Writer-director Sam Mendes’ film 1917 looks like it was taken in one complete shot.
It wasn’t of course, it was instead made with multiple shots edited to give the impression of a single ‘continuous’ shot, something which took solid planning and extensive preparation before a single frame was even shot.
Over 5,000 feet of trenches were built. Four months of blocking and rehearsals were done. Crews built models of every set to see how they could be lit.
So, press the top left play button on the above feature image to watch the video for more on how much effort went into making 1917 in such a choreographed way.
Mendes worked with Oscar winning cinematographer Roger Deakins to create what is an immersive experience for the audience. There is some fancy camera work made possible by various means — cranes, Steadicams, jeeps, motorbike and by foot.
See the below round table video featuring Medes, Deakins with stars Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay and screenwriter Krysty Wilson-Cairns for more about the making of 1917.