Utilizing non-film light fixtures and LEDs helped achieve a natural look in 'The Batman'.
Maintaining a positive attitude and effective collaboration among the crew were essential for the success of 'The Batman'.
Extensive pre-production planning and collaboration ensured efficient execution and a visually stunning film in 'The Batman'.
Deep dives
The challenges of shooting the Gotham Square Garden scene
Shooting the Gotham Square Garden scene presented unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally planned to be shot in Chicago, the team had to recreate the look of Chicago in a different location. They built a significant rig with small four-inch by four-inch lights to create a sky dome effect. The LEDs used allowed for flexibility in color and helped create a realistic atmosphere. The scene required extensive planning and rigging, but it was ultimately effective in creating the desired look.
Approaching the lighting in the mayor's memorial and Batmobile scenes
The lighting in the mayor's memorial and Batmobile scenes required careful attention to create the desired mood and effects. The team utilized a combination of practical lights, including fluorescent lights and LEDs, to achieve the desired color temperatures and levels. They made use of diffusion and nets to control the light and bounce effects, ensuring that the lighting was realistic and effective in creating the desired atmosphere. These scenes required meticulous planning and collaboration with the gaffer and set decorators to ensure consistency and achieve the desired lighting effects.
The importance of crew collaboration and attitude
The success of the production relied on the collaboration and attitude of the crew. The director of photography emphasized the importance of having a can-do spirit, understanding the challenges and adapting creatively to overcome them. The crew's ability to understand and support the overall vision of the film was crucial in achieving the desired results. The DP also stressed the need to maintain a positive and respectful attitude on set, ensuring effective communication and cooperation among team members. While challenges were encountered, the collaboration and positive attitude of the crew helped navigate through them.
The impact of COVID-19 on the production
The production of 'The Batman' was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to changes in plans and additional challenges. The team had to adapt and find alternative solutions when original plans to shoot in Chicago were disrupted. Additionally, COVID-19 safety protocols and limited crew sizes posed logistical challenges. However, despite these obstacles, the production continued and was able to deliver an exceptional film. The experience highlighted the importance of flexibility, problem-solving, and collaboration in navigating through unforeseen circumstances.
The benefits of extensive pre-production and planning
The extensive pre-production and planning phase of 'The Batman' contributed to the film's success. The team utilized various technologies and techniques to meticulously plan the lighting, locations, and visual effects while collaborating closely with the director and other departments. The preparation allowed for efficiency on set and ensured that the team had a clear vision and direction. Extensive pre-production also helped identify potential challenges and find creative solutions, resulting in a visually stunning and cohesive film.
The importance of involvement in post-production
The involvement of the director of photography in post-production is crucial in maintaining consistency and achieving the desired look of the film. While some adjustments and refinements were made during post-production, the overall vision and color grading were already established during the shooting phase. The DP's input in the post-production process ensures that the technical aspects align with the creative vision and that the final product accurately represents the intended mood and atmosphere.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 51 - GREIG FRASER - CINEMATOGRAPHER - THE BATMAN - PART 2
On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we’re sharing the rest of our previously live-streamed conversation between Team Deakins and cinematographer Greig Fraser diving into his work on THE BATMAN. We start by talking all things lighting, and Greig shares how he and his team used non-film light fixtures to achieve a natural look in the film. We later discuss the importance of on-set chemistry and how a great attitude can outweigh experience when crewing. Greig shares how his team worked to match the menace of the Batmobile with the truck in Steven Spielberg’s DUEL and how closely he worked with the art department during production. Greig also reveals which light best complimented Zoë Kravitz’s makeup, and he pulls into focus the potential applications of an adjustable depth of field in the Volume lighting system.
A link to the images mentioned in the episode can be found here.
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This episode is sponsored by Dallas Film Commission & Falca
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