Scene & Heard

+ The inception of ‘Inception’
To be fair, Academy-Award winning cinematographer Wally Pfister wasn’t just responsible for all the filming visuals in “Inception.” He’s had a hand in a lot of great flicks: “Moneyball,” “Dark Knight,” “Dark Knight Rises,” “Memento,” “The Italian Job” and the list continues. Thanks to a grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he got out of Hollywood for a few days to lead some screenings in Sarasota. And his parents, Longboat locals, were probably thrilled to have a visit from their son.

He’s a good buddy of director Christopher Nolan, and the duo has been working together for 13 years. They are both “old-school” film guys who are known for staying true to film, rather than digital. He’s also pretty funny — he answered a phone call from his wife during the screening of “Inception,” and even pointed out one of his errors.

I sat down with him for a Q&A. Here’s a little tease; you can find the full Q&A online at YourObserver.com.
I know you could probably talk about this next question for hours. But in a nutshell, why is it important for you to shoot photo chemically rather than digitally?

In a nutshell — film and shooting photo chemically is a better image-capture system than anything digital right now. And I know that’s changing, but I’ve always felt that until there’s a capture medium that is able to surpass the quality of film, that we want to hold on to our film for as long as we can and keep Kodak alive and running, because there’s something really spectacular about the image on a film negative.

What’s your favorite part of the cinematography process?

I think really, still, I love being on set and filming. And I love, you know, looking through the camera, and looking at the light and knowing we got it right and feeling that we did what’s appropriate for that scene and that shot and being able to have a comfortable environment and knowing that we shot some scene that’s really strong, important and that we got it right. Overall, the feeling that you got it right after shooting — there’s no greater feeling than that.

+ Homecoming Party
Nik Wallenda walked across Niagra Falls in June, and hasn’t been home since. The hometown hero was welcomed back as soon as he stepped off his plane Oct. 19, at the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. Circus Sarasota clowns, Sailor Circus performers, fans, friends, community leaders and his wife were there to celebrate his homecoming. Wallenda has already announced plans to cross the Grand Canyon without a safety harness next summer, but he had another performance announcement up his sleeve:

Wallenda will headline the Circus Sarasota production called “His Journey Continues … ” from Jan. 25 to Feb. 15, with brand spankin’ new stunts. And he’ll be doing a special gig at this year’s Sarasota Chalk Festival, too.

Sarasota County Commission Chairwoman Christine Robinson declared Oct. 19 Nik Wallenda Day. To this, Wallenda reminded the audience that this is the second proclaimed Nik Wallenda Day, which means he’s gotta do 363 more tricks. In addition to his slogan, “Never Give Up,” he called Sarasota the best city in the world. And we’re glad to have the best high-wire superstar in the world back home.

+ A new leaf
Do you remember the cover story about local artist Jackie Peters Cully? She’s creating an installation at Art Center Sarasota later this spring that will use hundreds of leafs decorated by community members. If you missed the story or want to see a sketch of what the exhibit will look like, check it out online at YourObserver.com

Well, I went to one of her fun leaf workshops — it’s a nice way to meet some new people and put a little art into your day. And I can’t wait to see the exhibit based on all the unique and wonderful leaves people were making. It’s an easy and fun fall craft for any age and I would highly recommend it.

She just led one workshop Oct. 22, but you can get involved 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays Nov. 19 and Dec. 17, at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail. Say “hi” to me if you see me there!

Hot Ticket
‘Tribute to Daniel Moe’ — The Key Chorale will perform a tribute at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road. The dedication to the late Key Chorale conductor emeritus will feature music from the composer’s repertoire performed by past and present members of the Key Chorale, as well as specially invited soloists including his widow, Ann Stephenson-Moe, organist. Tickets are $22. For more information, contact Jan Docking at 924-0790.

‘Nunsense’ — A comedy with singing and dancing nuns begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, and runs through Nov. 4, at The Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets are $25. Call the box office at 365-2494 for more information.