Director of Photography
Director of Photography
Director of Photography
This launch teaser for MollyTea Toronto was commissioned to be a testament to the artistic process, something very near and dear to our hearts. From the stare at a blank canvas, to the spark of inspiration, and the flow state of artistic production. The vision for this brand film was to bring those elements together and bring the viewers on a journey into the mind of an artist.
This launch teaser for MollyTea Toronto was commissioned to be a testament to the artistic process, something very near and dear to our hearts. From the stare at a blank canvas, to the spark of inspiration, and the flow state of artistic production. The vision for this brand film was to bring those elements together and bring the viewers on a journey into the mind of an artist.
The location: an empty shell unit with bare walls and a concrete floor. A perfect expression for a 'blank canvas' artist studio.
The camera: an ARRI Alexa Mini LF. World renown for its beautiful image, putting quality of light and colour above technical specifications.
The lenses: rehoused Leica Noctilux optics from Zero Optik that merge vintage character with modern performance.
Watching a production come together is always an amazing experience, every member of the team working tirelessly to bring the vision to life. Camera, lighting, production design, and director all communicating and working in unison to achieve a common goal.
Watching a production come together is always an amazing experience, every member of the team working tirelessly to bring the vision to life. Camera, lighting, production design, and director all communicating and working in unison to achieve a common goal.
Once picture is locked on the first setup, the whole team breathes a sigh of relief.
Once picture is locked on the first setup, the whole team breathes a sigh of relief.
Even on small teams, good communication is essential to succeed. As director on this project, Joon was instrumental in making key decisions and making sure everyone was aligned throughout the day. Although the team stays professional while on set, good vibes and a friendly atmosphere are crucial to keeping spirits high and team members collaborative.
Even on small teams, good communication is essential to succeed. As director on this project, Joon was instrumental in making key decisions and making sure everyone was aligned throughout the day. Although the team stays professional while on set, good vibes and a friendly atmosphere are crucial to keeping spirits high and team members collaborative.
DP Cody Preston (with his signature crocs) and 1st AC VIktor Wallmark worked together flawlessly throughout the entire day, keeping camera movement and focus locked in for each and every shot. With large camera and lens packages, the support needed to operate them increases exponentially, often increasing setup time and slowing down production. But their great communication kept things moving quickly throughout the day and the creativity and professionalism on display was unparalleled.
DP Cody Preston (with his signature crocs) and 1st AC VIktor Wallmark worked together flawlessly throughout the entire day, keeping camera movement and focus locked in for each and every shot. With large camera and lens packages, the support needed to operate them increases exponentially, often increasing setup time and slowing down production. But their great communication kept things moving quickly throughout the day and the creativity and professionalism on display was unparalleled.
Even finding time and energy to experiment with some extra creative shots.
Even finding time and energy to experiment with some extra creative shots.
Art direction and production design is key to crafting a world that the film lives in. Taking what would just be an empty room, and lifting it into something that feels real and tangible to the audience. The production designer, Sodam Hong, used a variety of props and art supplies to make the space feel more like a real artist's studio and less like an empty shell unit.
Art direction and production design is key to crafting a world that the film lives in. Taking what would just be an empty room, and lifting it into something that feels real and tangible to the audience. The production designer, Sodam Hong, used a variety of props and art supplies to make the space feel more like a real artist's studio and less like an empty shell unit.
One takeaway from the project was how staying flexible and working closely with the talent was paramount to the project's success. A great deal of communication was needed in order to figure out what could be captured on set during the shoot and what needed to be prepared before hand by the artist. As directors and cinematographers, there is a great deal that is unknown about an artist's process and what constraints they may have. So good communication and flexibility on set was very important.
One takeaway from the project was how staying flexible and working closely with the talent was paramount to the project's success. A great deal of communication was needed in order to figure out what could be captured on set during the shoot and what needed to be prepared before hand by the artist. As directors and cinematographers, there is a great deal that is unknown about an artist's process and what constraints they may have. So good communication and flexibility on set was very important.
Of course there would be nothing to capture if there was no light! And gaffer Indy Wilson did a phenomenal job shaping the light on set into beautiful images. Utilizing Aperture equipment and his signature orange iPad control center to dial in the perfect lighting throughout the day.
Of course there would be nothing to capture if there was no light! And gaffer Indy Wilson did a phenomenal job shaping the light on set into beautiful images. Utilizing Aperture equipment and his signature orange iPad control center to dial in the perfect lighting throughout the day.
A pivotal moment in the film is when the artist has his breakthrough idea, using a flower as a stamp to create the final painting (the MollyTea logo). To symbolize the artistic breakthrough, the director wanted to see the artist sitting in a field of flowers as he carves his stamp. We utilized VFX to realize this vision, rendering and compositing realistic flowers and stylized growth animations to add visual interest.
A pivotal moment in the film is when the artist has his breakthrough idea, using a flower as a stamp to create the final painting (the MollyTea logo). To symbolize the artistic breakthrough, the director wanted to see the artist sitting in a field of flowers as he carves his stamp. We utilized VFX to realize this vision, rendering and compositing realistic flowers and stylized growth animations to add visual interest.
As we wrap this project, we are left with fond memories of working with a talented cast and crew who turned an empty shell unit into a world of creativity and artistic expression. A big thank you to everyone who worked on this project with us through the planning, production, and post-production phases of this project. And thank you to MollyTea for trusting us with this vision.
Please head over to our Instagram to give them some love! More to follow on IG, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Looking forward to working with all of you again in the near future.
— Joon & Josh
As we wrap this project, we are left with fond memories of working with a talented cast and crew who turned an empty shell unit into a world of creativity and artistic expression. A big thank you to everyone who worked on this project with us through the planning, production, and post-production phases of this project. And thank you to MollyTea for trusting us with this vision.
Please head over to our Instagram to give them some love! More to follow on IG, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Looking forward to working with all of you again in the near future.
— Joon & Josh
