Output details

'F'

The production of F represents a significant springboard in Sidell’s career development as a cinematographer. It demonstrates how to employ processes (evolved through his prior experimental practice) to maintain creativity and authorship within his cinematography.

Within F, Sidell developed a collaborative process with the director, akin to his own practice as an artist: intuitive, organic, experimental and sensitive to given conditions and materials.

Means of avoiding shot lists and schedules were developed to be receptive and responsive to how dramatic scenes present themselves. Immediately before shooting, the director would establish the performances in the location, in order to develop the most intense performances. Sidell would join this improvisation to then influence the action in favour of camera and lighting. To extend this, a specific mode of cinematography was evolved. Sidell lit scenes for drama and atmosphere but also to enable unrestricted camera movement. This also offered the actors more freedom, extending fluidity, flexibility and resulting energy. The approach therefore responded to, rather than dictated, how a scene would play out. Sight and Sound commented on the atmospheric qualities of Sidell’s cinematography and how it benefited the film.

The texture of the image was also committed in camera, through what many would regard as ‘dangerous’ underexposure. Sidell intended to create a texture that belied the digital format the film was shot on, by creating large areas of murky shadow and dirty oppressive unnatural light and colour. This institutional feel was enhanced in post-production and has become the film’s trademark. Despite its low budget, the film secured an international release both theatrically and on DVD.