Each time we sit in eager anticipation as the opening images of a film roll across the screen, we look forward to being transported into another time, another place, and another mood. Ahmad El Morsy
The skills of the cinematographers and the DOPs (Director of Photography) bring the actors, the sets and locations to life, creating and capturing the details that bring award-winning films to enraptured audiences year-in and year-out. Top of his game, leading DOP and cinematographer Ahmad El Morsy gives us a look into his world.
How did your journey to becoming a leading industry DOP come about?
I started my career purely by coincidence. I love working with my hands. Movement and dexterity are important to me, I enjoy constant motion and cannot stick to a routine every day. The options therefore were limited, but then I heard about film school and it sounded interesting, and potentially something that would work for me.
I found myself enjoying it tremendously, it was as if something magical had happened. I loved the power I found to create, to tell stories with my own vision. That is how it all started, and here I am today. Ahmad El Morsy
Apart from professional skills, what other personal qualities do you feel are essential to succeed as a DOP or cinematographer?
You need to have curiosity, an urge to know more, to see and to be able to visualize. You need to tell so many stories, and to be honest with those stories. You must be flexible and able to adapt to the circumstances. We work in an uncontrolled environment, so this flexibility allows things to happen and move forward.
You need to have leadership qualities and be able to handle a crew. My crew is very big, and I also need to work with other departments. The more you are able to cooperate and enable people to love what they do, the more you are able to get the best out of them.
What does your work involve?
We tell stories, visually. That involves using a lot of elements, like framing, shadows, light, colors, composition, and movement. All of these tools are in our hands to tell the story.
I believe we are visual storytellers, not only capturing and recording. We are creating the moments, putting the audience in a certain mood and delivering messages using the images.
Who have been major influences in your career?
I learned a lot from Tarek El-Telmissany. He changed my perspective a lot. Quite apart from academic stuff, it has been through his personality, the way he deals with films, the way he changes his vision in every film we make. He is a really nice person as well, everyone loves him, and all of this has influenced me.
What have been the high points of your career to date?
When I joined film school and while I was studying, I worked with names like Daoud Abdel Sayed on Ard El Khoud and Tarek El-Telmissany, those were big moments.
Shooting my first feature as DOP was big as well, and of course, shooting Messages from the Sea with Daoud Abdel Sayed. Working as Director and Director of Photography on The Golden Parade was very special, too.
To what extent have advances in technology impacted your work processes over the past 20 years?
Technology has made our lives easier in terms of the sensitivity and variety of cameras, the luxury of not having a limit in terms of filming time. In the past, where it may have been four minutes, now, with hard disks, we can repeat as often as well need. Being able to monitor our work as we go has been very helpful to us.
What have been your most challenging assignments?
Looking back at my career, I think the most challenging work to date has been The Golden Parade. It was a huge job, unlike anything we had seen before, and I was working on it as DOP.
It was a very big responsibility as well, as we were giving an image of my beloved country, our present and past civilizations.
Have you ever faced situations where it has all gone horribly wrong?
Of course! There have been times when it all went wrong and it was an absolute disaster. Sometimes all you can do is call it a bad day and go back home, or you can adapt and find solutions, which can be very stressful.
How do you see the upsurge in international recognition for films from Egypt and the Middle East?
Over the past 20 years, there has been a tremendous improvement, with many of our recent films measuring up to international standards. There are some excellent movies that have been accepted by major festivals, so I believe we are now at a much better level than in the past.
We know that you are always busy with a hectic schedule, what do you have in the pipeline at present?
Now I am filming Kira we Gen, which is a film based on the novel 1919 by the writer Ahmed Mourad. It is being directed by Marwan Hamed and takes place in the early 1920s. It covers the important period in our history involving the resistance against the British army. There are some other jobs in the pipeline as well, but more about those later.
What advice would you offer young people trying to break into the industry?
My first bit of advice to young people would be to learn to use technology. Nowadays, it is much easier, you can gain valuable experience by practicing with the camera on your phone. Through this, you can just shoot and edit.
You can share and gain exposure through social media, and get feedback as well. It is important to set deadlines for work projects and stick to them. That is important for going professional. Ahmad El Morsy
Quickfire round:
Which directors would you like to work with?
I would like to have the opportunity to work with Martin Scorcese, I adore most of his films and he has had a great effect on me.
On your bucket list for 2021?
Before the end of the year, I want to travel to Siwa. I love nature and going on safari, so that is my plan.
Night owl or early riser?
I am definitely a night owl. Not an early riser at all.
Most memorable movie/s you have seen this year?
The Father
Most recent holiday location?
Most recently it was Budapest, for the first time. A mixture of work and leisure, I really enjoyed it. Ahmad El Morsy
Shoes or barefoot?
Definitely barefoot
Person you phone every day?
My daughter Tala
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