Lighting

Creating the Cinematic Experience that is Wicked

Mon, 12/09/2024 - 09:19 -- Nick Dager

The highly anticipated feature-film adaptation of the Broadway sensation Wicked has arrived. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the musical fantasy is set in the magical kingdom of Oz and follows the unlikely friendship between the misunderstood Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and the popular Glinda (Ariana Grande). However, their friendship takes a turn after a fateful encounter with the powerful Wizard of Oz, setting them on opposing paths. Cinematographer Alice Brooks, ASC reteamed with Chu — her longtime collaborator going back to their student days at the University of Southern California — to help craft a unique look befitting the story and its themes.

Shooting We Live in Time

Mon, 11/25/2024 - 09:18 -- Nick Dager

Directed by John Crowley, We Live in Time explores love, loss, and the fragility of life, painting an intimate portrait of the relationship between principal characters Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield). With the support of Panavision London and Panalux London, cinematographer Stuart Bentley, BSC crafted a visual approach that enhances the story’s raw emotion while remaining unobtrusive.

Making a Classic New York Comedy

Mon, 09/30/2024 - 11:38 -- Nick Dager

Directed by Pamela Adlon, Babes is a heartfelt, contemporary comedy set in New York City. At its core, the movie is about the deep love and strong friendship between Eden (played by co-writer and producer Ilana Glazer) and Dawn (Michelle Buteau). The feature blends humor with deep emotional resonance as the two friends navigate family life and motherhood. With its timeless visual style, the film captures the charm of classic cinema while grounding its narrative in the present day. The project's distinct look was crafted through the close collaboration of cinematographer Jeffrey Kim and Light Iron colorist Keith Jenson.

Creating the Color Grade of The Forge

Mon, 09/02/2024 - 12:07 -- Nick Dager

The Forge is an American drama film directed by Alex Kendrick and co-written by Stephen Kendrick. It is a spin-off to War Room (2015) and tells the inspiring story of a young man's journey for purpose through faith and discipleship. The film was shot in Albany, Georgia, by cinematographer Bob Scott and the color was completed by colorist Keith Roush in Atlanta, at Roush Media.

Digital Silk Redesigns International Cinema Lighting Society Website

Mon, 06/03/2024 - 09:14 -- Nick Dager

The web design agency Digital Silk has redesigned the website for the International Cinema Lighting Society. As a non-profit organization and the only international platform representing cinematic lighting professionals worldwide, ICLS wanted to elevate its online presence, improve user experience, and foster greater community collaboration.

Creating the Palette of Palm Royale

Mon, 05/27/2024 - 10:27 -- Nick Dager

Created by showrunner Abe Sylvia, the Apple TV+ comedic drama Palm Royale navigates the tale of one woman's ambitious journey to make it among the upper crust, through extravagant settings that evoke the golden era of Life magazine. Cinematographer David Lanzenberg was behind the camera for the first two episodes, working with director Tate Taylor, and then passed the baton to fellow director of photography Todd McMullen, who shot the remaining eight episodes. With support from Panavision Woodland Hills, the cinematographers opted to pair Panaspeed large-format spherical primes with the Millennium DXL2 camera. Here, the collaborators highlight how the series’ visual language was distinctly enhanced by the choices made by the art, wardrobe, and hair & make-up departments.

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Crafting a Visual Language for Grief

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 09:29 -- Nick Dager

Now streaming on Netflix, Good Grief marks the feature-film directorial debut of Daniel Levy, well known as the co-creator and costar of the series Schitt’s Creek. Offering an uplifting perspective on dealing with the permanence of losing a loved one, Good Grief follows Marc (played by Levy), who was content living in the shadow of his larger-than-life husband, Oliver (Luke Evans). But when Oliver unexpectedly dies, Marc’s world shatters, sending him and his two best friends, Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel), on a soul-searching trip to Paris that reveals some hard truths they each needed to face. Cinematographer Ole Bratt Birkeland, BSC and gaffer Chris Dowling made each of their decisions with the aim of embracing these realities. Panavision London supplied the production’s camera and lens package, and Panalux London provided lighting services. The filmmakers also worked with Light Iron for dailies and finishing services, including visual effects and final color. Light Iron’s VFX contributions included 3D tracking, reflection maps, motion vector mapping, rotoscoping, paint, and multi-layered compositing; in the final grade, Birkeland reteamed with supervising colorist Ian Vertovec. Supported throughout production and post, the filmmakers were free to skillfully explore the bright spots of bereavement. Here, Birkeland and Dowling discuss their approach to crafting the film’s visual language.

DP Trevor Forrest on Making MLK/X

Mon, 02/26/2024 - 12:19 -- Nick Dager

With its fourth season, the National Geographic series Genius presents a dual portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, inspirational leaders who paved parallel paths as pioneers in the American civil rights movement in the 1950s and ’60s. Genius: MLK/X traces their journeys from their formative years through their rise to prominence, as they each shaped a legacy that remains vitally important. Trevor Forrest, the lead director of photography for MLK/X, worked closely with Panavision to select an equipment package based around Panavised Arri Alexa 35 cameras and Primo spherical lenses, with modified Anamorphic Flare Attachments used for key moments.

Advanced Media Trading Launches CineSeason in Saudi Arabia

Mon, 09/25/2023 - 08:33 -- Nick Dager

CineSeason, an immersive two-day event taking place October 6-7 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is designed to provide aspiring filmmakers, content creators and enthusiasts with a comprehensive learning experience in various aspects of cinematic filmmaking, and the opportunity to join industry experts in discussing the latest technologies, trends and solutions in digital cinema, broadcast, and video ahead of the fourth edition of the Riyadh Season.

Paulo Perez Shoots Murrieta Series Anamorphically

Wed, 06/14/2023 - 07:44 -- Nick Dager

In 1851, the newly established border between Mexico and the USA is the setting for a conflict fueled by the anger and xenophobia caused by the Mexican American War. A group of immigrants forge the myth of the Latin Robin Hood, Joaquín Murrieta. La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta was created by Mauricio Leiva-Cock and Diego Ramírez-Schrempp, and directed by David Pablos (episodes 1-4), Humberto Hinojosa (episodes 5-8). The series was produced by Dynamo Productions and Amazon Studios. Cinematographer Paulo Perez, ADFC, was chosen to capture the wide vistas of Mexico in the new Latin-Western series.

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