Pepperdine Libraries Hosts Riding the Waves: The Magic of Film

Pepperdine University Libraries will host an engaging conversation between cinematographer Mike Ferris and professor of communication Craig Detweiler, who will discuss the magic moments of the filmmaking process. The event will take place Thursday, Oct. 8, at 4 PM in the Surfboard Room of Payson Library, Malibu. Tommy Hawkins, a contributor for the Malibu Chronicle, will moderate. 

From IMDB - Born in San Diego, Ferris spent his formative years in California and New York. After earning a BA in psychology and literature he served four years of active duty in the United States Air Force. Honorably discharged as Captain after remote duty overseas, he joined the firm of Bache and Co. on Wall Street. In 1970 he left the East Coast for Los Angeles to pursue a career in the motion picture industry.

Within three months he was working with Orson Welles on The Other Side of the Wind in 1971. In 1972, he met and became closely involved with John Cassavetes as his cameraman on A Woman Under the Influence, Mikey and Nicky, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, and Opening Night. During this time he entered the master's program in film at UCLA on the G.I. Bill and pursued this goal between film projects.

After several years as an assistant cameraman he joined John A. Alonzo, ASC, as his operator. During a long collaboration they teamed to photograph Blue Thunder, Cross Creek, Scarface, Internal Affairs, Jo Jo Dancer, Navy SEALs and many others. Other operating credits include: Colors, Rambo III, Diehard, Back to the Future II and III, My Life, Speed, Forrest Gump, Waterworld, The Crow-City of Angels, and many others.

His specialty in underwater cinematography, along with extensive credits in commercials, documentaries, industrial, and educational films have taken him to locations all over the world.

Michael Ferris is the 2011 recipient of the Society of Operating Cameramen's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.