DoP Peter Talbot explains how he shot Kiss FM commercial in HD

In the second of our three part look at the making of a new commercial for Kiss FM, DoP Peter Talbot explains in his own words how he worked:

I was asked by production company Harry Nash if I would photograph a commercial for them. “Had I used HD before?” was the first question. The second question was: “You'll be working with rats... do you mind?” I don’t know which question I found the most intimidating.

I hadn’t worked with both, so now was the time to do something about it. The thought of shooting on HD raised so many questions. How easy is it to use? What to look out for? How would it be treated in post? Focus issues, etc.

The camera performed very well. It was like working with a film production camera as all the accessories are based on film production.

We used the Sony HDW-F900 CineAlta camera with the Canon 21x TVD and the OpTex Excellence Periscope lens system.

On the photographic side I decided to treat the project as a pure digital one. The idea of photographing it to give a film look did cross my mind but then decided against it. One hears the question of “how does it compare to film” and “can I set it up to look like film?”

I must confess I did put these questions to Brian Rose of OpTex. I had a lengthily conversation with Brian about this. He put my mind at ease. So with HD as a bedtime reading subject, I concluded I should ignore the film look and use the natural look of digital for this project. It would have been a mistake to translate it back to a film environment as it wasn’t destined for a film record out but I would be keen to see it projected on film. Maybe next time.

I used the HD monitor and my own devised method of contrast/colour and brightness to control it to the maximum, so I abandoned my meter. This made for a very fast technique and lighting the sets became quicker. The creative directors had their monitor and I had mine!

The result was brilliant. I came away at the end of each day completely satisfied without any of the usual “what if...” questions.

I get very involved with my photography and dedicate as much attention to detail as I can. HD requires that attention; it’s paramount. One's going to see everything, every fibre and hair. Working from an HD monitor gave me the edge.

Would I use HD again? YES... I loved it. We were able to push the creative potential to its maximum. I had a great crew and a great production team and art department. I thank them for their help and support. I am looking forward to the next one… with or without rats!