🎬 Interview with Cinematographer Alejandro Martinez
🌟 From Family Legacy to Cinematic Brilliance
Alejandro Martinez, a third-generation cinematographer, shares his journey into film and television, rooted in a family legacy of cinema. His grandfather shot around 200 films during Mexico's golden age of cinema. "My childhood was the film set," he recalls, likening his family's tradition to a craft passed down through generations.
🐉 Behind the Scenes of House of the Dragon
Alejandro's collaboration with director Clare Kilner on "House of the Dragon" began with "The Alienist" in 2019. Their professional chemistry was immediate. Alejandro, a fan of "Game of Thrones," found working on its prequel both exciting and challenging. "It was a very happy moment, but I was also anxious about meeting the expectations," he says. He takes pride in his contribution to the show, feeling a strong sense of ownership and accomplishment.
🐲 Filming Dragons in House of the Dragon
One thrilling aspect of "House of the Dragon" is filming the dragons. Alejandro recounts the scene where Daemon is atop Caraxes in the mountains, filmed entirely on location. "People are gonna think we shot this in the studio, but it was all on location," he notes. Planning for dragon scenes involves detailed storyboarding, location scouting, and previsualization to ensure accuracy. For example, scenes with Caraxes required precise positioning for Daemon and the dragon's head.
Alejandro also describes the preparation for the dramatic scene where Rhaenys and Meleys emerge during a coronation. "We had eight days to shoot that scene," he recalls. The dragon pit was recreated with blue screens and visual effects, combining various elements seamlessly.
⚔️ The Intricate Scene Between Arryk and Erryk
Alejandro highlights the standoff between Arryk and Erryk as a memorable scene. Initially intended to be shorter, it was shot with a specific vision. Alejandro appreciates the supportive environment of the show, emphasizing creative contribution while staying faithful to the story. Extensive rehearsals and meticulous preparation brought this scene to life. Alejandro captures the emotional weight of the scene, using close-ups and shaky cam to convey the intensity and confusion.
🔍 Filming the Jaehaerys Funeral Scene
The funeral scene was approached with a focus on emotional gravity, capturing the Queen's intense vulnerability. Inspired by Princess Diana's funeral, the scene aimed to convey personal loss and public scrutiny. Visual elements like the wobbly carriage and stuck wheels enhanced the tension. Although not mentioned in the book, the scene was expanded, shot in three cities to capture the breadth of emotion, highlighting the aftermath of violence and war.
🐾 Filming the Dog Bobby in House of the Dragon
Bobby, the dog in "House of the Dragon," added unexpected charm to the show. Initially a minor character, Bobby's role grew after a decision to have him kicked by a character, adding emotional impact. Special shots of Bobby looking up or following a wagon added a unique, endearing element. Fans loved Bobby, creating memes and calling him the "true dragon rider," showcasing spontaneous creativity on set.
🚀 Crafting the Post-Apocalyptic World of Fallout
Alejandro's work on "Fallout," based on the popular video game series, showcases his ability to translate complex aesthetics into captivating visuals. He embraced the challenge of recreating the 1950s Cold War-inspired environment. Alejandro emphasizes the importance of practical effects.
Alejandro's passion for filming on location is evident. He enjoys capturing natural elements to create an immersive experience. "There are very few things that were not there on the day of filming," he says, highlighting the authenticity of the settings. Filming a scene with T60 armor in a New Jersey tunnel, for example, involved practical effects with minimal additions.
