In a departure from the last two movies, Paramount has reportedly selected 'L.A. Confidential' and 'Wonderboys' cinematographer Dante Spinotti for 'Star Trek X.' On 'First Contact' and 'Insurrection,' this position was held by Matthew F. Leonetti.

TrekWeb reported that Spinotti was recommended to Rick Berman by well-known film director Michael Mann, who worked with the cinematographer on films such as 'Manhunter,' 'The Last of the Mohicans' and 'The Insider.' The report was based on an unconfirmed mail from a new source, but there is no reason to assume it would be false.

Spinotti has served as cinematographer on more than 40 films over the past two decades, including 'The Last of the Mohicans,' 'L.A. Confidential' and 'The Insider.' He has won a BAFTA award for his work on the first film and was Oscar-nominated for the latter two. He is currenty working on the new film by Roberto Benigni, 'Pinocchio.'

Pre-production on Star Trek X is currently expected to start in July. Rick Berman recently said Paramount was just about to start talking about directors, locations and casting (story), so this would indeed be the stage at which they would select a cinematographer. As reported two days ago, casting also appears to have started, with the producers approaching Kate Mulgrew (Kathryn Janeway) for a possible cameo in the film.

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