DP Michael Bonvillain on Shooting Cloverfield

Feb 12, 2008 12:00 PM

DP Michael Bonvillain on Shooting Cloverfield

The strategically designed frenetic pace of the photography seen in the new Matt Reeves-directed monster movie Cloverfield relied heavily on a mixture of high-definition cameras and lower-end prosumer digital systems, as well. They were used by cinematographer Michael Bonvillain in various combinations to create the illusion that the entire movie was "filmed" by a young man with a video camera basically fleeing for his life from a gigantic creature as it wreaks havoc on New York City. Among the tools used by Bonvillain during the production was the new Sony F23 digital camera system—one of its first applications on a major feature film—which Bonvillain used largely to capture visual effects plates in combination with other HD cameras. Bonvillain recently spoke with millimeter senior editor Michael Goldman about his approach to using the F23 and other cameras on the project. To listen, click here