Small Talk with DOP Alexander Šurkala
Welcome back to CINQ's 'Small Talk', an interview series spotlighting directors, DOPs, and other talented crew. In the latest interview, Alexander Šurkala discusses his latest project, reflects on switching between the worlds of commercials and movies, and shares advice for commercial cinematography.
Q> You just came back from shooting in Slovenia, what project were you working on?
Alexander> I worked on a teenage movie in the beautiful city of Ljubljana called Elvis Škorc - Clever Klutz. The screenplay is an adaptation of a well-known Slovenian book about a 13-year-old boy and the moment when everything in his life starts to change unexpectedly—his family, and his first love is about to enter his life. The film was directed by Boris Jurjaševič.
Q> You’ve filmed all over the world, including in India and Latvia. How is it different from filming in the Czech Republic?
Alexander> It’s very different. Each country has something specific that you encounter during the shoot. I love working internationally and having the chance to meet new directors, crews, and discover unknown locations. It pushes me out of my comfort zone, and that’s what I love.
Q> Who or what has most influenced your career?
Alexander> Definitely my father. He was a still photographer, and I spent my childhood during his photo shoots or developing pictures in a darkroom. He was really disappointed when I jumped into the world of cinematography because he thought I would just be a part of the film crew with no more ambitions. And now, he is the biggest fan of my work.
Q> Your career began in the '90s. Can you tell us what it was like to start out as a cinematographer at that time?
Alexander> I started studying at the Film Academy in Prague in 1989, and that was actually my original plan. I couldn’t imagine how tough and long my film journey would be!
Q> As a member of Czech film and television academy, you have the opportunity to see many new films before the general public. How do you evaluate the films that have been released recently?
Alexander> The Czech Republic produces around 45 feature films per year, and we usually have more than half a year to watch all the films online. It’s a great chance to see what’s new and current. However, I have to admit that some of the movies, especially festival ones, are really hard to finish watching—but you must!
Q> Is it difficult to switch from commercial to the movie environment?
Alexander> I love shooting commercials! But I think it’s more essential these days to complete the shoot in just one day, following the script as planned. I prefer long-term format projects, but it's always nice to switch things up and start a new movie.
Q> Do you have any advice how to deliver cinematography for commercials?
Alexander> Stay original, listen to the director, and don’t think too much about trends, as they just come and go.
Q> Have you ever taken on a project that you weren't in love with at first sight?
Alexander> No, but some projects can turn into a nightmare. However, as a professional, you have to deal with it and stay focused. Finishing a local movie in the middle of Europe can feel like winning a war.
Q> You’ve filmed with a big star Adam Sandler. Do you have any other major stars who want to work with?
Alexander> I wish I could see Andrei Tarkovsky on set, but watching Bradley Cooper directing would be great too.
Q> As a DOP, do you even own a video camera? :)
Alexander> Yes, my favorite is the legendary Sony MiniDV Handycam, but these days, using an iPhone with Artemis seems much easier!
