Get ready to dive into the world of Guns Akimbo with cinematographer Stefan Ciupek! Making a limited budget action film is no easy feat, but Ciupek and the team behind Guns Akimbo were up for the challenge. In an interview, Ciupek shared the process behind developing the film’s mood and tone, finding the perfect filming locations, and choosing the right cameras and lenses to capture the action-packed scenes.
To create the look and feel of Guns Akimbo, Ciupek and director Jason Lei Howden drew inspiration from classic action movies from the ’80s like Running Man, Terminator, and RoboCop. But they also wanted to give the film a modern twist, so they spent a lot of time exchanging mood images and locking down the look of every scene in terms of lighting, framing, and color. The result is a film with a strong visual language that immerses the audience in the action.
To capture that energy, Ciupek opted for a variety of cameras and lenses. He chose the RED Monstro for its compact size and large format sensor, which allowed him to use longer lenses for the same perspective framing and create less depth of field and distortion. He also used Leica Thalia lenses for their lightweight design and ability to render faces beautifully. And for some of the crazier shots, he relied on Panasonic GH5s and GoPros.
But it wasn’t just about the equipment. Ciupek also used a Steadicam with an MK-V Omega Rig to give the camera more freedom and enhance its reach. And he wasn’t afraid to break the rules, combining smooth Steadicam shots with handheld B-camera shots to change the dynamics and energy in a scene.
Finally, finding the right locations was crucial to bringing the film to life. Although the fictional Shrapnel City is set in America, the filmmakers had to shoot in New Zealand and Bavaria for funding reasons. But Ciupek and the production designer found locations that matched the look they needed and used lighting to give them the special tone required for the film.
Overall, the process behind Guns Akimbo was intense and meticulous, but the result is a visually stunning and action-packed film that immerses the audience in its world.The production of Guns Akimbo was a true labor of love, with the filmmakers going above and beyond to create a visually stunning and action-packed film. They scoured the city for the perfect locations, dressing them up to look cool and American. The abandoned paper factory they found was a true gem, serving as the multipurpose set for all Skizm scenes. The filmmakers meticulously planned and choreographed each action sequence, with the cameras operating at an insanely fast pace. One particularly challenging sequence involved Nix chasing Miles through thick incoming traffic, but with careful planning and preparation, they managed to pull it off. The key takeaway for any filmmaker attempting a low-budget action film is to have a clear vision and be well-prepared. With dedication and hard work, anything is possible.Get ready to be inspired by some of the industry’s top professionals! Check out these must-read articles featuring cinematography tips from Watchmen DP Gregory Middleton, insights from the Ad Astra editing team on creating “quiet intensity” in the edit, editor Tom Jarvis’ experience with Carpool Karaoke featuring Paul McCartney, and art director Adam Rowe’s take on bringing the production designer’s vision to life. Don’t miss out on these valuable perspectives from the experts themselves. Check them out now!
