Pole Joins Potter Adventure
Oscar nominated cinematographer Slawomir Idziak has won the commission to film the next Harry Potter movie, 'The Order of the Phoenix.'
Idziak, who won fame during the 1980s working on Krzysztof Kieslowski's 'Dekalog' films, is one of several Polish cinematographers now in Hollywood, including Janusz Kaminski (Schindlers List, Saving Private Ryan) and Andrzej Sekula (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs).
Idziak is famous for his ethereal use of coloured filters, which he honed to magical effect with the late Kieskowski. Idziak told Poland's 'Film' Magazine that he has some ideas up his sleeve for the Potter film, but they must be approved 'not only by the director but also by the refined production team!'
The cinematographer says that he particularly liked the look of both the first and the fourth Harry Potter films. However, he added that the relationship between the computerized graphics and the filmed sequences remain the main stumbling block in all the films: 'The challenge will be to try and efface these borders,' he said.
The Pole, who shot Gattaca and Black Hawk Dawn, enthuses that he's delighted to get the commission:
'After filming Ridley Scott's 'Black Hawk Dawn' the Hollywood market perceived me as a specialist in action films... 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' gives me a chance to return to cinema that's closer to me.'
Filming is due to start next month.