Team 2D collaborate with the 'Master of Light', Mr Denson Baker ACS NZCS in the UAE

A snapshot of 2D Films time in the United Arab Emirates

Chatting with Denson Baker ACS NZCS in late December 2022, the conversation turned to an opportunity for 2D Films to be involved in the Emirati feature film MOUNTAIN BOY. Very much a ‘pinch yourself’ moment. To be able to work with Denson again, traveling to the United Arab Emirates to shoot some of the best locations that Abu Dhabi and Fujairah had to offer, was an opportunity too good to pass up.

Dion would be Gaffer and 2^nd Unit DP, Dan would operate B Camera (an Arri Alexa Mini combined with Cooke S4i Prime lenses, an Angineux Optimo 17-80mm and a Fujinon Premista 80-250mm).

Dion’s 2^nd Unit work included filming a vintage fishing boat in the Gulf of Oman and capturing some stunning mountain shots in the Barista Mountains, a rugged and picturesque location in Fujairah. Between lighting some amazing shots and boosting off to capture some quality 2^nd Unit footage, Dion had an amazing adventure, meeting some amazing crew along the way.

In regard to B-camera... to be in Denson’s camera team was both a privilege and an education in quality film making. To be given the opportunity to value-add to a stunning look Denson had designed in collaboration with Emirati director, Zainab Shaheen was a true honour.

The B-cam role included collaborating with Denson to capture performances in special effects rain, lightning, sand and dust storms. There was also a need to capture both complex stunt sequences as well as elegant and controlled dramatic moments, all while being willing to get the boots filled with water, caked in mud, choked with dust, and scuffed on mountain rock in some physically demanding environments… what fun!

With a crack B-cam team supporting Dan with his image making, affectionately dubbed ‘Team Mountain Goat’, they climbed, crawled, collaborated, and created some wonderful frames, which allowed for some stunning sequences in the final film.

The Fujinon Premista 80-250mm zoom lens (sometimes with the 2 x ‘doubler’ adapter) was a particular favourite, for those magical close-ups and long lens beauty shots. The lenses combined with Denson’s brilliantly planned use of the Tiffen Black Satin, Antique Satin, Smoque and Black Fog filters, for a cinematic aesthetic that was wonderful to behold and a privilege to help capture.

The project had a need for resilience, a requirement to work creatively and collaboratively with an A-list team, and a demanding 6-day schedule that all added to the feeling of accomplishment each day, which will not soon be forgotten.

A massive thanks goes to all the wonderful crew that the 2D lads worked in collaboration with on this project, all whom made this adventure a real joy.

It is not lost on us at 2D Films that the skills, mentorship, opportunities, knowledge, and friendship that has been shared with us through Denson Baker, has been a truly wonderful gift.

It is with thanks that we mention this, with our hope to work alongside Denson in the not-to-distant future, making the magic happen once more.