January 25, 2022
Shot Talk – The Power of the Dog with DP Ari Wegner, ACS & Costume Designer Kirsty Cameron
Summary
Lawrence Sher sits down with acclaimed DP Ari Wegner ACS & Costume Designer Kirsty Cameron for an in-depth discussion of their Netflix Film The Power of the Dog. From their collaboration process with director Jane Campion, to balancing contemporary and vintage fashion styles, to the task of filming coverage on horseback, this discussion dissects the making of a new classic western.
Key moments
- 00:01:27 How Ari Wegner Came on Board
- 00:04:14 Advantages and Disadvantages of Long Prep Time
- 00:05:43 How Kirsty Cameron Began Work on the Film
- 00:10:05 Historical Accuracy & Artistic Deviation in Costume Design
- 00:11:51 Ride & Talk: Logistics of Photographing Horseback Riding
- 00:18:16 Wardrobe Choices for the Burbank Brothers
- 00:22:45 Connections Between Phil & Peter’s Costumes
- 00:26:05 The Difficulty of Shooting Exterior Scenes
- 00:32:13 How Ari Lit Interior Locations and Set Builds
- 00:35:48 Ari’s Approach to Window Light
- 00:39:20 Ari’s Camera and Lens Choices
- 00:41:06 Scene Breakdown: George and Rose’s Dance
- 00:45:00 Navigating Tonality in the Dance Scene
- 00:49:54 Choosing Between Prime and Long Lenses
- 00:53:31 Relationship Between Actors and Costume Designer
- 00:56:50 Costume Breakdown: The Chaps
- 01:01:08 Scene Breakdown: Restaurant Scene
- 01:06:30 Costume Choices in the Piano Scene
- 01:08:21 Discussion of Severe Low Angle Shots
- 01:11:44 Shot Breakdown: Phil in His Bedroom at Night
- 01:18:17 Discussion of Stages, Locations, and VFX Builds
- 01:25:22 The Joy of Recreating Sunlight
- 01:26:54 Kirsty’s Most Challenging Wardrobe Choices
- 01:31:24 Ari’s Biggest Challenge During the Shoot
- 01:35:10 Final Thoughts
