Here are some additional behind-the-scenes photos of the Human Spark nighttime campfire shoot with archaeologist Curtis Marean.
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- The Setting
The Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, Arizona provided the location for our nighttime shoot. The setting was breathtaking – but completely extraneous for our campfire shoot! Photo by Larry Engel
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- A Beautiful Backdrop
We took advantage of the beautiful backdrop to film Alan Alda’s introductory video to welcome viewers to this Web site. We couldn’t let all that desert scenery go to waste! Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- Fire Pit
Here’s the spot where we will build the fire for Alan and Curtis to gather around. Photo by Larry Engel
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- Strategy Session
Director Larry Engel (left) and sound recordist John Garrett (center) discuss particulars of the upcoming shoot with Alan. Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- Pizza for Dinner
It’s nonstop glamour on “Human Spark” shoots…. What, you were expecting Hollywood-style craft services for dinner, not lukewarm pizzas? Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- Framing the Discussion
Producer Graham Chedd gives Curtis some last minute reminders about which parts of his research the conversation should highlight. See our faux moon in the background? Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- Jimmy Jib
For this shot, Larry mounted the camera on a jimmy jib crane to get a smooth movement from the fire up to Curtis and Alan. Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- Working the Camera
Here’s the opposite view of the jimmy jib setup. Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- Mic Check
Sound AND picture both must be of the highest quality. John makes sure Alan’s hidden mic will pick up the conversation, despite his being bundled up to fend off the desert night chill. Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- A Smooth Pan
For this shot, Larry and the camera are pushed slowly and smoothly along dolly tracks on the ground to get a nice steady pan of the conversation, with the fire in the foreground. Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- Getting Every Angle
Curtis and Alan stay put for the duration of their talk, but the camera – and the rest of the crew – move around relative to them so that we can record a variety of angles. Having a variety of shots helps when we get back to the editing suite. Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- By the Light of the "Moon"
With the fire burning bright – assisted by our artificial firelight and moonshine – Curtis and Alan had a great conversation. Photo by Larry Engel
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- Campfire Close-up
Getting some extra shots of the fire…. The goal is also to record some great fire pops and crackles – without melting the microphone! Photo by Maggie Villiger
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- Packing Up
A glimpse of the truckload of gear that went into lighting this night scene. Photo by Larry Engel
