Intense Drive

Cinematographer Erik Henriksson knows how to deliver a well-curated visual aesthetic the expertly blends experimentation, experience and craft. Having worked with artists including The Weeknd and Beyoncé and clients such as Toyota, Mercedes and Ford, he was ready to get behind the wheel for the Aston Martin spot “Intensity. Driven.” Directed by Daniel Blom and Per-Hampus Stålhandske, the sensory-stimulating ad captures the hair-raising excitement of driving an Aston Martin Valkyrie.

“The directors wanted to showcase the physiological effects,” Henriksson explains, “with sensorial data visualizations of pupil dilation and heart rate obtained through biometric testing during thrilling high-speed laps in an Aston Martin Valkyrie, the ultimate hypercar.”

The cinematographer worked with the team at Panavision London to assemble an equipment package that included a Panavised Sony Venice camera and T Series anamorphic optics. “The superb support and knowledge at Panavision UK is such a resource for getting help and guidance on lens choices,” he shares. “I also want to give an extra thank you to 1st AC Thomas Nicholson, who did an amazing job.”

Henriksson continues, “I went with the T Series as they are lightweight and great for car mounts. They’re also fast glass — I knew the directors wanted to shoot into the night — and they don’t skew the car’s lines, which was a high priority for me even though we shot a lot of slow shutter stuff!

“It was great fun to shoot this,” the cinematographer adds, "as it was more about ‘senses’ than showcasing the interior dashboard.”