Behind The Lens: “Blue Jae” Short Film

Introduction

Blue Jae', what can I say? It was a short film that I found a calling to be a part of. A good friend and director, Jalea, reached out to me, and her story was quite the story to hear. It wasn't a story to feel sad for her (well, yes, my eyes did get a little watery, but who hasn't in their life), but a story to see her win. The artistry of cinema has been her journey long before she found her path in it. But when she did, she took off, winning awards and making a name for herself. But when there are great successes, there come down moments. She lost her biggest influence to the love of film, her father. This was a deep and unsettling time for Jalea. Later, her relationship wasn't as honest and transparent as she thought it was. Talk about a double-whammy. But somehow, she managed to put one foot in front of the other. With the support of her mother, sister, friends, and family. Next thing you know, the script "Blue Jae" was born.

Where do I start?

Emotion & Tone: The Overall Essence

We wanted this film to feel relatable, tangible sought to speak, so the audience could truly understand Jalea, as the writer/director as she craft this film based on her own experiences. Like some indie films, we were met with a tight budget and limited time. We had to think smart and be quick.

Lens Choices and Filtration: Achieving the Desired Aesthetic

Now, the story.

I dove into the perspective I wanted the audience to feel. When reading the script, a gentle approach comes to mind when considering the main character, Jae, played by actress Star Rivers. She continues to experience an inner tug-of-war inside her that she struggles to break free from. What came to mind was a deep contrast look, with deep shadows to mirror the tragic experiences she faced. Then, cool color tones will reflect her emotional state, while lenses, frames, and filtration choices will mirror her mental state.

I felt as though the main character, Jae' was constantly moving but mentally feeling still, stuck even (we’ve all been there). With that in mind, I chose to use the best budget anamorphic primes I could find (which I also happened to have) the Viltrox Epic Anamorphic prime lenses. We had three lens options to choose from; 35, 50, and 75. I didn't think I needed a longer or wider focal length while filming with the available lens options we had. This set of lenses is budget-friendly but packs a punch in its quality. I love the look, character, and quality these lenses offer. It paired well with the RED V-Raptor and RED Komodo camera packages.

I felt that Jae's life and life experiences have multiple elements to them. These lenses offered the kind of texture that allowed us to show the various levels of that. Whether it's bokeh, lens flare, lens flare color, distortion, and temperature, these elements will help describe Jae's mental, emotional, and spiritual state.

Speaking of mental state. I had to make sure my mental state was in check while we were filming one night, and some random A-whips decided to egg my camera truck. Shout out to the team for cleaning that off while we were packed up at the end of the night.

Conclusion

I would like to thank my Ace in the Hole, 1st AC Derek. This guy is beyond a true friend. I feel like he and I were the two soldiers from the movie 1917. Talk about trenches. The crew that helped out with camera and lighting Kaleb (a phanominal DP), Jessie, Brooklyn with set-dec, Pavel with sound, and more were super stellar with aiding Jalea to the finish line. Super producer Aaron from 5 Points Media, as usual, you are always there, whether with gear or in person. If you're in film, make sure to have someone like him with you. To the cast, I love the artistry you brought; we couldn't have done this without you. And finally, to Jalea. Thank you for trusting me with your vision, your heart, and your words with this film. Let's keep telling stories. Peace!✌🏾

Behind The Lens: LexC - This is the Part Where… Music Video

Introduction

A song that was birthed from heartbreak now becomes a call or reminder to women everywhere that trust is easily broken, but finding the right person is paramount. Collaborating with the talented artist LexC on her heartfelt song "This is the Part Where" was an amazing journey that will resonate deeply with audiences.

The Inspiration Behind the Collaboration

I was moved to collaborate with LexC not only because of her musical talent but because of the depth behind her work. Having both attended the same college, I watched her growth and was inspired by her creative evolution. When she wrote, produced, and engineered this emotionally charged song, I knew the visual storytelling needed to match that intensity and showcase the woman behind the mic.

