R. Michael Stringer embarked on a cinematic journey in 1968, drawn to the fascinating realms of lighting and camerawork. Recognizing the value of hands-on experience, he chose to pursue a career as a film technician, allowing him to hone his filmmaking skills while providing for his family.
Throughout his illustrious career, Stringer had the privilege of collaborating with the esteemed Orson Welles for over 15 years. Under Welles' guidance, he learned the importance of patience and attention to detail, acquiring the precision and mastery required to bring the director's vision to life. This invaluable mentorship enabled Stringer to develop a keen sense of composition and lighting, allowing him to effectively convey the director's intent in every situation.
Stringer's technical expertise continued to flourish through his work with the renowned John Cassavetes on three of his films. This experience further refined his skills, solidifying his reputation as a master technician.
In a notable milestone, Stringer served as the Chief Lighting Technician on the first American feature film shot by the legendary cinematographer Néstor Almendros. Almendros went on to receive the Academy Award for his outstanding work on Days of Heaven (1978),a testament to the quality of Stringer's contributions.
