Projects
PERFECT COMPOSITION
A camera that delivered top quality images was the priority
for Wavelength Films when filming Stephen Fry on Wagner
Filmed on location in Germany,
Switzerland and Russia, Stephen Fry on Wagner considered using it again for the Wagner project. “We
follows Fry as he explores the life, music and legacy of opted for the PDW-700 in the end as it would record
the composer, Richard Wagner. Wavelength Films to spec and because of the benefits the format gave us
secured exclusive access to film behind the scenes in in post, especially the easy and speedy importing of
the run up to the 2009 Bayreuth Festival, an annual footage,” says McGrady. The team shot several long
extravaganza of Wagner’s music. Fry eavesdrops on sequences of musical rehearsals, and benfited from the
rehearsals and performances, and meets some of the camera’s ability to divide these sequences into clips. The
world’s leading conductors and performers as he proxy files also provided a ready made set of viewing
pieces together the story of the composer. copies for the director whilst preparing for the edit, with
“The top priority was a camera that delivered high no need to transfer the rushes to DVD.
quality images,” says director Patrick McGrady. “All our Since buying the camera in 2008, Mitcorp has
recent projects have been shot in HD so there was no assisted in the few questions cameraman Jeremy Irving
question that this would be any different, especially as had about the kit. It also helped with lining up his lenses
we intend the film to have a limited theatrical release in to match the camera. ”They are a friendly, efficient bunch
a longer 90 minute version after broadcast on the BBC.” who I feel I can call upon as and when required.
Having previously shot films, including Stephen Fry and Thankfully so far the camera hasn’t thrown up any
the Gutenberg Press, using the HDW-750, Wavelength particular problems,” says Irving.
24 theproducer Autumn 2009
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