In the second of our crew spotlights, Second Unit Cinematographer Matt Toll explains how he captured the wild and colourful atmosphere of rock ‘n’ roll fame while filming Better Man on location and at Docklands Studios Melbourne.

(Matt Toll at right, on set at Docklands Studios during the filming of Better Man. Photo: Matt Toll)

The look and feel of the film is raw and emotional and we wanted the images to convey how Robbie felt through all the stages of his life.

So our lighting and camera movement had to have emotional energy, which we delivered using various lenses and camera movement from hand held to crane work.

It was exciting to work with (director) Michael Gracey as he’s so collaborative–he draws you in and allows everyone to bring their best.

(Director Michael Gracey on the Better Man set. Image: Paramount Pictures)

Shooting large concert scenes

Months of work went into the sequence filmed at Rod Laver Arena. It was captured so brilliantly by the team because of the precise planning and camera angles.

(Rod Laver concert scene. Image: Ben King)
(Rod Laver concert scene. Image: Ben King)

Techno cranes on stage were used to capture some of the bigger sweeping movements and it was shot over two nights with six cameras for the crowd shots and then multiple days with a hundred or so extras.

For the London Royal Albert Hall scenes (filmed at Docklands Studios) we used multiple cranes and dollies to cover it–the footprint of Stage 6 made this extremely efficient.

(Royal Albert Hall concert. Image: Ben King)

Favourite scene

I do love the opening scene of the film that I was lucky enough to shoot in Stoke-On-Trent. The grittiness of the environment means the audience is immediately placed into Robbie’s world.

(Matt Toll shooting at Stoke-on-Trent. Image: Matt Toll)

By the time the scene is over, the fact that Robbie is a CGI ape is no longer a thought in their minds.

Filming at Docklands Studios

I always love working in Melbourne as that is where I started in the industry many years ago.

Dockland Studios are world class and it’s an absolute pleasure driving through those gates every day and working with the best technicians that Australia has to offer.

(Stage 6. Image: Peter Glennane)

A studio the size of stage 6 allows crews plenty of room to work. It gives the art department flexibility to build huge sets like we did with the luxury boat and the final concert sequence, and to have multiple sets in one studio. All with great access and right next to the CBD in Melbourne.

Better Man was an incredible film to work on and definitely a highlight of my career.

(Luxury yacht scene.. Image: Paramount Pictures)
Better Man crew profile: Costume Designer Cappi Ireland