Director: Michael Lawrence
Director of Photography: David Kruta
Check out the official cut and my writeup on how I lit and shot it here.
Ford Models Presents India Lane, Directed by Michael Lawrence
Director: Michael Lawrence
Director of Photography: David Kruta
Update: Check out the new director's cut here.
Every now and again, a project comes along that gives you total creative freedom over the imagery you're trying to accomplish. Already having established a working relationship and flow with director Michael Lawrence, I jumped at the opportunity to collaborate on a quick, one-day shoot with such potential.
We were extremely lucky to get a great location at the last minute, and with a minimal crew, we quickly scouted as India went through the works. My entire G&E team consisted solely of gaffer Adam Coleman - however, it was refreshing to work again in such a hands-on fashion. Our lighting kit was small: a basic Arri kit, Rifa 1k softbox and some basic modifiers. We were able to move quickly and nimbly.
We experimented with typical fashion lighting, using the Rifa softbox without the diffusion. I covered the front of the bulb with blackwrap to give us an even, hard light and cast a beautiful butterfly shadow under India's nose. Overhead, I had a snooted pepper light to edge her out slightly. Further away, behind the camera, I had a Arri 1k with full CTB scrimmed down to provide some background definition and North light. Shooting on the Epic (MX sensor), it's always important to pump a bit of blue in to decrease noise.
When fill was needed, I used chinese silk brocade (pictured below) with a 300w tungsten skip bounced across the floor. It gave us a beautiful, warm, soft texture the looked great on skin.
At times, we backlit India with our projector, which created a mesmerizing texture in the haze. Adam on/offed the image with a flag, plunging our star into darkness and bringing her back up again.
My favorite shots of the day were at the mirror - it was covered with dirt and peeling off and created a nice texture through which to see India. I lit it with the Rifa softbox diffused, the brocade skip bounce off the floor and an iPad on the bar to fill in her face. The way it all played off her martini glass and made her eyes sparkle was just magical.
This film was shot on the Red Epic with Lomo Super Speed lenses. We edited and finished at Replicant's studios in Fort Greene.
Overall, it was a fun and easy shoot. Everyone was laid back, had a good time and was pleased with the images.
Gillette Lights Up Boston for the Olympics
Director: Ricardo Rivera
Director of Photography: David Kruta
On Friday, July 27, just as the world finished watching the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Procter & Gamble and Gillette staged an unforgettable event to wish Team USA a great start to The Olympics. The event was a spectacle of light and water featuring 60-foot holograms of Team USA athletes Tyson Gay launching off the blocks and Ryan Lochte diving into historic Boston Harbor. Set to the music of M83 "Steve McQueen", the event officially launched Gillette's global 'Get Started' campaign.
Part science, part nature and part digital art, Gillette created a series of projected light displays on buildings throughout Boston culminating in a massive water show. The event used half a dozen projectors to display video images of Ryan Lochte and Tyson Gay in action on two massive screens of particulate water vapor sprayed above the surface of the water adjacent to Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art.
The best athletes in the world have gathered in London, at the lighting of the flame they are now and forever Olympians.
Shot entirely with available light on Canon C300s, Zeiss Super Speed and Lomo Super Speed lenses.
Official video for The Dig "I Already Forgot Everything You Said" released
Director: Tyler Greco
Director of Photography: David Kruta
Check out the new video for The Dig "I Already Forgot Everything You Said" below.
About The Dig
“With one hand deep in roots rock and roll and live performances that lift you up and leave you ragged, The Dig are building a reputation as one of the best young bands in New York. The songs on their new EP, Good Luck and Games, produced by Bryce Goggin (Pavement, The Ramones) have energy and intelligence matched only by their heartfelt swagger. See them now so you can say you saw them then.”
Be sure to read my behind the scenes writeup on shooting this video here.
Anna Haas Dances Around the Maypole in New Video
Director: Jon Tee/Anna Haas
Director of Photography: David Kruta
Jon Tee of TeeDox Films approached me for this project, and instantly I was hooked. The video is a surreal and creepy look into the life of a doll coming to life under the gaze and direction of her dollmaker. We shot over the course of 2 days in Brooklyn Studios with a small but talented cast and crew.
Here's the video:
Fiery redhead Anna Haas excites the senses instantly with a powerhouse voice and arrestingly honest lyrics, enhancing each line with wildly dramatic stage antics and heavy, soulful piano playing.
A passionate risk-taker, Haas perpetually explores new ways to use the stage to make each show original and captivating, whether by incorporating subtle dance or fearlessly entering the audience. Staggering the thick line of influence of Lady Gaga and Patty Griffin, Haas is careful to keep the focus on the music, using her on-stage antics as an illustrative complement to the songs.
Check Anna's work out at annahaas.com