This summer we had the pleasure and honor of filming Barack and Michelle Obama for a Netflix special promoting American Factory, the latest documentary from Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar and first in a slate of films produced by the Obama’s Higher Ground production company. We scouted locations in DC to film a conversation scene between the Obamas and the filmmakers and settled on The Coupe in Columbia Heights. Yoruba Richen served as director, and Eidolon Films staffed the production with Ben Crosbie serving as Director of Photography. Netflix wanted the conversation to feel natural and intimate, which I think we achieved despite having multiple cameras and lighting just a few feet away from the talent.
We used two 4×4 Kinoflos lamped with Quasar Science LED tubes for the key lighting, and using natural light for the rest of the space. We shot on four Sony FS7 camera in a semi-circle around the table, allowing us to capture both couples and individual closeups. Here’s a three minute clip and you can watch the full 10 minute version on Netflix.
