Infiniti with Nick Meek – Behind the Scenes
Having recently established a new look for Infiniti, Nick Meek was asked once again by CP+B to apply his distinctive high key style to five more models of their fleet.
We were delighted to work once again on the post-production throughout the shoot, both on location and in the studio.
This was a shoot of epic proportions!
- 3 months
- 3 productions
- 27 major exterior shots
- 50 detail shots
- 6 different models
- Crew of 18
The Southern California locations included urban LA environments, desert highways, bridges, as well as an airport and a racetrack. With one of our retouchers constantly on set, we were able to jump start the post production. First pass amends could be in place before sending files to the agency, with feedback from Nick and the clients on set already incorporated.
The production convoy sets off to the desert:
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The car travels in the finest style of course.
Gear and preparation:
Nick’s camera mounted to the end of the rig and ready to shoot.
So many measures to work against the fierce desert sun! This flexible arm keeps the camera in shade and and can also be used to block flare.
It’s a long walk back once the rig is set up – this is at its maximum extension.
The captures go directly to Kate’s workstation. We use walkie-talkies to keep in touch, so post-production can begin smoothly and directly from the image capture.
This exterior station is a convenient direct point for the client signing off elements such as the angle of the car. Left to right: CD Doug Kohnen of CP+B, Kara Hughes of Infiniti, Nick Meek.
Nick inspects some images in the workstation.
At other locations, a smaller portable sun shelter is useful.
Nick goes handheld and low angle for detail shots.
Setting up the ‘Lizard‘ to capture HDR spheres for reference, so we have a full record of the background in case of any later alterations – this means that if we need to change any details we have an accurate record for reflections and lighting on the car.
Capturing some city skyscrapers with the Lizard for use as backup for the city location, in case they were needed.
Life on the set
Tunnel vision can set in on these long shoots…
But the epic skies and open desert are stunning.
Hats are a necessity when working long hours in the blasting desert sunshine.
Clouds drift by as we wait for the perfect light
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Even in the desert, the production team have to be vigilant – when the weather comes in, it happens fast! Approaching storms mean everything has to go under cover at very short notice.
Here it comes!
However the show must go on – no storm can stop Nick from continuing to work! Even in these conditions, he was able to capture great results. These were the shooting conditions:
…and this is the final result!
The precipitation did have some unexpected and spectacular side effects…
In between all the hard work during these long days on the road there were always moments of fun, where we got to play with an array of toys the crew had brought along (e-skateboards, mini motorcycle, remote controlled cars etc), and as we were being baked by the hot desert sun, we got to listen to some fine tunes by the motorhome band, while being spoiled by some amazing catered foods – Many thanks to Will Taylor of Ink and Oranges for their work on production!
Recom kept standards high with Kate coming first in her Go-Kart team.
The rig came in handy as a gigantic “selfie stick” to capture the crew, though no cable release was long enough to operate the camera!
Left to right:
- Will Taylor, producer, Ink and Oranges
- Ole Kagelmacher, grip & electrical
- TIm Mikulecky, stunt driver
- Peter, rigger, Move & Shoot,
- Michael Henika, assistant.
- Assistant catering, Off the Shelf
- Dave, car handler, Westside Group
- Nick Meek, photographer
- Kara Hughes, Infiniti
- Rosie Ollero, producer, CP+B
- Kate Brown, post artist, Recom Farmhouse
- Doug Kohnen, associate creative director, CP+B
- Mark Hurley, account handler, CP+B
- Matt Howze, Motorhome (and ukelele!) Groove Production Vehicles
- Victor Roa, art director, CP+B
- Eddie Hargitay, PA (and ukelele!)
- Bryan Foster – assistant producer, Ink and Oranges
- Leo – caterer, Off the Shelf
Not shown:
- Andrew Coleman, post artist, Recom Farmhouse
- Christoph Bolten, post director, Recom Farmhouse
- Jaqueline Bovaird, agent for Nick Meek, Levine/leavitt
All in all a very productive and delightful job. It was great to work once again with Nick Meek, the production was a big success and the same team is currently in the US working on the next Infiniti project.