Photographer Fran Stivala takes us behind the scenes of the creation of the photograph for the poster of the film, ‘Machination’.
A powerful stream of light radiated through a small high window in an Mgarr townhouse-cum-studio where the photograph for the film ‘Machination’ would be shot. Striking an element as it was, the window had to be covered up for the making of this particular photograph, as even ambient light is required. The film is a psychological thriller that follows the dark convolutions of the mind of the main protagonist, Maria, played by actress Steffi Thake, and her battle to overcome them while cooped up home alone during a pandemic. Machination takes a look at undiagnosed mental illness and its effects on people’s lives.
Ivan Malekin and Sarah Jayne Portelli, the producers from Nexus Production Group and film-makers of ‘Machination’ had spotted my colour gel work on Instagram, liked it and got in touch. This was a very exciting venture for me as it was my first time working with this team, and Ivan, Sarah and Steffi quickly made me feel at home with their own enthusiasm.
The photograph was to feature the image of Steffi saturated in two colours, red and blue, these being the colour palette used in the film. The first call of action was to set up my equipment. For those interested in the equipment used it goes as follows: two umbrellas, two flash guns, colour gels, a Canon 5D Mark III camera , a 24-70mm Canon L lens and a remote trigger to set off the lights. A black backdrop was placed against the wall to serve as a dark background to the picture.
After a number of test shots were made I could start preliminary photographs of Steffi. Once I was happy with this ground work, preparation of the final poster photos could begin. Numerous ones were taken before the final one was chosen. One of these involved Steffi’s hands covered in worms, an important feature in the film, and also with her wearing a clinical face mask. These photographs didn’t make the final cut but are worth a look (see opposite: one of the optional photographs for the poster).
At this point Ivan and Sarah stepped in to help recreate the atmosphere by vividly recalling the character’s emotions throughout the film. This was an excellent method to guide Steffi in portraying her expressions for the final photo.
An alternative approach to the poster was one of Steffi lying in evident distress on the floor. This photograph was taken with me perched on a ladder and pointing the camera downwards to create an altogether different design to the colour gel photos.
A few hours of shooting later, when all of us were satisfied with the results, it was now time to leave the studio and get down to editing, an essential part of the photography process. This involves basic and tone-curving adjustments, skin retouching and smoothening and colour adjustments. The final ten photographs were then sent off to the producers to subsequently deal with the last stages of the poster design which required the addition of typography to the picture. And that was a wrap on the making of the poster for the Machination film.
Below are some behind the scenes images from the film.
Fran Stivala is a photojournalistic, wedding and portrait photographer. Her work can be viewed at www.franstivala.com and on Instagram @fran_stivala_photography
Machination is set to be released later this year. To stay up to date with the Machination news now, during the release and after, join the monthly NPG newsletter Creatively Connected.
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