In our series of DoP to DoP talks – Mikołaj Krawczunas, a DoP passionately interested in the latest technology, invites various cinematographers to share insights into their work. This episode features Alejandro H. Madrid, a seasoned cinematographer known for his passionate approach to visual aesthetics and his ability to infuse storytelling with cutting-edge technology. Alejandro’s work spans across a variety of genres, each project highlighting his dynamic range and the depth of his craft.
What has been the most demanding tabletop shot you’ve worked on so far, and why?
The first shoots that come to mind are those for Ferrero Rocher, as they are technically very complex. We need to create a soft yet strong light that enables us to capture a very clean and subtle reflection without any harsh spots. This must be achieved without losing the appetizing appeal of the product. Often, we shoot at the highest frame rate possible on sets that are particularly challenging to light. This is because the camera moves rapidly, causing the axis of the reflections to change frequently. Suddenly, we might see the reflection of an SFX rig, for example. Since we prefer to achieve everything in-camera, we have to carefully consider how to eliminate these unwanted reflections.
