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.