Inside Scoop: Ahsoka's Filming Challenges in Star Wars Reveal Game-Changing Technology!

Highlights

The filming technology known as The Volume has revolutionized shooting for projects like The Mandalorian, but it has also created a culture shock for some.

Cinematographer Eric Steelberg faced challenges while working with The Volume on Ahsoka, as he had to adapt to creating virtual environments with a predetermined lighting style months ahead of time.

However, despite the difficulties, Steelberg recognizes the advantages of The Volume. He appreciates the unique lighting it offers and the opportunity to craft breathtaking moments in projects such as Ahsoka.

The use of The Volume, a revolutionary filming technology, has greatly transformed the shooting process for many projects, including the highly acclaimed series The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. However, while this screen-based rig has simplified things for some, others have experienced a certain level of cultural shock.

For those unfamiliar, The Volume is essentially a massive enclosure consisting of ultra-HD screens that display the environment of the scene being filmed. What sets this groundbreaking technology apart is that it also moves the environment along with the camera, maintaining the three-dimensional aspect of the scene. This innovative approach prevents the shortcomings of a static image backdrop behind the actors. Though it may seem like a dream come true for many, some individuals may require a period of adjustment.

That was the case for cinematographer Eric Steelberg, who has worked on several notable projects including The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and even Ghostbusters: Afterlife. In an interview with The Direct, Steelberg shared his firsthand experience with The Volume. "When I first started on Ahsoka, it was my initial encounter with The Volume. To see it in person was quite surreal," Steelberg explained. "Unlike shooting on traditional blue screens or sets, where everything is familiar, I've had the opportunity to work with real elements and physical environments, as I did on Ghostbusters and more recently, Hawkeye. Everything is tangible and right there in front of you."

Creating virtual environments and ensuring their meticulous assembly is a crucial aspect of shooting with The Volume. This process often occurs months before filming begins, which initially surprised Steelberg. The most challenging part, he explained, is achieving a virtual environment with a lighting style that matches. The decisions regarding the desired aesthetic must be made well in advance, and once they are set, they cannot be easily changed. Steelberg expressed that if he had a sudden inspiration to alter the lighting in a virtual background, he would be constrained or unable to do so.

One might think that Steelberg dislikes using The Volume for productions like Andor, but he actually has a pragmatic perspective on the matter. He clarified that it is not a problem or issue, but rather a learning process of adapting to a new environment and tool. The benefit of using The Volume is remarkable, as it allows for creative possibilities that would otherwise be unattainable. Additionally, the surrounding environment provides unique and captivating lighting, which is not as easily achieved when working on a blue screen. The content displayed on the screen itself acts as the primary source of lighting, imitating the realistic illumination of an actual location. This is why The Volume works particularly well with reflective surfaces, such as helmets.

The learning curve for new technology is expected. While there are advantages and disadvantages to using The Volume, a skilled cinematographer like Steelberg can highlight its benefits. He successfully showcased some awe-inspiring moments in Ahsoka and other projects. Hopefully, he continues to excel in utilizing this relatively new technology.

You can stream Star Wars: Ahsoka on Disney Plus.

Source: The Direct