I Shot a Ford Commercial

Introduction

Traveling for work can be both exciting and challenging, especially when you are a photographer on a project. Join me on a behind-the-scenes journey as I share my experiences shooting a project with Ford in Vancouver.

Locking Keys in the Car

It’s 6:24 am, and we are heading to the airport for the first time in a year. Despite feeling out of practice, we face the typical mishap of locking the keys in the car, setting the tone for the day.

Charging Station Confusion

Encountering a charging station that resembles a car dashboard leads to a comedic moment of confusion. It’s the start of a journey filled with unexpected surprises and laughter.

Shooting a Ford Ad Campaign

The main reason for our trip to Vancouver is to shoot a Ford ad campaign featuring the Ford F-150 truck. From setting up the perfect shot with a symmetrical view to dealing with bright sunlight, every moment is crucial for capturing the essence of the project.

Behind-the-Scenes of Filming

Getting insights into the technical aspects of filming, such as using a Red camera that generates massive amounts of footage and the role of a digital image technician and on-set colorist, showcases the intricacies involved in creating visual content.

Unleashing Creativity with Anamorphic Lenses

The decision to shoot with anamorphic lenses adds a unique cinematic quality to the project, enhancing the visuals and creating a distinct look for the car scenes. The creative choices made during filming play a vital role in storytelling.

Unexpected Delays and Team Bonding

Dealing with unexpected delays, such as waiting for helicopters, leads to impromptu team bonding moments and a sense of camaraderie amidst the challenges faced during the shoot.

Creative Cooking and Unwinding

From building a grill to cooking up a meal on set, the downtime during shoots provides opportunities for relaxation and team building. Engaging in playful activities like inventing characters and sharing meals adds a personal touch to the work environment.

Reflecting on the Journey

As the shoot wraps up, reflecting on the experiences, challenges, and moments of laughter and connection reinforces the passion for travel and photography. Each trip brings new learnings and memories that shape the creative process.

Question

1. How do unexpected mishaps like locking keys in the car add a touch of humor to travel experiences?
– Answer: Unexpected mishaps like locking keys in the car can lead to humorous moments that become memorable anecdotes in the travel journey, showcasing the unpredictability of work trips.

2. What role do technical professionals like digital image technicians and on-set colorists play in the filming process?
– Answer: Technical professionals play a crucial role in managing and optimizing the visual aspects of filming, ensuring that footage is captured efficiently and maintaining the quality of the final product through color correction and data management.

3. How do creative choices like using anamorphic lenses impact the visual storytelling of a project?
– Answer: Creative choices, such as using anamorphic lenses, can enhance the cinematic quality of visuals, creating a distinct look and feel for the project that elevates the storytelling and overall impact on the audience.

4. How do moments of downtime, like team bonding activities and cooking together, contribute to the work environment during shoots?
– Answer: Downtime activities like team bonding and cooking together create a sense of camaraderie among the team, fostering collaboration and enhancing the overall work environment with moments of relaxation and creativity.

5. In what ways do reflections on travel experiences and challenges shape the creative process for photographers and filmmakers?
– Answer: Reflecting on travel experiences and challenges provides valuable insights and learnings that inform the creative process, influencing artistic choices, storytelling techniques, and personal growth for photographers and filmmakers.

By Jim