Behind The Spot Ep. 003 | Commercial Breakdown With DP Oren Soffer

The Art of Visual Storytelling

Welcome to the world of cinematic storytelling, where every frame is a brushstroke in a larger masterpiece. Today, we're diving deep into the behind-the-scenes magic of a commercial that blends art and technology seamlessly. Our guide? None other than the talented Director of Photography (DP), Oren Soffer, known for his work on the Mercedes AMG commercial titled "New Light." So, grab your director's chair, and let's explore this fascinating journey from concept to screen.

The Blueprint of Cinematography

Oren Soffer begins by highlighting the crucial role of pre-visualization (previs) in the creation of the commercial. The team at The Artery crafted a full CG mockup of key shots even before filming commenced. This allowed the selection of precise lens and camera angles ahead of time, streamlining the on-set process. Soffer emphasizes that such meticulous planning in pre-production is pivotal in transforming a concept into a tangible visual narrative.

"We actually had a full CG mockup of this shot before we even shot it... knowing our exact lens focal length and camera angle all we really had to capture on set were the live action elements."

Blending CGI with Reality

A standout moment in the commercial is the moonlight reflected in the woman's glasses, a scene envisioned from the start. To achieve this, the team used innovative techniques, like a circular cutout in foam core backlit to mimic the moon's glow. Such ingenuity underscores the importance of creative problem-solving in filmmaking.

Crafting the Scene

The choice of Malibu as the road location played a significant role. The team focused on capturing the car and the road, knowing the surroundings would largely be replaced in post-production. This approach demonstrates the strategic balance between capturing essential elements on location and the enhancements made during post-production.

Mimicking the Outdoors

For the interior shots, Soffer recreated the exterior lighting conditions rather than artificially producing a moonlight effect. This technique ensured consistency between the outdoor scenes shot in Malibu and the interior scenes. The goal was a cohesive day-for-night look, seamlessly blending the different shooting environments.

The Role of CGI

The commercial's aesthetic was deliberately elevated and stylized, with several scenes fully executed in CG. This included the sunflowers and the RPM dial scenes. The involvement of CG from the early stages of the project highlights the growing symbiosis between traditional cinematography and digital effects in modern filmmaking.

Crafting the Night

The day-for-night aesthetic was heavily reliant on color grading. Soffer and colorist Jared Rosenthal worked to retain as much detail in shadows and highlights, crucial for the final look. This process underscores the transformative power of color grading in shaping a film's visual tone.

The Palette of Cinema

To refine the commercial's color scheme, Soffer drew inspiration from a range of films. The team explored various shades of blue, looking at works like "True Grit," "The Green Knight," and "Mad Max Fury Road." This eclectic mix of references underlines the importance of cinema as a reservoir of visual ideas.

The Importance of Pre-Production

Soffer stresses that pre-production is the most crucial phase in filmmaking. Detailed planning allows for more freedom and creativity during the actual shoot. He regards commercials as a valid art form, deserving the same level of thought and care as any film project.

"Pre-production is probably the most important stage of filmmaking... the more time that you have to really dream about a project, the better the end result is."

The Symphony of Filmmaking

Oren Soffer's journey through the creation of the Mercedes AMG commercial is a testament to the intricate symphony of filmmaking. From pre-visualization to color grading, each step is a crucial note in the creation of a cinematic piece. Soffer's approach not only showcases his expertise but also illuminates the path for aspiring filmmakers.

This post is based on insights from Behind The Spot Ep. 003 | Commercial Breakdown With DP Oren Soffer.

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