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Balancing act Experienced both in front of and behind the camera, Ransom draws on that knowledge whenever he’s directing. “I know what it takes to speak to actors. I feel like that’s a really strong asset of mine, because I’ve lived it. I’ve lived being a cinematographer, and I still live that. I know the pressures; I know the job. I know what’s possible in terms of framing. I know what’s technically possible. So whenever I’m on set as a director, I call on that experience,” he explains. For that reason, he’s not afraid of challenges, confident in bringing bold ideas to commercial projects and, more importantly, his ability to deliver. To promote Sony PlayStation’s Monster Hunter Wilds , for instance, Ransom pitched a commercial that would ‘blur the lines between gaming and live action’ by incorporating motion control. “We added these slightly robotic movements that, although it’s live action, give this dynamic of feeling slightly robotic and a little bit game-like,” says Ransom, who also hired his right-hand man, Richard Bell, as his DOP. The commercial features several complicated transitions between its scenes, which required a meticulous approach to filming, framing and editing. “We’re crafting 30 seconds of well-
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choreographed action,” he says. “If your timing is off or your framing doesn’t quite match, there’s only so much you can do in post.” Luckily, the result is seamless. Besides directing more traditional video productions, Ransom also designs content for live performances with Nathan Amzi, including Broadway and West End theatre and concert tours too. Having shot their fair share of theatrical trailers, they were asked to do the video design on Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger. They ultimately went with an LED screen, which starts flat, then ‘flies in at a 40° angle’, with camera operators on stage to capture and project the action, akin to a live concert. For Sunset Boulevard , Ransom and Amzi won awards for video design from WhatsOnStage and The Stage Debut and were nominated for an Olivier. “It’s gone completely ballistic,” he admits. He has three projects currently in the works
– Halsey’s concert tour, the Purple Rain stage adaptation and a new Dolly Parton show opening in Nashville – with more likely on the way. As if that weren’t enough, Ransom recently launched Large Format Films’ short film competition, in partnership with CVP. “It’s an annual short film competition for 18 to 35 year olds, where they’ll submit a script and we'll give full production support to the winner,” he explains. “What we’re doing is tailoring our support to their needs. For emerging filmmakers, the idea is that we give them that first film to get them into the industry.” It’s thanks in part to Bell’s guidance and CVP’s support that Ransom has had the career he’s had – and it’s far from finished. The competition is ‘something I’m passionate about and excited to launch’, he says, hoping to pay it forward however he can.
ACROSS THE INDUSTRY Ransom uses his experiences from cinematography and acting to inform work like the GOT advert
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