
With a long list of beloved major motion pictures and indie films on his CV including Gladiator and Fish Tank Andy Cole's most recent project is now an Academy Awards behemoth with a total of 10 nominations, including Best Cinematography. We wanted to know how it was working on The Favourite, if his perspective on the film has shifted now it's been so fervently lauded by fans and critics, and how his approach to the job has changed over his career.
The (Oscars) FavouriteAfter initial pleasantries and graciously accepting a well deserved congratulations on the many Oscars nominations, Cole describes how, despite not anticipating it during filming, having reached this level of recognition is a pleasant surprise:
Yeah, its amazing isnt it? We didnt know we were going to get there so its very, very nice. People have come and said how much they enjoyed watching it and asked me questions about how we did it and its very nice to have that. People are very interested, and its really spread worldwide as well Ive had friends from other countries enquiring about how it was [filmed], so yes, its quite an amazing thing. It feels great, its amazing.
On the aesthetic of The Favourite, which is defined by wide angles and a natural feel, something not easily achieved by traditional methods:
It is a unique looking film and the whole concept from the beginning was to make it as realistic as possible.
[For] most of it, we used a lot of candles as lights. I built some candle holders, which reflect off the back which would then push the natural candlelight onto the artists; that was to give it a very natural look. We did use some other lights as well, but not on the day interiors, only on nights just to make sure we can see something.
The main rooms [on main location day interior], had very big windows. With that wide lens, we did try in the very early stages to put some light in when the light starts to fade at the end of the day, but it wasnt working out because it wasnt as natural. You couldnt make it natural, and then, obviously, wed see the lights. Yes, we stopped doing that. Then if we did lose the light, we just stopped filming usually. One way to solve that problem.
Cole shares a memorable moment from filming:
Running all over Hatfield House with candle lights, trying to catch-up with the camera on a dolly, that was memorable.
Collaborating with Robbie Ryan, BSC, ISCCole and cinematographer Robbie Ryan, BSC, ISC have worked together over the last ten or so years, building a prolific portfolio of films such as Philomena, Slow West, and Fish Tank a fruitful working relationship which has evolved over the years.
Our relationship and how its evolved lovely. We had some long stints together, then Robbie would go away which was great because wed have a little break. Just like any relationship.
We know each other very well, so he knows that Ill have what he needs ready for him, and I dont have to get surplus stuff in, its that kind of relationship. We can easily talk to each other so its quite [nice] that way.
I think we must have done more than ten films by now; [we've built a rapport], without a doubt.
Their films together are evidence of a successful working relationship which allows for collaboration from the beginning.
We both start at the very beginning reading the scripts and then have a little chat. I suggest some things and we test [some options]. We did that on The Favourite, not every kind of light would work on that, so we had to work together to get the right feel.
Working with Panalux and the Advantages of New TechnologyAnother working relationship that has evolved is Coles with Panalux:
My relationship with Panalux is great. Ive known Sinead there almost as long as Ive been working; a very long time and I always go there. Panalux would do anything for me, if they possibly can. I phone them up and something will happen, theyll come out with what they can. I have a very trusting relationship with them, they can phone me and say, We havent got that, can we try something else?' and youll go Yes of course. Lets make it work.' I had some big set-ups, they supplied what I needed and it all worked very well.
Theres a plethora of choices now with so many different lighting products.
This world we live in now, everything is based around how quickly we can get things done. If youve got an LED light that would change its colour, its colour temperature, and its output at the touch of a button, that saves time. Early days you might have half hour turn-around on a film set just to do your lighting set-ups, but that doesnt seem to happen anymore, on smaller jobs anyway; it has to be ready. With the LED world we live in now, I think its amazing. We can really move the day along as quick as we need it to move along.
In the last few years the stuff thats come out is amazing you know. You've got Litemats which you can stick to the ceiling with some gaffer tape, they dont fall down, and that would really save a lot of time and energy and rigging. And then theres more time to shoot, more time for the director and the DOP to get what they need.
Before, in a similar situation, youd be trying to put up some kind of bar, rig some tungsten lights off it and soften them down, and it all took a very long time. And youre always worried that its going to fall down as well. It wouldnt be very good if it hit the actor or anyone else!
Things have definitely come a long way. Im a big fan of LED lights that we can use on set really quickly, rig it really fast, and be able to adjust it from the ground. Weve got a lot of control.
On technology affecting style and approach:
I think every film is different if youre working with different DOPs. [Working] with some Korean DOPs [who are] very stylistic, theyre really [into] lighting. Then you go to a minimal film; like sometime
Europe Stories
06/10/2025
France T l visions, France's leading broadcaster, has received the 2025 EBU ...
04/09/2025
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), in collaboration with Dalet, has been a...
07/08/2025
July 8 2025, 22:30 (PDT) Tata Motors & Dolby Bring Dolby Atmos to Harrier.ev, R...
15/07/2025
Spotify une fuerzas con DiDi, la app l der en servicios de movilidad, delivery y...
15/07/2025
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN THE UNIT...
15/07/2025
TV SIM builds for the future with high efficiency transmitter from Rohde & Schwa...
15/07/2025
Harmonic's Hybrid, AI-Powered and Live Sports Streaming Innovations are Key ...
15/07/2025
The well-known and well-loved 4099 has been completely revamped. It features amazing CORE+ technology, which eliminates distortion and extends dynamic range, a ...
