About this episodeCinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw discusses her groundbreaking work on Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners,' becoming …AI summary
Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw discusses her groundbreaking work on Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners,' becoming the first woman to shoot a feature in 65mm IMAX and the first to mix 65mm IMAX with Ultra Panavision 70. She details the technical complexities of shooting on film, including the use of custom Ektachrome stock, the logistical challenges of twin photography using Technocranes, and the narrative decision-making behind aspect ratio shifts. The conversation highlights how structural constraints of film and large-format cameras drive creative precision and emotional immersion.
Key takeaways 5
Technical Format Strategy: 'Sinners' utilizes a hybrid approach, shooting primarily in Ultra Panavision 70 (2.76:1) for wide landscapes and switching to 65mm IMAX (1.43:1) for intimate character moments or high-impact sequences. The IMAX shots are captured with higher resolution (15 perforations vs 5) but are often cropped to 2.76:1 for theatrical release to maintain visual consistency, while preserving the full IMAX height for home viewing.
Twin Photography Precision: Shooting Michael B. Jordan as twins required using a Technocrane (a repeatable motorized track system) to record camera movement data. The actor performs one role, then changes and performs the other role in the exact same physical space, with a stand-in (Percy) used during the first pass to ensure precise eye-lines and object interaction (like passing a cigarette).
IMAX Camera Limitations: The IMAX camera is extremely loud (likened to a lawn mower) and has a short magazine life (approx. 2.5 minutes, downspooled to 76 seconds for Steadicam use). This necessitates shooting dialogue-heavy scenes with ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) or using quieter 35mm cameras for sync sound.
Custom Film Stock: Kodak manufactured a custom 65mm Ektachrome stock (100 ASA) specifically for the film. It was used sparingly for specific emotional portraiture and montage sequences due to its low light sensitivity and distinct color profile.
Home Viewing Preservation: The filmmakers worked with Photochem and colorist Costas to ensure streaming and home releases preserve the aspect ratio shifts (from 2.76:1 to 1.78:1 for IMAX sections), avoiding the common practice of cropping IMAX content or losing the transition effect.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“Necessity is the mother of invention... shooting film creates more of a structure... you have a limited amount of time on the mag.”
▶ 15:35Arkapaw explains why she prefers film over digital, noting that the physical limitations force preparation and respect for the process.
“If you don't see you to be you... seeing you doing this has inspired me to kind of one day know that you know I can do it too.”
▶ 1:31:58Reflecting on being the first woman to shoot in 65mm IMAX, Arkapaw emphasizes the importance of representation for young filmmakers.
“It's not something that I ever... you do your testing right... I tend to underexpose it so it's a little bit... you have a bit more of a dense shadow.”
▶ 1:00:28Arkapaw discusses her exposure strategy for film, preferring denser shadows to achieve a specific nostalgic texture inspired by Farm Security Administration photography.
“The IMAX camera is too loud... it sounds like a lawn mower... so it's not like we're trying to shoot a lot of the sequences with the camera because it really is very loud.”
Explaining why dialogue scenes in IMAX required ADR, highlighting the practical constraints of large-format cameras.
Chapters & Sections (73)▼
0:00Cinematographer's Experience with Film Successchapter3
0:00Cinematographer's Experience with Film Success
2:10Cinematography Career Journey and Film Making Process
3:29Early Influences on Artistic Interests and Career
5:47Cinematography Career Path and Mentorshipchapter2
5:47Cinematography Career Path and Education
7:33Career Path in Film Production and Cinematography
10:13Importance of Creative Freedom and Communitychapter3
10:13Importance of Creative Freedom and Community
12:22The Importance of Film in Cinematography
13:36The Aesthetic of Shooting on Film
15:59Advantages of Shooting Film over Digitalchapter3
15:59Advantages of Shooting Film over Digital
17:37Digital vs Film in Cinematography
18:54Blending Worlds in the MCU
20:25Cinematography Approaches for Film and Televisionchapter2
20:25Cinematography Approaches for Film and Television
22:46Directing Emotional Performances in Film
24:51Cinematic Lens Choices in Film Productionchapter2
24:51Camera Lens Selection and Cinematic Storytelling
26:24Lens Choice and Cinematographic Storytelling Techniques
29:14Advantages of Anamorphic Lenses in Cinematic Experiencechapter2
29:14Advantages of Anamorphic Lenses in Cinematic Experience
30:56Ultra Panovision 70 and IMAX Film Formats
33:42Exploring Large Format Film Optionschapter3
33:42Exploring Large Format Film Options
35:09Film Editing and Storytelling Techniques
36:59Impact of IMAX 70mm on Cinema Experience
39:24The Impact of IMAX Aspect Ratio in Filmmakingchapter2
39:24Advantages of IMAX Film Format in Storytelling
41:09Film Stock and Projection Formats Explained
43:23Filming with 65mm and IMAX Camera Systemschapter2
43:23Filming with 65mm and IMAX Camera Systems
46:34Film Release Formats and Camera Choices
47:58Shooting in IMAX Format for Cinematic Impactchapter2
47:58Shooting in IMAX and its Technical Challenges
49:36IMAX Format and Cinematography Techniques
52:09Challenges of Using Heavy IMAX Camera Rigschapter2
52:09Challenges of Using IMAX Format in Cinematography
53:58Challenges of Focus in Steadicam and Rig Work
56:26Logistical Planning for Complex Film Shotschapter3
56:26Logistical Planning for Complex Film Shots
57:49Film Production Planning and Collaboration
59:04Film Stock and Resolution in IMAX Shots
1:01:27Achieving Seamless Visual Transitions in Filmchapter2
1:01:27Achieving Seamless Visual Transitions in Film
1:04:23Visual References and Cinematic Aesthetic Influences
1:05:53Challenges of Steady Cam Filming Techniqueschapter2
1:05:53Challenges of Steadicam Filming in Dynamic Environments
1:08:11Challenges of Capturing Cinematic Shots
1:10:12Challenges of Filming Twins in Cinematographychapter3
1:10:12Challenges of Filming Twins in Cinematic Scenes
1:11:54Camera Movement and Tracking Techniques
1:13:14Precision in Twinning and Performance Work
1:15:11Logistics of Capturing Complex Film Performanceschapter4
1:15:11Logistics of Multi-Role Performances in Filmmaking
1:17:13Gathering Reference Material for Facial Expressions
1:18:37Film Production and Post-Production Techniques
1:20:52Capturing the Moon in a Movie
1:22:20Challenges of Capturing Realistic Driving Sequenceschapter2
1:22:20Challenges of Capturing Realistic Driving Sequences
1:24:04Immersive Filmmaking Techniques and Real-World Effects
1:26:25Challenges of Filming in Extreme Weather Conditionschapter4
1:26:25Challenges of Filming in Extreme Weather Conditions
1:28:35Film Production Challenges and Technical Aspects
1:29:48Breaking Barriers in Cinematography as a Woman
1:31:14Importance of Representation in Film Industry
1:33:45Inspiring the Next Generation in Filmchapter5
1:33:45Inspiring the Next Generation in Film
1:36:01Preserving IMAX Ratio Shifts in Film Releases
1:37:33Preserving Aspect Ratio in Film Transitions
1:39:06Preserving Visual Quality in Post-Production
1:40:29Appreciation for Cinematic Craft and Effort
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