David Fincher’s highly-anticipated Netflix film MANK is here! Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt ASC explains how modern equipment and techniques were used to create an authentic-looking 1930s black and white film.

Erik and Go Creative Show host, Ben Consoli, discuss why they chose not to shoot on film, how shooting & lighting black and white is different than color, Erik’s philosophy on camera coverage, and so much more!

What you will learn in this episode:

• Prep and working with David Fincher (03:31)
• Authentic black and white visual approach (16:02)
• Shooting with deep focus (21:44)
• Lighting for black and white (23:15)
• Lighting dissolve transitions in Mank (26:24)
• Transforming 8K footage to look like film (30:43)
• Why shooting on film was never considered (35:43)
• Filtration used on Mank (40:30)
• Philosophy on camera coverage (44:40)
• Filming and lighting the election party (53:12)
• Using ND filter contacts for actor eyes (57:40)
• Production design in black and white (01:04:24)
• And more!

Show Links

• Erik Messerschmidt’s IMDb
• Erik Messerschmidt’s Instagram
• Mank on Netflix
• Mank IMDb

The Go Creative Show is supported by:

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

PostLab – Collaborative Editing for Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro
https://gocreativeshow.com/postlab