Deniz Alkaç 19 july 2024 readtime 4 min

The Story Behind ‘We Know Our Place in the World'

Harnessing creativity often means venturing into uncharted waters, and that’s precisely what Cyril Cherim, Rens de Groot, and Christiaan van Leeuwen did for their film ‘We know our place in the world’ for Air-France KLM. The bold choice: filming entirely in a stark, gritty black and white.

This creative decision has landed their film in the running for a Dutch Creativity Award for Cinematography, showcased on our portfolio. We caught up with Cyril (copywriter), Rens (art director), and Christiaan (director of photography) to dive into their creative process.

What inspired the decision to propose a black and white film to an airline?

“After scouting various locations and observing the everyday hustle of AFKLMMARTINIAR CARGO, it was clear their operation was distinct from typical passenger air travel—rigorous, relentless, regardless of weather. We aimed to reflect this toughness. Our theme, ‘We know our place in the world,’ necessitated a cinematographic style that kept the focus off the individuals until the film’s climax, making gritty black and white the perfect fit.”

How was this unconventional approach received?

“We pitched three concepts initially, and this one received unanimous support. After a follow-up presentation, even the CEO was on board. Though there were discussions throughout the process, we stayed true to our vision and kept pushing forward.”

What challenges did shooting in black and white pose?

“Maintaining enough contrast was tough without the crutch of color. The documentary setting demanded a nuanced approach to lighting. We strategically shot scenes with significant light variations to ensure the images lived up to our vision while maintaining the heavy aesthetic we desired.”

How did this choice influence your camera work?

“The choice to shoot in black and white significantly influenced our camera work by requiring a dual focus on narrative and visual contrast. The absence of color meant that we had to seek scenes with striking light and shadow interplay to convey the story effectively. In several cases, we even had to bring in additional lighting to enhance these contrasts, which was a challenge due to the quick pace required in a live operational environment. The whole team, especially the focus puller and gaffer, had to be incredibly flexible and efficient, almost like street photographers, quickly setting up and capturing powerful images within minutes.”

What emotional effect does black and white have on the film compared to color?

“The stark black and white intensifies the perception of KLM cargo’s operations as a vast, seamless machine, enhancing the film’s dramatic and narrative depth.”

Is there a particular scene where black and white deeply influenced the storytelling?

“The scenes with airplanes docked against clouded skies stand out. The black and white treatment blends these elements, strengthening the narrative connection and enhancing the film’s atmospheric mood.”

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