In the month of March, Castle production finished up filming episode “The Lives of Others” and tackled the next ones: “The Fast and Furriest”, “Still” and finally started filming “The Squab and the Quail”. Our favourite camera operator Andrew Bikichky has once again shared a lot of pictures of what was going on behind the scenes on the Castle set and shared information about his work and behind the scenes information about the episodes they have shot in the past.
Fans ask him a lot about his camera and his work methods. As Andrew posted a picture of the filters of his camera, inquiring minds wanted to know what they do – it corrects daylight to look white/neutral on tungsten balanced film. The hair in the gate looks like a small squiggy hair that might vibrate on the edge of the frame. Camera assistants usually check the film gate before filming to avoid any problems. Also, the reason for using 400 instead of 1K for corner camera is to allow space for operator to lean over camera – lower profile. Andrew also notes, that like his camera is rented from Panavision, his equipment is rented from 3ality. Panavision cameras are maintained routinely by the assistants (oil/silicone) and occasionally they require a set visit from Panavision tech. Castle uses two Panavision cameras for capturing the series. TV industry is fast paced and multiple cameras are a normal sight – more footage, more to cut.
Castle films mostly with camera on dollies – they don’t have to carry around the camera. They do it, when it’s necessary and when direction needs it. Cameras are moved both on tracks and on wheels, the usage of them depends on how good the floor is and how good the long lense is. Andrew himself has no preference on handheld or dolly – the usage depends on the story and vision of the director (what is right for the shot). Camera settings and functions are usually handled by 1st AC. The shots are set up initially by either director of photography or camera operator depending on a shot and how complex the shot is. Andrew also says that if you know what director wants, camera operator can contribute a lot with framing and composition, specially when sorting out shots. Camerawork and direction are organic in an essence. Director and first assistant director prep the shots – they don’t alternate directors, so those two are the ones who prep the look of coming episodes.
Andrew says he isn’t usually the one who arrives first on set – he works from camera call to camera wrap. No setup or takedown for him – his 1st AC carries/moves the camera into setup. If the camera needs to move and if it’s not during the shot, 1st AC or 2nd AC moves it around. Andrew’s responsibility is setting up the shots, protecting the frame (keeping stuff that’s not supposed to be in a shot, out) and operating the camera. Anything technical is his 1st AC job. The crew works at all hours, no 9-5 work on Castle set.
Briefly during the filming of “The Squab and the Quail” Andrew met up with the legendary 1st camera assistant – they were talking about concerts (he was the lead 1st AC for The Last Waltz). Andy also says he was the lead camera assistant for the 1984 olympics for which he designed the zoom control Andy uses today.
The organizing of the locations of the shoots falls into the hand of Location Manager – he finds the places for different shots. Also, choosing between location vs. set depends on how expensive one or the other is. Sets can be cheaper over a long run, like a TV show. Choosing downtown LA over Paramount lot for outside city shots depends on how much control is needed for the shot. If its short and simple shoot, it can be arranged in DTLA, if its an elaborate shot with stunts, they usually do it in controlled environment like Paramount lot. Also, shooting outdoors can be tricky – with a subtle wind shifts and different camera angles, it can be difficult at times.
Usually the props like NYC taxis and mailboxes and like most of the things on set – are rented. On locations like the woods in the episodes “Scared to Death” and “The Fast and the Furriest” they use man-made fog to create more creepier sets. Andrew says, during the shooting of 5×17, it was very cold outside, going down to 28 F, quite rare in LA. Instead of being scared to death, they were frozen to death. The “haunted” video from 5×17 was made by Richmond, a video playback tech and his colleagues.. Richmond is also the one who creates the cheeky faux news playing in the bullpen during shoots. We also found out that the writer of the episode is usually on set while they are shooting the said episode.
In Andrew’s opinion, the biggest difference between shooting TV shows and movies is time and money – the feature films usually have a lot more of both. Andrew’s first gig in the film industry was grunt work during a pre-production on a low budget action movie. His favourite Bond movie is “Casino Royale” and he likes the work of artists like Peter Saville and designs from Tomato. Andrew’s favourite part of his job is operating the camera and making great shots of everyone.
“@palesparks: Hi Andrew! Have you got any advice for someone wanting to get into TV/film behind the scenes?”Find a student film to work on
— Andrew Bikichky (@AndrewBikichky) March 26, 2013
“@liverfool2: in one word, what has been your take away from filming 100 episodes of castle?:)” Marathon
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— Andrew Bikichky (@AndrewBikichky) March 7, 2013
“@aussiecate16: Hi Andy over the 100 eps what has been biggest change you’ve seen?”The hair
— Andrew Bikichky (@AndrewBikichky) March 7, 2013
“@serybisco: Who is on set today?
“@stana_katic:Ran thru woods yesterday @ work.Character wears heels…And evidently moonlights as a rototiller.” Heels didn’t slow u down
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— Andrew Bikichky (@AndrewBikichky) March 14, 2013
“@rebhuns: The chemistry between the whole cast do you think they are the best”Yes, like most ensembles that work, the chemistry is there
— Andrew Bikichky (@AndrewBikichky) March 15, 2013
Here are some pictures that Andrew has tweeted during the month of March:
Another look at the behind the lens gel/filter; it’s the orange surface.
A fan: Could you tweet us something for helping us to wait for the next ep?
Coming out of the lights at the beginning of the shot in the morgue
Technocrane w/ 3-axis Libra head
Handle wrapped in blue is the Hollywood handle
Guerrilla art on the back of a set wall
Pounding the light in with a 10k light
Ep 517 The Cabin in the woods…. Very cold night!
Ep517 thearea where Beckett tackles the shadowy figure
Bill Roe wearing the huge warm furry hat.
Ep517 another angle on the cabin in the woods
Ep517 Beckett tackles shadow area
Guru barista is back for a scene, with a rather tasty work of art I must say
Setting up opening shot Ep518
Just above the cupcake shop. (Ep518), this what the interiors look like in the buildings of the Paramount backlot.
Corner pocket shot Ep518
Sound Mixer Ron gets all the lines
As we head into our last 24 days of S5, our schedule will seem more indistinct and mysterious…
View from 1st setup E518
Shooting for E519