Revealing the Artist Through Interview

To complement the music video, we filmed an intimate interview segment where LexC opened up about the inspirations behind her music, her thoughts on the film Sinners, and even her favorite anime. These unscripted moments helped reveal LexC's true self. Aldeith Cleary.

A Case for Versatility

On this shoot, I wore many hats—Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor, well, let’s say I did everything. The good-old one-man band. Man, that was exhausting, but nevertheless, we are extremely happy to bring you a music video that will speak volumes around the world.

A Cinematic Stamp in Time

I wanted to capture the music video in the 4:3 aspect ratio to mirror how music and experiences are timeless. It’s nostalgic, just like the older days when content was shot on film. This video was cut to the essence of the time when film first started. Post film textures of film grain, hailation, and film stock was chosen to make this music video a stamp in time to remember.

By the end of this production, we had more than a music video—we had a visual time capsule. Every frame was designed to serve the story and pay tribute to the emotional journey LexC captured in her lyrics.

Conclusion

Beleive in yourself, and beleive in your friends. If you have an idea, see it through. At least you can go to sleep happy knowing you did what you dreamed of. Peace!

Behind the Lens: BET+ The Despaired

Introduction

I really enjoyed the journey of filming my latest horror project. A great director leads every great story, and this ambitious vision was led by a great friend and visionary director, Jean-Pierre. It was both challenging and exhilarating to shoot under a tight schedule and with detailed planning, but with a great team, anything is possible. With Jean-Pierre’s creative mind and the team's talents, we laced our boots and dove in.

Camera Selection

Besides this project being a horror film, each film should have its own unique identity. I chose to use RED V-Raptors and a RED Komodo as my camera packages. Primarily because I own them, and I would like to recoup my investment, but most of all, it provided me with clean shadows in both high and low ISO scenarios, so night scenes were a breeze. Most of the film was shot at ISO 800. This setup ensured consistency and depth in our visual storytelling.

My gaffer Allen from Smallfoot Lighting and I were in sync throughout the film. He brought an amazing team with him, and I couldn't have chosen a better G&E company to work with. Shout out to Johnny, the owner of Smallfoot Lighting.

Lighting the Warehouse Scene: Creating Contrast and Mood

One of the pivotal scenes features Denise Boutte's character, Jill, discovering an enigmatic letter while working as a mail carrier in a warehouse. To introduce contrast and a sense of unease, we selectively turned off certain sections of the overhead fluorescent lights to create pockets of darkness. A single fluorescent bulb remained on to serve as a practical light source within the frame. Additionally, we used a 1-foot aperture MT Pro tube as the key light on Jill's face, while the remaining overhead lights provided ambient illumination, enhancing the scene's depth and mood. The rest was in camera.

Lens Choices and Filtration: Achieving the Desired Aesthetic

Our lens selection played a significant role. We opted for the “A” and “B” set of Atlas Orion anamorphics. We primarily stopped down at T2.8 for character, the 40mm remains a personal favorite. During camera tests, the footage appeared overly pristine, prompting us to drop-in a 1/4 strength Glimmerglass filter. This addition softened the digital sharpness, lending a more organic and cinematic quality to the visuals.

Shout out to my creative camera team. My AC's, Derek and Lali for all that they do, B Cam op and steadicam operator Joe was fantastic. Thanks for having my back, team.

Adapting to Challenges: Location Changes and Team Dynamics

Unexpectedly losing our original location on the morning of our shoot could have been a setback. However, thanks to the swift actions of producers Jennifer Pessima and Quincy, we secured an alternative location that ultimately became the setting for my favorite scene in the film. This experience underscored the importance of adaptability and the strength of a cohesive team in overcoming production challenges.

Conclusion

Reflecting on this production, it's evident that understanding and implementing specific filming techniques are paramount in crafting a compelling narrative. From deliberate camera and lens choices to strategic lighting setups, each decision contributed to the film's unique identity. For producers and directors seeking a cinematographer, recognizing the significance of these techniques ensures a collaborative effort that brings a shared vision to fruition.