AN INTERESTING DAY

            Yesterday I consulted on the shooting of a short film meant to demonstrate the capabilities of Angenieux’s line of IOP (Integrated Optical Palette) lenses.  Their recent design allows for the creation of new looks by mixing and matching internal filters, iris cartridges and behind the lens filters.  Due to their position inside the lens, IOP filters encourage textures that can’t be achieved with traditional front or rear filtration.  As an added bonus, the lenses can be quickly and easily returned to their original configuration.  This’s an exciting development and one I’ve been eager to explore since they hit the streets last year.

            The production employed a Sony Rialto camera and was conducted under the auspices of effects cinematographer Sam Nicholson, ASC at his Stargate facility in South Pasadena.  Quite simply, this man is a genius.  In addition to being a technical wizard, he wrote the script and directed the action – which was photographed against the projections of an LED wall he designed.

            For those of you who may not be familiar with that piece of technology, have a look at the following clip.  It was shot on my iPhone between set-ups on a show last fall.  Sam provided the background there, too.

            Sam’s story concerns the reminiscence a young girl as she dreams; the scenarios are played out on the LED wall behind her.  The following clips will give you a small idea of what we were aiming for.  By no means is this the most ambitious use of the wall, but it exceeds what was required in this context.  What you’ll see was also shot on my iPhone, so don’t take it to heart.  The combination of the Angenieux IOP’s and Sony Rialto delivered some remarkable imagery.  Having shot LED walls a number of times now, it’s easy to see which way cinematography will be going in the future.  They save time, money, stress and a host of intangibles and indignities that come along with doing things the old way.

            As for the IOP’s, I can’t wait to put them to a test of my own design.  From what I’ve seen so far, there’s little doubt they’ll be finding a place in my arsenal.

            Special thanks to my good friend Tim Smith of Band Pro Film & Digital for providing the glass.  And congratulations to Sam Nicholson!  On March 5th he’ll be receiving the prestigious Curtis Clark, ASC Technical Achievement Award.  The presentation will take place at the 37th Annual ASC Awards ceremony, which will be held at the Beverly Hilton.  Believe me, it’s overdue and well-deserved!

            The film, titled Make Believe, will be available to everyone later in the spring.