Behind the lens: Crafting high-speed cinema magic with custom cameras
A new era in cinematography
In the world of cinema, innovation is the name of the game. The upcoming film “F1,” directed by Joseph Kosinski and featuring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in high-speed cinematography. The film’s Oscar-winning cinematographer, Claudio Miranda, has collaborated with Sony Electronics to develop a custom camera system designed to capture the adrenaline-pumping action of Formula One racing.
The evolution of camera technology
Miranda’s previous work with Kosinski on “Top Gun: Maverick” saw the introduction of the Rialto system, a groundbreaking development by Sony. This system allowed the camera body to be separated from the sensor, enabling it to be mounted in tight spaces like aircraft cockpits. The result was an immersive experience that made audiences feel like they were soaring through the skies.
For “F1,” the challenge was even greater. The camera needed to be compact enough to fit inside a race car while still delivering high-quality footage. Miranda explains, “On ‘Maverick,’ except for Tom Cruise, the actors didn’t fly the aircraft. On ‘F1,’ the actors were driving the cars. We needed a small enough camera system to ensure that Brad could drive and see while we got the shots we wanted.”
Custom cameras for high-speed action
The solution was a set of custom cameras mounted in Mercedes Benz race cars. Each car was equipped with four cameras, all remotely controlled for pan and focus. “We spent a lot of time getting the cars ready,” Miranda says, noting that some stunt drivers exceeded speeds of 200 miles per hour. “Sony really listens to us.”
The production team received special permission to film during actual Formula One race days. They used the empty track for short intervals before the race, capturing footage with a live audience in the background. “We’re kind of following the circuit,” Miranda says, with filming locations including Abu Dhabi and Las Vegas.
The art of driving and filming
Both Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, who plays racing prodigy Joshua Pearce, proved to be skilled drivers. Miranda notes that the early trailer footage shows Brad’s initial driving skills, but he’s “actually a lot faster now.” For safety reasons, additional cars and dangerous action sequences will be added as visual effects.
A collaborative effort
Miranda shared his insights during Sony’s recent Kando Trip at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. This high-level customer retreat allows industry players to test Sony gear and provide feedback for future product development. Sony North America president Neal Manowitz emphasizes the importance of these interactions, saying, “It’s this idea of co-creating the future, literally together. Claudio has been deeply involved in lots of the development of our products.”
The future of camera technology
While Sony has not made an official statement on whether the camera system developed for “F1” will be released as a new product, the film is set for a June 27 theatrical release from Warner Bros. The collaboration between Miranda and Sony highlights the potential for future innovations in cinematography, driven by the needs of filmmakers and the demands of high-speed action.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s thrilling to see how technology continues to evolve, enabling filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling. The collaboration between Claudio Miranda and Sony is a testament to the power of innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the art of filmmaking. The anticipation for “F1” is palpable, and it’s exciting to think about the new visual experiences that await us in the theater.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of the high-speed action, check out the F1 trailer and get ready to be transported into the fast-paced world of Formula One racing.