ONFILM - Variety

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ONFILM - Variety

Rob McLachlan CSC

“Filming a TV program is like being a composer who only has 15 minutes to prepare before the music is recorded for posterity.

I’m generally a minimalist. I’ve shot so many documentaries that it is innate for me to make the most of natural light. Some people say they recognize my style, but I don’t have one way of shooting. It’s all about where you put the light and direct the viewer’s eye. I’m fortunate to have a lead actor (Lance Henriksen) who wears his character on his face. The closer he gets to evil, the more desaturated and darker the look gets.

I want the camera more on top of the bad guys, so they feel a little distorted and are forced into intimate contact with the audience.

I also want contrast with rich blacks and nice highlights. There is much more art in darkness, because it is harder to take light away than it is to make it brighter.

I find it more satisfying working on the edge and risking failure than playing it safe or somewhere in-between, but there are no unbreakable rules.”

Rob McLachlan, CSC spent the first 10 years of his career shooting and editiing commercials, environmental and animal rights documentaries, educational and promotional films. He has subsequently compiled a substantial list of narrative credits, including many MOW  s, independent features, and Canadian/US TV series. McLachlan recently earned his sixth Outstanding Achievement Aware in ten years from the Canadian Society of Cinematographers honouring his work on Millennium.