Karl Walter Lindenlaub ASC sheds very interesting light (literally) on the Paramount Plus series “Halo” which was shot on the LF systems. It appears that the Signature Primes were used for the ‘clean’ look, while the ARRI Rental’s DNA lenses were utilized for the ‘memory flashbacks’.

Halo – The Development Hell is over

Halo the series was being planned from 2013 as Steven Spielberg was supposed to produce it. However, it was released in 2022 by Paramount Plus. Halo went through a ‘development hell’, and that’s due to the acclaimed Xbox game. From the production point of view, the series was well funded (over 40M USD for the production itself). Moreover, all the post was done during the pandemic with high social distancing restrictions and remote workflow processes. The TV series had to be made accurately in order to satisfy Halo audiences referencing the video game version. Hence, cinematographer Karl Walter Lindenlaub ASC was called to action to film the series. In a short BTS video released by ARRI Rental, Karl elaborates on the cinematography that transformed this video game into a TV series.

Shot on LF system

Halo was shot on the ARRI LF systems (ALEXA LF and Mini LF). For the general look, Karl has chosen the Signature Primes, which are indeed a great match with the LF. The Signature Primes are considered as precise glass that offers a clean and sterile artistic look. The Signatures have been designed to render organic, emotionally engaging images, gently softening and texturizing the large format with natural skin tones and creamy bokeh. Furthermore, the Signatures provide zero flaring and almost no distortion. A notable film that was shot entirely on these lenses is Roger Deakins’s 1917. However, in Halo, as opposed to 1917, Karl performed a certain switch to a completely different set of glass, which is the ARRI DNA.

ARRI DNA Primes for the ‘flashback’ shots

The ARRI DNA Primes have been familiar to us from Godzilla vs. Kong when they paired with the ARRI ALEXA 65. Indeed, this glass was designed for the ALEXA 65. The DNA Prime lenses are characterized by a softer and creamier texture, and “were developed to have a more vintage look and personality and to be customized to the needs of a cinematographer for a particular project and a specific set of optical goals”. Hence, these lenses were the perfect choice for specific sets of shots in Halo. According to Karl, he used the DNAs to show the memory flashback of the main character. Watch the interview here, and the trailer is down below:

Is it overkill?

As mentioned, Halo has undergone development hell which caused the investment of masses of resources in the production. Tons of light, expensive equipment, and special effects in order to justify the imitation of the famous Xbox game. Cinematography-wise, the imagery looks high-ended for sure, and thus it has been praised by the audience. Hence, for that goal, mission accomplished. Alas, it’s limited to Paramount Plus instead of being presented on the big screen.

Have you watched Halo? Is it good like the game?