Clubhouse Conversations — The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power [Season 2]

In this episode, cinematographer Alex Disenhof, ASC is joined by interviewer Rob Legato, ASC to discuss his work on Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power — the epic fantasy series set that unfolds during Middle-earth’s Second Age, thousands of years before J.R.R. Tolkien’s original tales took place.

The Rings of Power's second season is centered on the rise of Sauron, the Dark Lord (Charlie Vickers), who conspires to deceive the Elves of Eregion into facilitating his hostile takeover of Middle-earth. Disenhof shot five of the season's eight episodes, including its premiere, entitled "Elven Kings Under the Sky," and its finale, entitled "Shadow and Flame."

In this interview, Disenhof discusses fleshing out the series' cinematic scale; the challenges of capturing Middle-earth’s expansive landscapes and dynamic action set pieces; how his lighting and lens choices complemented the series’ naturalistic, yet fantastical environments; his use of Unreal Engine and Vortex fixtures to plan and execute complex scenes; his approach to integrating practical and visual effects to imbue the show with a sense of realism; his approach to shooting forced perspective, and scale work, to bring Middle-earth’s diverse inhabitants to life, and more.

Alex Disenhof, ASC is a cinematographer whose works include the series City on a Hill, The Exorcis,Watchmen and Legion.

Rob Legato, ASC is a visual effects supervisor whose renowned works include Titanic, Apollo 13, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Hugo, The Jungle Book and The Lion King.

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