How Zendaya's 'Euphoria' Season 3 Opening Scene Was Filmed by Sam Levinson & DP Marcell Rév
Why It Matters
By embracing 65 mm film and inventive practical sets, Euphoria raises the production bar for TV, influencing future series to prioritize cinematic quality and bold visual storytelling.
Key Takeaways
- •Season 3 shot primarily on 65mm film for richer visuals.
- •Daylight setting contrasts previous night-heavy aesthetic, evoking California.
- •New Kodak stock chosen for 1950s‑60s Technicolor‑like color palette.
- •Border‑wall stunt built in desert, combining humor and tension.
- •Hawk landing sequence added last‑minute, enhancing suspense and branding.
Summary
The video breaks down how HBO’s Euphoria Season 3 opened, detailing the collaborative decisions of creator Sam Levinson and director of photography Marcell Rév. Their focus shifted from the series’ signature night‑time mood to a bright, dawn‑lit California, prompting a complete visual overhaul. Key technical choices include shooting roughly 60 % of the episode on 65 mm film after an impromptu test impressed HBO executives. The team also secured a never‑before‑used Kodak motion‑picture stock that mimics the saturated hues of 1950s‑60s Technicolor, while widening the aspect ratio to give characters more spatial context and a western‑film sensibility. Production anecdotes illustrate the ambition: a 200‑foot replica of the U.S.–Mexico border wall was constructed in the desert, complete with hydraulic rigs for a Jeep‑over‑the‑wall gag. A trained hawk was coaxed to land on the stuck vehicle, providing a serendipitous visual beat that editor Julio later paired with a signature sound cue. These choices elevate the series’ cinematic language, signaling HBO’s willingness to invest in film‑grade equipment and elaborate practical effects for television. The result is a more immersive, thematically resonant opening that could set a new benchmark for premium‑TV visual storytelling.
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