Ben Consoli
December 18, 2020
Go Creative Show
David Fincher’s highly-anticipated Netflix film MANK is here! Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt ASC explains how modern equipment and techniques were used to create an authentic-looking 1930s black and white film.
Erik and Go Creative Show host, Ben Consoli, discuss why they chose not to shoot on film, how shooting & lighting black and white is different than color, Erik’s philosophy on camera coverage, and so much more!
What you will learn in this episode:
- Prep and working with David Fincher (03:31)
- Authentic black and white visual approach (16:02)
- Shooting with deep focus (21:44)
- Lighting for black and white (23:15)
- Lighting dissolve transitions in Mank (26:24)
- Transforming 8K footage to look like film (30:43)
- Why shooting on film was never considered (35:43)
- Filtration used on Mank (40:30)
- Philosophy on camera coverage (44:40)
- Filming and lighting the election party (53:12)
- Using ND filter contacts for actor eyes (57:40)
- Production design in black and white (01:04:24)
- And more!
Listen to the audio or video podcast
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The Go Creative Show is supported by:
MZed: Education for Creatives
PostLab: Collaborative Editing for Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro
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