Oren Soffer: Behind the Scenes of "The Creator" and the Beauty of Spontaneity
Oct 26, 2023
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Cinematographer Oren Soffer discusses behind-the-scenes moments from the making of 'The Creator'. Topics include scouting locations, technical challenges, understanding visual construction, effective directing skills, and a memorable climbing scene.
Collaborating with a director who has a clear vision and actively involves the team leads to a cohesive and impactful final result.
Creating conditions for creativity during the filmmaking process by embracing imperfection and allowing for spontaneity leads to a more organic and believable feel in the final film.
The director's active involvement and trust in the filmmaking process fosters a positive and efficient working environment, inspiring confidence and prioritizing storytelling over excessive resources.
Deep dives
The Creative and Collaborative Vision of the Director
The podcast episode explores the experience of working with a director who has a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process. The director, Gareth, approaches the project with a clear vision and actively collaborates with the team to ensure that his ideas are understood. He takes control of the construction of the film, providing references and visual materials for the team to absorb and adapt to. Gareth's approach allows for a highly efficient and creative environment, where everyone is empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise. This clear and collaborative vision from the director can lead to a more cohesive and impactful final result.
Creating the Conditions for Creativity
The podcast episode highlights the importance of creating the conditions for creativity during the filmmaking process. The director, Gareth, emphasizes the need to approach prep not as planning each individual moment, but as creating a fertile ground for creativity. This involves in-depth discussions, scouting locations, and carefully curating references to explore specific visual styles and looks. Gareth's analogy of 'painting the house' illustrates the mindset of preparing the space to be able to paint whatever wall they want, embracing imperfection as an asset. This approach allows for spontaneity, experimentation, and ultimately fosters a more organic and believable feel in the final film.
Director's Active Involvement and Trust in the Process
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of the director's active involvement and trust in the filmmaking process. Gareth, as the director, takes on various roles, including operating the camera, designing logos, and being fully immersed in the film's production. This level of involvement creates a strong sense of trust and collaboration among the team, allowing for open communication and the sharing of ideas. Gareth's commitment to maintaining a low footprint and budget optimization showcases his desire to prioritize storytelling over excessive resources. This approach inspires confidence and allows the team to focus on delivering the director's vision while fostering a positive and efficient working environment.
The Value of Certainty and Clear Communication
The podcast episode explores the value of certainty and clear communication in the filmmaking process. Gareth's approach of providing clear directives, visual references, and proof of concepts helps create a shared understanding among the team. This clarity and shared vision help to alleviate anxiety and provide a solid foundation for creative decision-making. Gareth's hands-on involvement in every aspect of the production builds trust and enables the team to work together with a greater sense of purpose and coherence. The approach of clear communication and certainty contributes to a more focused and successful film production.
The Importance of World Building
One of the main insights from the podcast is the emphasis on world building. The director, Gareth, is driven by the idea of creating a captivating and unique world for the audience to immerse themselves in. The concept art played a crucial role in shaping the visual aesthetics of the film, with the juxtaposition of technology and spirituality creating vivid and interesting images. The focus on world building allowed for a compelling backdrop to the story, highlighting the importance of creating a rich and immersive cinematic experience.
The Power of Emotional Journey in Films
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the significance of conveying raw emotion and taking the audience on an emotional journey. While the specific storyline or structure of a film may not be groundbreaking, what truly matters is how the story structure is utilized to convey a message and create an emotional impact. The film explored various themes, such as colonialism, scapegoating, and fatherhood, giving the audience the choice to connect with different aspects of the story. The performances, particularly of the young actress Madeline, were praised for their authenticity and rawness, capturing the essence of the emotional core of the film.
We’re back for the second season of the Cinematography Salon podcast, and we are thrilled to welcome our new co-host Ava Benjamin Shorr alongside returning host Peter Pascucci. Kicking off this season is a deep dive into the filmmaking process of "The Creator", with special guest, cinematographer Oren Soffer. Oren shares a treasure trove of insights about working on the film directed by the visionary Gareth Edwards, known for his groundbreaking work on "Star Wars", "Rogue One", and "Godzilla". The team brought a distinctive touch to "The Creator", opting for a mental shot list which provided a fresh and novel element each day, and fostered the courage and environment to embrace imperfection. So, stay tuned for a season filled with incredible guests, fascinating conversations, and a few surprises you won’t want to miss.
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