15/07/2025
Comscore Partners with HyphaMetrics to Launch Advanced Person-Level Audience Mea...
15/07/2025
Peak audiences of over half a million tune into both Kerry v Tyrone and Donegal ...
15/07/2025
PROTON Announces Production Facility Expansion Ahead of IBC2025 posted: 15/07/2025
Proton Announces Production Facility Expansion Ahead of IBC2025
Alongs...
14/07/2025
Enhancing Public Service Broadcasting with
Innovation, Accuracy & Sustainability
New regional detail and local towns featured...
11/07/2025
If you've ever wondered what might be playing in Clark Kent's headphones...
11/07/2025
AI and Multimedia Authenticity Standards Collaboration launches two papers to guide the future of AI integration, today at the AI for Good Global Summit
The...
10/07/2025
The current holder of the prestigious Thomson Foundation Young Journalist of the Year Award has been forced to stop reporting over fears for her safety in Afgha...
10/07/2025
Spotify is turning up the volume on Australian music with a multipronged initiative designed to highlight the dominance of Australian artists on the global stag...
10/07/2025
This is not a drill: Oasis is back on the road-marking its first live performanc...
10/07/2025
The music industry depends on fresh ideas, bold voices, and emerging talent. Yet across the U.K., too many young musicians lack the space to develop their craft...
10/07/2025
10 Jul 2025
VEON and Cohen Circle Secure Investor Commitments for Kyivstar Listing Kyiv, New York, Dubai, and Philadelphia - July 10, 2025 - VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq:...
10/07/2025
Thursday 10 July 2025
The Very Small Creatures
Jaime's Treetop Tales
Emerald
BooSnoo! Christmas Mashup
Pip & Posy's Spooktacular Party
The Very Sm...
10/07/2025
Thursday 10 July 2025
Brand new rewards are coming to Sky customers, with free ...
10/07/2025
Comscore Achieves Full JIC Certification for National TV Measurement Including...
09/07/2025
Wednesday 9 July 2025
Sky Broadband now has the UK's fastest broadband spee...
09/07/2025
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced Jeff Williams will transition his role as chief operating officer later this month to Sabih Khan, Apple's senior...
08/07/2025
In an era where digital threats to journalists are becoming increasingly aggressive and widespread, MediaSafe Africa launches as a vital online resource to help...
08/07/2025
This summer, as the energy builds for one of the biggest moments in women's ...
08/07/2025
UKTV today announces that Richard Watsham, Chief Creative Officer at UKTV and Global Director of Acquisitions for BBC Studios/UKTV, has decided to step down fro...
08/07/2025
SAN JOSE, Calif. - July 8, 2025 - Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced a reco...
08/07/2025
Arvato Systems Optimizes Customer Communication with AOK Niedersachsen
New project in the statutory health insurance sector
Arvato Systems and AOK Niedersach...
08/07/2025
On August 7, Apple Arcade is adding four exclusive games to its diverse catalogue of more than 200 fun games for players to enjoy, all free from ads and in-app ...
07/07/2025
** MEDIA ALERT **
VIZ Media Ignites AX 2025 with Star-Studded Panels, Exclus...
07/07/2025
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA As Apple Music marks its 10th anniversary this year, Apple unveils its most ambitious creative project to date: a brand-new state-of-the...
07/07/2025
RT has announced that Mark Bignell has been appointed Commissioning Editor for Comedy following a public competition. This senior editorial position will drive...
04/07/2025
The Summer Reading Challenge has inspired children across the U.K. to embrace a ...
04/07/2025
Friday 4 July 2025
Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/Od5WpvWmDr8
Further...
04/07/2025
The Pitch comes to RT Radio 1 airwaves this Sunday at 7pm. The Pitch is a brand...
03/07/2025
For our Vario-Jib, as well as for a repertoire of weights, we now have carts that make transport easier...
03/07/2025
One of our latest innovations: Slider Drive Unit!
Our Vario Slider not only comes with improvements and new features, but also with its own drive unit!
Our i...
03/07/2025
The 360 EVO lives up to its name: 360-degree rotation not only on the pan axis, but also on the roll axis, enables filmmakers to take their creative visions eve...
03/07/2025
What a buzzing few days at BSCExpo in London!
We were thrilled to connect with so many talented professionals from the world of cinematography.
A huge thank ...
03/07/2025
ADOLESCENCE - Shot with Panther Tower"The whole rig had to be detachable mid-episode
Netflix limited drama series Adolescence has been gaining attentio...
03/07/2025
** MEDIA ALERT ** Shonen Jump Store Hosting Los Angeles Pop-up During Anime Exp...
03/07/2025
Thursday 3 July 2025
David Harewood and Matthew Broome in Mozart: Genius for Hi...
03/07/2025
The Sky WNT Fund supports Womens National Team players with a 30,000 bursaryThursday 3 July 2025
Sky Ireland has announced the four recipients of the 2025 Sky...
02/07/2025
Calrec expands ecosystem at NAB 2025 giving broadcasters access to dynamic workflows and ultimate flexibility Helping broadcasters meet the shifting needs of me...
02/07/2025
02 Jul 2025
VEON Raises USD 200 Million in Private Bond Placement Dubai, July 1, 2025: VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator ( VEON ), announces ...
02/07/2025
Brand new factual series follows mechanic and self-taught engineer Dom Chinea as he makes the move of his life to the far west of Cornwall
UKTV today announces...