FTM’s Executive Director, Adam Smoluk, recently met with cinematographer Henry Braham, BSC, following a panel session with RED Digital Cinema, a leading manufacturer of professional digital cinema cameras.
The pair discussed strategies for effective film industry training and careers within the film industry. Braham‘s credits include The Suicide Squad (2021), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 & 3 (2017 & 2023), and the upcoming Superman (2025), directed by James Gunn, the creative force behind the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
“An effective way of developing a film professional’s skill set is to start getting a pen or pencil in your hand and to draw. Film is about storytelling, but it is also a highly visual artistic medium,” said Braham. “You have to think of the visuals, and getting the work out on a piece of paper is a really great way to train your mind.” He added.
Braham also elaborated about more technical training aspects of film, “everyone should think about putting a camera in their own hands. Getting a camera in your hands, feeling it, and shooting is a powerful learning tool.”
Smoluk and Braham also discussed navigating professional conflicts while serving in a leadership capacity during film productions. “Everyone needs to exhibit professional respect for everyone else at all times. Human beings do get into interpersonal conflicts, but if there is a mutual respect for one another, then you can put forward the best ideas. I always want to hear the best way of doing something, and that can’t happen without mutual respect. Everyone has to be respectful when communicating,” said Braham.
Braham also shared advice about effective best practices for filmmakers: “When James Gunn is making a film, he comes so prepared.”
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.