Taking the Leap into Digital Filmmaking
Known for his powerful, down-to-earth storytelling in award-winning dramas such as Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, Barry Jenkins decided to venture into the world of digital filmmaking. Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King was his first experience on such a large, all-digital project. This film is a prequel to the 2019 live-action movie, The Lion King. Jenkins admits his move into all-digital production was an invigorating challenge, but possibly his last.
Jumping into the Unknown
During an interview with Vulture, Jenkins voiced his skepticism about doing his job in the digital age. It had folks wondering how Mr. Moonlight, an acclaimed director known for his intimate, grounded storytelling style, could direct a massive digital project like Mufasa: The Lion King. Understandably, there were questions: How did Jenkins know about visual effects? Why would he agree to direct a film like this?
Adopting Virtual Production Tools
To create Mufasa, Jenkins used virtual production tools, aiming to recreate the magic Jon Favreau did with the 2019 version of The Lion King. The whole movie was made without Jenkins stepping onto a physical set, spending 147 filming days in a completely virtual environment. This was a massive change for the famed director.
Finding His Way in the Virtual World
Jenkins shared his thoughts about digital filmmaking and admitted it doesn’t resonate with him. He’s looking forward to returning to his usual way of doing things, expressing feelings through real people, light, and environments.
His future projects may involve a jump back to more intimate storytelling, hinted Adele Romanski, his long-time producer. The pair are potentially working on a biopic about celebrated choreographer Alvin Ailey with Searchlight Pictures. Romanski added that their future projects might not feature the hefty budgets of blockbusters like Mufasa.
Bringing a Touch of Jenkins to a Disney Spectacular
One thing was for sure, Mufasa wasn’t short of Jenkins’ signature aesthetic. The film consists of lengthy, flowing takes, akin to works by slow-cinema masters like Béla Tarr and Gus Van Sant. Jenkins and his team attempted to shoot scenes with the fewest shots possible, a decision he stood by despite concern from Disney about the pacing of a particular extended take.
Mufasa, A Learning Experience
Mufasa marked a significant learning experience for Jenkins and reaffirmed his predilection for traditional, tactile filmmaking. As he moves on to other endeavors, fans can anticipate a return to his recognizable original storytelling and evocative visual artistry.
Although it had its challenges, Mufasa gave Jenkins a chance to stretch his creativity like never before. As his fans look forward to more projects in the future, they can expect him to make good use of his artistry that has become his trademark.
Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King will make its grand premiere in theaters on December 19. Prepare yourselves for a visual feast and an intriguing new take on the beloved story.Check the full story on https://projectcasting.com/blog/news/barry-jenkins-reflects-on-directing-disneys-mufasa-all-virtual-filmmaking-is-not-my-thing