An idea to create a Quirky World through using miniature effect with Tilt Shift lenses
In the beginning of the preproduction, when the f ilm had more of a surreal touch and sci-f i elements and due to the budget restrictions I decided to shoot on Canon C300 and Zeiss CP2 primes to achieve a sharp, non cinematic look. However, as the story kept developing the sharp look was not needed any longer. As the budget for the camera and lighting was restricting, after some tests I decided to rent out SOFT FX Filters. This way we were still on the budget but got that soft cinematic look. While looking for equipment which would help to create the quirky world, I was considering the use of tilt shift lenses for 2 reasons. The first was to create a miniature effect when the house or any parts of the town or seaside are seen. The second idea was to tilt and shift while f ilming to achieve a weird effect of the changing perspective. However, again, with the story developing in a different direction, a more conventional look became preferable. Another creative tool used was Macro extension tubes used with my M42 mount old Soviet 50mm lens to get some extreme close ups of Eric’s and Thomas’ faces. In a peculiar way, an overtly soft photographic lens on a sharp C300 camera gave much more cinematic look than any of the other expensive lenses used.
Natalja Safronova