August 25, 2021
Shot Talk – The Queen’s Gambit with DP Steven Meizler & Costume Designer Gabriele Binder
Summary
Lawrence Sher, ASC sits down with DP Steven Meizler and Costume Designer Gabriele Binder for an in depth discussion of their Emmy-nominated work on the smash hit Netflix series, The Queen’s Gambit. From specific color palettes in the gorgeous period wardrobe to contrasting approaches in lighting between American and Russian chess tournaments, this conversation will illuminate subtleties of Meizler and Binder’s craft and creative approach that you won’t find anywhere else.
Key moments
- 00:03:08 How Steven Meizler Became Attached to The Queen’s Gambit
- 00:07:20 Gabriele’s Intro to the Project
- 00:09:43 The Use of the Color Green in Wardrobe
- 00:13:03 Themes of Loneliness in Framing
- 00:17:05 Challenges of Using Top Light in Chess Scenes
- 00:23:20 Making Chess Scenes Exciting
- 00:25:19 Wardrobe as a Vehicle for Character
- 00:30:18 Shot Breakdown Hotel Hallway
- 00:31:48 Location Scouting With a RED Camera
- 00:33:36 Influence of Soderbergh in Minimalist Lighting
- 00:35:22 Scene Discussion Eavesdropping Scene
- 00:39:57 The Choices Behind the White Outfit in the Park
- 00:42:58 Shooting Handheld in the Final Scenes
- 00:47:28 Changes From Book to Screen
- 00:49:50 Driving Shot Techniques
- 00:53:16 Budgeting Shooting Dates for a Period Piece TV Series
- 00:56:32 The Difficulties of Shooting Sunglasses in Driving Shots
- 00:58:41 Costume Choices for Jolene
- 01:00:21 Scene Breakdown Racquetball Scene
- 01:03:52 Controlling Indirect Interior Lighting With Negative Fill
- 01:07:32 Final Thoughts
