In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, host Charles Haine sits down with cinematographer Oren Soffer to dive deep into the groundbreaking and much-discussed visual style of The Creator. As the co-DP alongside Greig Fraser, Soffer shares how they achieved the film’s unique aesthetic using a prosumer Sony FX3 camera, a single vintage lens, and a minimalist, indie-inspired production model.
This discussion covers everything from lighting choices and VFX collaboration to gear workflows and lens testing, offering an in-depth look at how one of the year’s most visually striking sci-fi films was crafted.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How Oren Soffer became co-DP on The Creator alongside Greig Fraser
- The decision to shoot 95% of the film on one vintage 75mm Kowa anamorphic lens
- Using the Sony FX3 with an Atomos Ninja for ProRes RAW capture
- The benefits of designing visual effects around photography rather than the reverse
- Lighting choices inspired by naturalism and a small-footprint, indie ethos
- The influence of films like Baraka and Rogue One on the visual approach
- Operating with a nimble crew and custom-built gimbal rigs
- Remote collaboration between Soffer, Fraser, and director Gareth Edwards
- The impact of location shooting across Southeast Asia
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