Behind the Scenes: My Work as Director of Photography on the Cambodia Feature-Length Documentary "Loot"

I recently had the privilege of contributing as a Director of Photography on the feature-length documentary "Loot," which premiered at the 14th Edition of the Cambodia International Film Festival.

It was a fascinating experience to be involved in documenting the significant return of ancient artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to Cambodia.

I was contacted by Cole, the producer from New Theory Films. Our initial conversation touched upon impactful documentaries like Kalyanee Mam's "A River Changes Course." Following an interview with Cole, the director Don, and the primary Director of Photography, Peter CS Lee, I was brought on board for the shoot.

Peter and I collaborated closely, reviewing his comprehensive style guide to ensure a consistent visual language. We discussed everything from framing and camera techniques to aspect ratios, frame rates, and picture profiles.

The shoot utilized a two-camera setup with a Sony a7siii capturing DCI 4K and an a7iv recording in QFHD with a slight vertical crop planned for post-production.

A crucial aspect of my contribution was the implementation of a Diety TC-1 timecode kit. I oversaw the purchase, installation, and testing of the three timecode generators, which provided seamless audio and video synchronization in post-production – a vital element for a smooth workflow.

Over two busy days, we filmed key interviews with the central figure involved in the artifact investigation. This included a master interview, lifestyle b-roll footage, and the poignant moment of the artifacts being returned and unveiled at the National Museum.

Attending the CIFFF premiere was a rewarding experience, allowing me to connect with the core team behind "Loot." The film effectively tells an important story, and I highly recommend seeking it out if you have the opportunity. You can find more information about the film here.

You can see more examples of my work as a director of photography on documentaries here and here.