March 17, 2022
Shot Talk – Dune with DP Greig Fraser, ACS, ASC
Summary
Lawrence Sher, ASC sits down with acclaimed DP Greig Fraser ACS, ASC for an in-depth discussion of Dune, which is currently nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Picture. From his collaboration process with director Denis Villeneuve, to how he and his team were able to craft such a large scale world, this discussion dives into the technical and logistical challenges behind the makings of a new sci-fi classic!
Key moments
- 00:02:05 The Origins of Shot Talk
- 00:03:08 Using Sunlight in VFX and In Camera
- 00:03:50 Storyboards vs. Execution
- 00:06:00 Using a Big Gobo to Replicate Sunlight
- 00:10:45 Working with Concept Artists
- 00:14:11 Importance of 2nd Unit
- 00:17:40 Working as Both DP and Camera Operator
- 00:18:48 Large Format vs 3D
- 00:21:33 1.43:1 vs 1.90:1: Aspect Ratio Discussion
- 00:25:37 The Rules of Filming with IMAX
- 00:26:34 Psychology in Camera Movement
- 00:28:56 Scene Breakdown: The Ornithopter and the Worm
- 00:33:11 Shooting on Location vs. Stage
- 00:35:34 Using Gimbals in the Ornithopter Crash
- 00:37:10 Scene Breakdown: Night Flight
- 00:39:37 Pre-lighting with Greig’s Colorist
- 00:42:15 Greig’s Creative Relationship with Denis Villeneuve
- 00:43:44 “The Two Sides of the DP Brain”
- 00:46:49 Scene Breakdown: Jessica & Reverend Mother
- 00:51:05 Discussing the Shot of Paul in the Mist
- 00:54:11 Atmospherics as a Tool for Building Mood
- 00:56:40 Dawn to Early Morning Lighting Transitions
- 00:59:30 The Challenge of Shooting Day for Night
- 01:03:48 Geographies of Shooting Locations
- 01:04:29 Greig’s Defining Shot
- 01:06:46 Making a Perfect Frame Imperfect, Greig’s Secret Weapon
- 01:11:24 The Suspensor Light: an In Universe Practical
- 01:12:54 Final Thoughts
