Into the mind space -JK Gummadi (cinematographer of Idi Sangati)

Jayakrishna Gummadi wanted to be a cinematographer when he was ten years old, but he made up his mind when he saw the lush visuals, ‘the light, the movement and the organic colours’ in Geetanjali and moved to FTI to graduate in Fine Arts. While studying photography in JNTU his father bought him his first camera and then he realised the same photographic process happening in a different scale. Jayakrishna’s parents gave their relentless support and encouragement and he worked with Samir Reddy as his assistant for a couple of years before he started working for telugu films. Mr and Mrs Sailaja Krishnamurty, a malayalam film Winter, Ram and Okkadunnadu are some of his films and Jayakrishna says that he shot for all the above without hearing the story but now has resolved to go through the script. At the moment his digital work in Idi Sangati is getting rave reviews.

How did u first learn about cinematagraphy? When did u first own ur camera?
As a child I was very much drawn into visual arts like painting and photography. When film making caught my eye it was easy to know that the same photographic process happening in a different scale.While studying photography in JNTU college of fine arts my father bought me my first camera.

Were ur parents averse or open to ur idea of profession/career?
They are very open. It was my father who mentioned study at FTII as an option after i completed my intermediate.. and later he only suggested to join in photography .. I joined BFA immediately after intermediate.. my parents gave their relentless support and encouragement..

What changes did digital cinematography bring to telugu cinema industry?
Our Industry is slowly opening it’s doors to digital cinematography. 1.because there is more and more post production techniques which are finding place in the film grammer here.. which means going through and intermediate state which will reduce the film’s resolution to 2k.. which is what shooting on HD offers..
2. The cost effectiveness of recording devices..such as HD tape or hard disk etc..
3. Shooting on HD allows one to use spherical lenses which are extremely sharp with advanced optical elements. these lenses also offer the liberty of staying close to the actors because of their minimal focal distance being sometimes as less as 9 inches which is very less in comparison to 3 feet in anamorphic lenses(which are usually used in films)… these lenses also give a true perspective of human eye..

Which was the first telugu cinema shot with digital camera and what was the result, later how many followed suit?
Vendi mabbulu was the first digital film in telugu.. which is also the first in the country..I am not aware of the result of the film..but not many people were open to shooting in digital later.. now it is changing..

Whose idea was it to shoot this way 4 idi sangati? what is the response for the work in the film.
It was a decision of both the director and me.. while we visualised the script as a satire human relationship vis-a-vis money.. we wanted to stay closer to the actors as if we are entering into their psychological space… this is possible to shoot in super 35 and digital alone… since shooting on viper allowed us to use more wider lenses which give a different perspective ..keeping in mind the cost factor also we went in for Digital.. My work in the film is being appreciated by critics and common viewers too.. I am happy to see a lot of people mentioning how they are now confident about going digital.

Plz list of out the benefits and disadvantages of shooting with digital camera with examples of a few films.
Since the process of image making in digital is not organic like ‘film’ .. it has to be carefully monitored keeping in mind it’s limitations. Film has more dynamic range of exposure latitude.. given the climatic conditions that we have it is very essential to understand the behaviour of the CCD (color coupled device on which is the image formed) and shoot within the limited range it offers. we have to keep in mind.’film’ has been around for almost 2 hundred years now.. and digital film making is emerging only in the recent past..

What is the scenario of young budding cinematographers in telugu industry?
It is very encouraging here.. there is an awareness of requirement for new perspective in cinematography .. a fresh eye.. so more and more young cinematographers are getting oppurtunities.. the whole nexus of film to screen process is full of variables.. most of which are unfortunately not in the hands of the cinematographer.. because of which even if there is a lot of promise they are not able to get acclaim for their work.. and eventually not able to get projects to showcase their talent… I think filmmakers in the present generation are more conscious of cinematography.. they are also more informed about the technicalities… which is a good sign because they can incorporate the ideas of cinematography into the script.. integrate all the inputs which can showcase their cinematographer’s vision of the film.. more and more multiplexes coming is a good sign too coz there is more standardization for the technical aspects of film viewing experience..

What kind of films shud a cinematographer accept?, i.e on what basis can he okay a film.
I think there is no set method to approach a film.. but I think given ideal conditions.. one must opt for a film which he strongly believes in… going through the making process of which is sure to have a great time.. where there is a promise of synthesis of all the other elements of filmmaking…

Who is ur inspiration and what kind of films do u watch, how do u learn or improvise on ur work, how do u update urself
Every good work of art is an inspiration for me.. there is a lot of music in some paintings.. and great spectral range of colours in a melody of some music..I draw inspiration from anything evokes my passion.. I watch a lot of world cinema.. both contemporary and landmark films.. there is a lot of good work happening across the world.. with the advent of internet it is very easy to keep oneself updated about what is happening in the world of cinema… we share a lot of our views on the ongoing cinematic developments with our fellow comrades..fellow cinematographers..

Which is ur fav film and how do u describe/define good camera work?
My favourite film is ‘where is my friends home?‘ it is an iranian film by Abbas kiarostami..I think a good cinematographer is one who integrates the narrative elements with his vision to produce a work which affects the viewer emotionally, spiritually, psychologically and even physiologically… yet being very sublime in his presence..

Are there any directors u r looking forward to work with and do u want to move to mumbai in the future?
Nobody in particular.. but anybody who has a great script and a relentless passion to bring it to screen..yes.. I am open to work anywhere the world.. mumbai has a good amount of interesting work happening..

Is there any diff in the way cinematographers are dealt with in the hindi and telugu films.
I think in telugu films cinematographers..for that matter a lot of other film technicians are taken for granted.. In hindi there is more professional ’space’ quite etched out… there is a lot of awareness there and also there is more experimenting happening..