Philip Reinking
He is the Cinematographer and Editor of Selina Sondermann‘s Dedication Dollar Baby Film.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Philip Reinking: My name is Philip Reinking and I am a Cinematographer and Editor but also direct and produce on the side.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become a cinematographer?
Philip Reinking: I’ve always been very interested in visuals and it always seemed logical that I would end up doing it as a job in some form.
SKSM: How do you communicate with a director to design a visual strategy for a film?
Philip Reinking: I like to just listen to the director describe what they are imagining in all the possible detail, then references for atmosphere, angles, style of filming etc. And then we need to see what’s actually possible with the available resources and how to use them to our advantage.
SKSM: You worked with Selina Sondermann on this film, what do you think the relationship between a director and a dp should be?
Philip Reinking: I’ve previously worked on a bunch of other films with Selina before. It’s very important to her that the acting is genuine and natural, rather than specifically tailored to shots.
SKSM: You worked in a Dollar Baby based on a Stephen King short story. It was your most challenging film?
Philip Reinking: It was definitely one of the most challenging ones.
SKSM: When you’re going to shoot, what are your favorite lenses? Formats?
Philip Reinking: Privately I have an A7S2 that I use with my mother and my grandfathers old lenses, but for films my favourite has probably been the Arri Alexa. But whichever camera, the most important part is that you are telling a story with it.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Philip Reinking: Most of the witching scene was improvised by the actors. It was fascinating to watch.
SKSM: Who are some of your influences (favorite dps/films)?
Philip Reinking: I don’t really have a favourite DP but visually Alfonso Cuaron, Edgar Wright, Ridley Scott and Del Toro are my favourite directors including cinematography in their films.
SKSM: Are you a Stephen King fan? If so, which are your favorite works and adaptations?
Philip Reinking: I’ve only read a few of the books but seen most of the adaptations. The best one so far I think is “Misery”.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Philip Reinking: I have lately been shooting a lot of music videos as well as developing some new short films.
SKSM: What one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Philip Reinking: I have zero self-confidence.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Philip Reinking: Can’t think of anything.
