"Homecoming" cinematorgraphy styles (Amazon series)

[Andy_Johnson]

I'll preface this with I am not quite sure what this series was filmed with, but I loved it. It was visually appealing and the story had great hooks.

The thing that stood out most (besides the use of, I believe it was, 4:3) during the flash-forward/present time scenes was the bokeh. In a lot of scenes, the bottom or top of the frame had tons of bokeh and I'm assuming they shot these almost wide open. However it looked very different than I have seen. It was more 'blurry' than 'soft' if that makes sense? At first it seemed harsh but it really grew on me and fit the theme well.
Does anyone know what type of optics produce that?
Anyone else a fan of the series?

 

[Brendan H. Banks]

There's a great American Cinematographer article about what they did in the series. Tod Campbell did some interesting things with the DXL. They de-tuned some anamorphic glass to lose focus on the top and bottom of the frame -- Panavision was huge in this step of the process.

I was also a fan of the show and its cinematography. That article also has some thoughts and ideas spelled out in it that go beyond a cool shot or good lighting...especially the comments on a camera that NEVER tilts to adjust framing and finding the exact height you want for an entire scene of blocking. It's one of my favorite articles in the last year from them, highly recommend checking it out.

 

[Mike P.]

You mean this article Brendan?

 

[Andy_Johnson]

Wow, that article was amazing - thanks for the heads up Brendan! The techniques described and set design were fascinating. Also I stand corrected on my original post - it was 1:1 and not 4:3.
Thanks again, bookmarking that for sure!

 

[Brendan H. Banks]

You mean this article Brendan?

Yup that's it! I wasn't sure if it was public or only for AC subscribers.

Wow, that article was amazing - thanks for the heads up Brendan! The techniques described and set design were fascinating. Also I stand corrected on my original post - it was 1:1 and not 4:3.
Thanks again, bookmarking that for sure!

Wild right? I really enjoyed reading that one. Lots of things to chew on and try out.