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HomeCraftsCameraMichael Slovis Relies on Schneider Filters to Create Iconic Images for Breaking...

Michael Slovis Relies on Schneider Filters to Create Iconic Images for Breaking Bad

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Michael Slovis uses Schneider Filters on the set of Breaking Bad
Michael Slovis uses Schneider Filters on the set of Breaking Bad

ASC cinematographer Michael Slovis’ challenge in shooting AMC’s Breaking Bad goes beyond the intricate storylines about the consequences of the life choices made by the main character. The New Mexico location offers a wide variety of looks and camera/lighting situations.

Slovis explained that, to make the most out of what he has to work with, he often relies on True-Pols filters from Schneider.

“We carry two ArriCam LT’s, Cooke S-4 primes, Angenieux zooms, a close focus lens, OConnor fluid heads and everything from small Litepanels bricks to 18ks,” he explained. “Every eight days, we make a small movie. None of the episodes follow much of a pattern. We can go from three days in the studio to six days in the studio. We can have a lot of action or a lot of dialogue. Even though the show has a graphic look, we never want it to overwhelm the story. Even with all of our specialty shots, which are often aided by Schneider filters.”

Slovis, who has been nominated for three Emmy Awards for his work on Breaking Bad is now on location shooting the new season of the popular AMC series.

“On Breaking Bad, we have a few iconic images,” he explained. “For me, some of the most important are the wide shots in the desert. Everyone remembers them, and they are unusual for television. In my mind, they really capture the tones and beauty of nature in New Mexico. One of the first things you notice about being in the desert is the size of the sky, especially for someone from New York like me.”

Schneider True Pol filters are known for their ability to saturate colors, improve contrast, penetrate haze and reduce unwanted reflections.

“I work with the locations department, art department and directors to insure that we are in a position to ‘max pola’ the sky for any day exterior,” he said. “These filters really help define the beauty of that sky, and if we are lucky enough to have those gorgeous New Mexico clouds, the filter brings them out in all their glory. They give us that deep blue that contrasts so well with the warm tones of the brown dessert. And when we shoot the scene with coral, tobacco or straw effects filters, it is the True-Pols that deepen the sky into a rich dark hue separating the actors from it. They are an essential part of the toolkit for shooting Breaking Bad.”

The new season will premiere in early summer, 2013. It is one of the most viewed series on Netflix, VOD and Hulu.

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