Cinematography

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 Killer Heat

Mon, 11/18/2024 - 10:58 -- Nick Dager

The feature Killer Heat unfolds in the wake of a treacherous love triangle involving twin brothers on an exclusive Greek island. The secretive investigation that follows falls to a visiting detective known as the Jealousy Man, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Director Philippe Lacôte teamed with BAFTA Award-winning cinematographer Andrew Dunn, BSC, and together they crafted a cinematic language that bridges the story’s multiple cultures.

Creating the Look of A Family Affair

Mon, 11/11/2024 - 08:49 -- Nick Dager

“This story highlights main characters from three different generations,” says director Richard Lagravenese of his new feature A Family Affair. Now streaming on Netflix, the movie follows Zara Ford (played by Joey King), who works thanklessly as the assistant to self-absorbed movie star Chris Cole (Zac Efron) — who, in turn, ends up falling for Zara’s widowed mother, Brooke Harwood (Nicole Kidman), with comic consequences for all.

Saving White Bird

Mon, 10/14/2024 - 10:49 -- Nick Dager

Up to the moment the cameras rolled, cinematographer Matthias Königswieser, AAC wasn’t sure White Bird: A Wonder Story would actually happen. Production of the feature film began in Prague in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, when most of Europe was on lockdown. Transporting crew, talent, and equipment required herculean effort and contingency planning, and if key personnel or talent tested positive for covid, the entire schedule could be upended, or the production could be shut down. Lay on top of those difficulties a cold, mucky winter, and you have a recipe for what could have been a disaster.

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.

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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