Interview with Cinematographer Christophe Graillot (A Bag of Marbles, La Garde)

Christophe Graillot is a true artistic talent. Just watch the recent film A BAG OF MARBLES to see how he conveys a story through light and shadows. It was on honor interviewing him:

Matthew Toffolo: Where were you born and raised? Was photography something you always wanted to do as your career?

Christophe Graillot: I was born in a suburb of Paris and raised in Paris. As long as I can remember I always wanted to be photographer. I have a background in graphic arts and I taught myself the trade of Director of Photography.

What has been your most proudest work of your career? Or, what has been your favorite project to date?

I don’t know. Every project I’m proud of. Every job I learn something new and unique. My favorite project is the next one.

Right now you’re working in Praque. What’s the film? And are you having an okay time in the Czech Republic?

I’m shooting a TV movie, A Christmas love story. We’re in a beautiful location called Mala Upa, which is close to Poland. All is good as I’m lucky working with a Czech crew. I’m working with an amazing Focus Puller.

Tell us about working on the film A BAR OF MARBLES. How does this film differentiate from other WWII films?

A special project for me. I was lucky to work for the second time with director Christian Duguay. Christian also an amazing Steady-cam operator. One of my most beautiful movie encounters. This film has the particularity of seeing the second World War from the point of view of two children.

Is there a type of film/TV show that you love to work on that you haven’t worked on yet?

I’d like to do a musical comedy and a boxing film. Two types of stylistic exercises.

What are you generally looking for in a director in order for you to do your job as best as possible?

A good story and their desire to find the best way to tell it. And their madness…!

What do you think a producer/director is looking for when they bring on you to DP the film?

Don’t know. Availability 😀

What is your passion in life besides photography and film?

My family. I take the opportunity now to thank my wife because it’s not always easy to follow the life of a DOP.

What movie have you watched the most times in your life (besides the ones you worked on?

When I was young, I watched a french movie « La Grande Vadrouille » at least 30 times.

What advice do you have for young cinematographers who would eventually like to DP movies for a living one day?

Simple advice: Speak well to everyone, be on time and never forget how lucky you are to do this job!

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.