Zack Snyder on the set of Army of the Dead. Picture: Netflix
Zack Snyder on the set of Army of the Dead. Picture: Netflix

Zack Snyder Teaches Filmmaking

2021-05-27
1 min read

The Netflix Film Club has launched a four-part BTS (behind the scenes) video series about the making of the Army of the Dead. The series conducted by the director and cinematographer Zack Snyder, sheds light on the creative process from many aspects, starting with the opening title sequences.ย 

Zack Snyder Teaches Filmmaking. Picture: Netflix
Zack Snyder Teaches Filmmaking. Picture: Netflix

โ€œThe first movie I shot with a digital cameraโ€

This is what Snyder says about Army of the Dead, as opening words for the upcoming filmmaking series: โ€œWhatever movie you make, you should make it as if thereโ€™s no chance youโ€™ll make another one. Your passion and your dedication need to reflect that point of view. There are no production constraints on you and your drawing. Army of the Dead is the first movie I shot with a digital camera. Thatโ€™s a beautiful thing. This is all Iโ€™ve got and Iโ€™m gonna do it all the wayโ€

Zack Snyder on the set of Army of the Dead. Picture: Netflix
Zack Snyder on the set of Army of the Dead. Picture: Netflix

Whatever movie you make, you should make it as if thereโ€™s no chance youโ€™ll make another one.

Director and cinematographer Zack Snyder

Director and cinematographer

Army of the Dead was shot on the RED Monstro, which is the flagship camera made by RED Digital Cinema. The camera was modified specially for Snyder (Read: โ€˜Army of the Deadโ€™ Trailer Is Out: Shot on RED Monstro by Cinematographer (and Director) Zack Snyder). Furthermore, the cameras were paired with a very special glass, which is the Canon Rangefinder lenses (Read: Zack Snyderโ€™s โ€˜Army of the Deadโ€™ was Shot on Canon Rehoused Vintage Full-Frame Lenses). That means the cinematography tools were modified for Snyder to grant him the desired look.

The lenses behind Army of the Dead. Picture: Netflix
The lenses behind Army of the Dead. Picture: Netflix

Also, Snyder worked as his own cinematographer, operating the camera by himself, handheld most of the time. BTS footage reveals the intensity of the camera operation, operating in a harsh environment by Snyder himself. The rig looks compact, with a friendly form factor for shooting in the middle of the action.

Zack Snyder on the set of Army of the Dead. Picture: Netflix
Zack Snyder on the set of Army of the Dead. Picture: Netflix

4-part BTS by Zack Snyder

As described by the Netflix Film Club: โ€œIn ‘Snyder School,’ Zack Snyder takes us on a four-episode journey into his groundbreaking creative process as a filmmakerโ€. Also, Snyder adds: โ€œJoin me in a 4-part behind the scenes video series on Army of the Dead and filmmakingโ€. In Episode 1, Zack discusses his approach to creating a title sequence, from storyboard sketches to special effects, in Army of the Dead, as well as 300, Watchmen, and Justice League. Check it out below:

YMCinema is a premier online publication dedicated to the intersection of cinema and cutting-edge technology. As a trusted voice in the industry, YMCinema delivers in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and breaking news on professional camera systems, post-production tools, filmmaking innovations, and the evolving landscape of visual storytelling. Recognized by industry professionals, filmmakers, and tech enthusiasts alike, YMCinema stands at the forefront of cinema-tech journalism.

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