomas Del Ruth on the approach to and look of medical drama ER
      Clip begins at: 04:08, Duration: 01m 47s
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Submitted by Craig Richards on Mon, 2012-06-25 02:06.

Thank you, Karen Herman, for taking the time to interview one of the best DPs in the film and television industry, Thomas Del Ruth. There are many reasons he's in such great demand by our profession's top directors and producers and, with gratitude, you've managed to share some of those reasons with us.

Submitted by Sam Penn on Mon, 2012-06-25 01:47.

This is a pretty fascinating interview. Highly recommend for any aspiring cinematographer or tech tv history buff.

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