Way Back When Series

I just ended a 6 days shoot with an overnight shoot on the last day. It was one of the biggest scene throughout the series where Lucas and Charlotte, after going through ups and downs in life, finally cross path again. They kissed but ... (go find out from the series! It is really worth watching)

Two days after the shoot, that scene still plays in my head over and over again. I have to admit that it’s not easy filming it. The camera is on my shoulder, it’s one long take where the actors get to play with the space freely. How do I light for the space? How can I nailed that camera movement while capturing the essence of that scene? How do I anticipate their movement? There’re just too many things to consider.

After a few takes, Sabrina (the show runner and one of the director) pulled me aside and told me to just throw everything out of the window, and just go back to the fundamental. That’s when I started putting myself at the audience seat watching the story, Lucas and Charlotte’s story. I got reminded by some other cinematographer that we are the first audience to watch a film.

Shooting from day 1, crafting shot by shot and seeing the story expounds itself on the viewfinder, every scenes build up to this moment. I began dancing with the actors, being more bold in moving the camera. Is there anything else that could do better? Of course, but at least I’m more conscious with my role as a cinematographer at that very moment.

I felt compelled to make this note for myself after the shoot. To remind myself of what it means to be a cinematographer. It’s indeed a privilege to be able to tell a story through the art of imagery, through light and shadow, through colors, through lenses, through camera movement.

My shoulder and back are still aching from that 4 hours of handheld. But till my next project, I will continue to live life, and to channel that into the art of cinematography.

I would like to thank the directors, Sabrina, Fish, Jonathan and Amanda for giving me the opportunity to tell great story. Thank you Jolinna, the DP for the other episodes, for being my role model. Thank you Theron the gaffer and the grips for realizing my visions through great lighting.