In a recent interview, Adam Kimmel, ASC revealed an unusual technique he used in one of his most recent shoots, a CNN comedy show. An aficionado of film and an expert in his craft, Kimmel, who has often fulfilled the role of a Director of Photography (DOP/DP), is always happy to share his perspective and the benefit of his experience with his peers and students. Learn more about the renowned cinematographer and his work at the following link: Adam Kimmel DOP.
While the base for stand up comedy show shoots are well established and have been for the past few years, Adam Kimmel has demonstrated once again that innovation is always welcome in the industry. During one of his most recent shoots for CNN, Kimmel opted to use an Arri Alexa LF camera set, complemented by signature prime lens mounts. While this combination produces an outstanding image, with immersive, large-format aesthetics and cinematic images, it is far from the pre-established standards of the industry, where most DPs employ a high-mobility setup that allows for dynamic shots.
Despite this, Kimmel followed through with his decision, saying, “It’s not the typical way to shoot a live stand-up show, as you would usually prefer the versatility of zooms. However, I didn’t want people who were seated right on the stage and five or six feet away from Colin to be distractingly in focus. I felt that the content and style of what Colin was doing and what the show is about leaned itself to staging it with him much closer to and surrounded by the audience, and with a more fixed and observational camera style. Because of that, as well as the benefit of the shallower focus, I took the chance of limiting us without the flexibility of zooms and, I must say, I’m glad I went with this setup.” Learn more here: Adam Kimmel Director Of Photography.
Using this combination of cameras and lenses was not an easy task, as this was the first time that the Jax Media studio had worked with the equipment in question. Five Alexa LF’s and two sets of Signature Primes were used on the set, and accommodating so many cameras and lenses was a challenge that required collaboration from the entire team. Some additional precautions were also taken to prevent the quality of the show from being negatively affected.
Even after having everything set up and working, the production still took the entirety of Kimmel’s focus and expertise as a Director of Photography, as he says, “I was very considerate of my placement of cameras and choice of focal lengths as I didn’t want to be changing prime lenses in the middle of the show. Also, since we were shooting 360° and I didn’t want to see other cameras, it made sense to keep the profiles more compact and the cameras more fixed. In the end, we were all very pleased with how it feels and looks.”
Using this combination of cameras and lenses also facilitated certain aspects of the production, as Kimmel says that this allowed them more flexibility in post-production. Here, he was able to create more cohesive and matched cuts. Kimmel concludes that, while challenging, using this setup was a complete success, allowing him to gain valuable experience that will influence upcoming shots. He also expects upcoming releases of equipment to facilitate similar productions in the future, as he says, “I’ve been to the demo of the ALEXA Mini LF and can’t wait for that camera to be available, but I have to say I’m really pleased with how this all went and with Mike and AbelCine’s support. It was a lot to ask on short notice, and I felt really supported. I love how the show turned out.”
Adam Kimmel has been a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences since 2007 and the American Society of Cinematographers since 2008. He has shot over 16 feature films, receiving two Independent Spirit nominations and a BAFTA shortlisting for best cinematography. His filmography includes Bennett Miller’s Capote (5 Academy Award nominations including best picture and the best actor win for Phillip Seymour Hoffman). He is also known for Lars and The Real Girl, Never Let Me Go and Jesus’ Son, as well as a currently untitled Bennett Miller project that he is currently working on.
Those interested in learning more about Adam Kimmel can read the article published by Jax Media on their blog. It contains the most important part of the interview along with additional comments from other members of the production. More information is also available here: Adam Kimmel American Cinematographer.
Comments
Post a Comment