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Films By Francesco was proudly the exclusive cinematographer for the wedding of political activist Sean Eldridge & Facebook Co-Founder Chris Hughes

photography by : Mel Barlow

Last night Francesco and I visited the TriBeCa Film Festival, where we got to see ‘Zen of Bennett’– a documentary narrative about the life of Tony Bennett.  Now, besides the fact that I am an Italian girl from New Jersey which essentially makes Bennett as much a necessity as Sunday sauce and meatballs, I have four documentary films on the burner this year, so it was an amazing opportunity to see what’s going on in the film world, specifically in the realm of biographic narratives.

The style and approach to this film was fresh and candid– using tilt shift lenses and almost exclusively tight, handheld shots, this documentary provided an interesting and thoughtful look into an extraordinary life without the overuse of ‘talking head’ interviews full of baseline facts and contrived shoot scenarios.  The narrative flowed seamlessly, delving well below the surface, speaking thoughtfully on who Tony Bennett is, not simply what he has done.

Denny Bennett, son of Tony Bennett, produced and directed the film, as a gift and tribute to the life of his dad.  We are equally fortunate to keep the cameras rolling and create the narrative for the stories of our clients’ lives.  It was inspiring to see such a well done work, and it solidifies our confidence in our own aesthetic approach to documentary filmmaking.

visit :: practicalryangosling

For this Valentine’s Day, in true  John Cusack High Fidelity style, we are presenting our ‘Top 5′ love stories on film (in no particular order).

:: Newlyweds :: ::Ceremony:: ::Drive:: ::Great Expectations:: ::Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind::

Joey and Jamie were by far one of the sweetest and most down to earth couples we worked with last year.  Their beautiful wedding was held at Joey’s mom’s estate in Oxford, MD on the water.  Even in this few minute clip, their warmth and love radiates.  Beth Beattie Branding, PR and Events, Starlight Orchestra and Leigh Miller Photography were all part of the amazing team that made this one happen!

We have always believed that being ‘lucky’ is about being ready to meet opportunity when it comes knocking. 2011 was our 7th year in business, and as it came to a close, we took the time to step back and appreciate all that Films by Francesco was, is, and hopes to be. Since our inception, we have relied solely on word of mouth and personal relationships to fuel our business. Over the years, it’s brought us to France, Mexico, Holland and beyond working on weddings, documentary films and biopics for the most famous of celebrities as well as some of the most interesting people you’ve never heard of.

This year’s clients included Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, Howard Buffett, Allison Pataki, as well as becoming the first cinematographers allowed to film at the Frick Collection here in NYC.  These were wonderful accomplishments to add to last year’s excitement of Chelsea Clinton, Nicole Richie and Nick Swisher & Joanna Garcia. Click here to view our recently added client list.

We are so fortunate for the planners, photographers and past clients who continue to provide unmatched support, many of whom have seen us grow from day one. 2012 promises continued excitement with some great destinations and clients booked for Francesco, along with the continued growth of our amazing Associate Team. Here’s to 2012, and all it brings!

Happy New Year!
Michele & Francesco

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Technology has allowed the event cinematography industry exponential advances in the past five years. We can film in near darkness, we have the beauty of shallow depth of field, and our gear for an entire day’s shoot can fit in a backpack. But many event cinematographers have put down their broadcast cameras and big lights for a new generation of intrusive elements– steadicams, sliders, and body brace camera rigs (ironically called ‘armor’ by its fans). These accouterments allow cinematographers to sweep, swoop and glide around your event, in the fashion of, say, a Michael Bay film. But your wedding day is not a Michael Bay film set. Nor is it a place for a team of shooters to make multiple takes of your first meeting or to have some guy in full ‘armor’ running down the aisle behind you to get his shot.

At Films by Francesco, every handheld shot we take focuses us on remaining invisible during the day, not creating it. Our aesthetic captures people naturally, candidly, without drawing their attention out of the irreplaceable realness of their day. We certainly appreciate that there is a place in cinematography for Steadicams, Sliders and ‘Armor’, it’s just not at your wedding. If you were going to get married by, say, base jumping off a cliff, then we’d be happy to bring the steadicams along. Below is a film by Sebastien Montaz-Rosset we absolutely fell in love with– ‘Robocop gear’ included.

http://www.sebmontaz.com