Clubhouse Conversations — 3 Body Problem

In this episode, cinematographers Jonathan Freeman, ASC, Richard Donnelly, ISC, and Martin Ahlgren, ASC are joined by interviewer Larry Fong, ASC to discuss their work on 3 Body Problem — the science-fiction show based on the acclaimed novel series Remembrance of Earth's Past by Liu Cixin.

3 Body Problem tells the story of Ye Wenjie (Rosalind Chao), an astrophysicist who witnesses her father's death during the Chinese Cultural Revolution and is recruited by the military. Sent to a secret base due to her expertise, she responds to an alien signal, leading modern scientists to confront humanity's greatest threat. Freeman and Donnelly shot two episodes for Season One, including the pilot; Ahlgren shot Episodes 4, 5 and 6.

In this interview, Freeman, Donnelly and Ahlgren discuss creating a 100-foot wall of SkyPanels for large-scale interactive lighting; collaborating with the production's visual-effects team; avoiding the use of “camera trickery”; their decision to shoot the show with anamorphic lenses, and more.

Jonathan Freeman, ASC is a cinematographer whose credits include Game of Thrones, Defending Jacob, Boardwalk Empire and Sons of Anarchy. He has received five Emmy nominations — three of which resulted in wins for his work on Boardwalk Empire — and has won five ASC Awards out of eight nominations.

Richard Donnelly, ISC is a cinematographer whose credits include Game of Thrones, The Nevers and The Last Kingdom.

Martin Ahlgren, ASC is a cinematographer whose credits include House of Cards, The Plot Against America, Altered Carbon, Blindspot and Daredevil. He has earned two Emmy Awards and two ASC Award nominations.

Larry Fong, ASC is a cinematographer whose credits include Watchmen (2009), Super 8 (2011), Kong: Skull Island (2017) and Lost.

You’ll find all episodes in our ASC Clubhouse Conversations discussion series here.