The cinematographer of David Fincher’s hit Netflix series, Mindhunter, Erik Messerschmidt ASC takes us behind the scenes the show. 

Erik and Go Creative Show host, Ben Consoli, discuss how he created the distinct look of Mindhunter, why David Fincher shoots so many takes, mastering good camera movement, how Erik preps for shoots, and more!

What you will learn in this episode:

• Importance of film school and on-set experience (02:22)
• What Erik is watching during COVID-19 (12:08)
• Visual approach to MINDHUNTER (15:48)
• Mastering good camera movement (20:08)
• Camera and lens package (22:22)
• Why David Fincher shoots so many takes (27:28)
• Compositing multiple takes together (42:05)
• Approach to lighting (44:57)
• Shot diagrams and storyboarding (54:18)
• Lighting the prison scenes (01:01:59)
• Exposing for dark cinematography (01:04:25)
• Color theory and how it affects the audience (01:05:21)

Show Links

• Mindhunter on Netflix
• Season 1 trailer
• Season 2 trailer
• Mindhunter IMDb
• Erik Messerschmidt’s IMDb
• Erik Messerschmidt’s Instagram

The Go Creative Show is supported by:

MZed – Education for Creatives
https://gocreativeshow.com/mzed