Capturing Light – Episode 175 with Xavier Dolléans, AFC
Capturing Light - A Director of Photography's PodcastShow Notes
In this episode, we talk about
HIGH VALUE TARGET: THE HUNT FOR SADDAM
Creating two very distinct worlds: the polished, controlled world of Washington, and the war-torn, oppressive atmosphere of Baghdad
References including Zero Dark Thirty, Sicario, Black Hawk Down and The Hurt Locker, to name a few
The interviews are the backbone of the show and how they gave each one between John and Saddam its own look
How camera movement changed from the beginning to negotiations to the final confrontation
The complicated lighting setup, the importance of the windows and filming under the Egyptian sun
Cameras and lenses: the ARRI Alexa 35 as their main camera paired primarily with Signature Prime lenses
Director of Photography: Xavier Dolléans, AFC
https://www.xavierdolleans.com/
https://www.instagram.com/xavier_dolleans/
Check out the Trailer:
Supporting links to articles about the project:
The Hollywood Reporter
New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/12/arts/television/high-value-target-joel-kinnaman-john-nixon.html
Wall Street Journal
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