Small Talk with DOP Radim Střelka
Welcome back to CINQ's 'Small Talk', an interview series spotlighting directors, DOPs, and other talented crew. In this next interview, DOP Radim Střelka discusses his dream director collaboration, AI vs. imagination, and why he loves shooting in Prague.
Q> You are one of the busiest DOPs in the region at the moment. What started your career?
Radim> Thanks for this opinion. Let's say I am quite busy now. Hopefully, the energy will stay for years as well. And I hope my career is still in the beginning, because there are a lot of milestones in front of me. The most important thing is to do everything always one hundred percent. Even if some jobs may be less attractive.
Q> What is the most important trait of a cinematographer?
Radim> I believe all I’m trying to be - always professional, reliable, deliver, and be on top of everything.
Q> Our last common project was made on film. What do you prefer, digital or analogue?
Radim> Try to guess :) I really love shooting film, it brings something that you'll never find in digital cinematography. But it's very hard to push for it in those times.
Q> You are traveling a lot, where is difficult to shoot?
Radim> There are a couple of countries where it is harder to get good from crew performance. I think the passion for the job is usually the same, but the skills and speed are very different. I will take this question from other end - Prague is one of the best places where to shoot. Crews are fast, professional and clever.
Q> Do you think that AI could replace your position in the film industry somehow?
Radim> I don't think so. I think it will definitely make some processes easier, but still, human touch and creativity will still be something very important. I am not afraid of that.
Q> Are you using AI?
Radim> Not really, I tried, but it's not my cup of tea, I rather use my imagination.
Q> Is mandatory to film your family Christmas?
Radim> Haha, I never did it. To be honest, I am really bad at capturing normal life moments, my wife hates me for that.
Q> Who is your dream director to work with and why?
Radim> There is definitely a bunch of them I really love, for example work of Salomon Lighthelm.
Q> Is there tough competition among DOPs?
Radim> From my point of view, I have experience that we're helping each other, advising each other, sharing experiences etc. There are a few exceptions. But basically, I feel that we are fans of each other, when some of my friends do something interesting, I feel grateful and proud of them. I have the same experience in the world, I got a lot of advice from A class DPs for crews etc. I think that it's important to create a community and not to be enemies.
Q> Do you have any ambitions to make a high budget movie?
Radim> If so, this is a very far future, my brain didn't get that far yet. Now, I am focusing on smaller steps and maybe one day.
