Based on Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, the feature Priscilla reunited writer-director Sofia Coppola with cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd, ASC, AFC. Their prior collaborations included the features The Beguiled and On the Rocks, both of which were photographed on 35mm negative. Priscilla, though, marked Le Sourd's first foray into digital acquisition, and he worked closely with Panavision Toronto in selecting his camera and lens package, ultimately opting to pair an Alexa 35 camera with Panavision Super Speed and Ultra Speed optics. Here, the cinematographer shares his perspective on the creative approach behind the movie's visual language.
Panavision: How would you describe the look of Priscilla?
Philippe Le Sourd, ASC, AFC: This movie is a tapestry of emotions, so you try to convey the feelings of each character. Its about how you frame it, the power of negative space, and lighting directions. For me, the essence lies in ensuring the audience deeply connects with the characters. I like to convey on each scene and each moment the essence of the emotion of the film.
Were there any particular visual references that you looked at for inspiration?
Le Sourd: In my quest to capture the essence of the Elvis and Priscilla era, I realized the abundance of references available from books to the internet and YouTube. However, instead of replicating existing images, often tinged with Kodachrome interpretations, I opted for a more innovative approach. Rather than producing a mere photocopy, I sought to create a fresh interpretation of that time.
During this process, I stumbled upon a captivating black-and-white photograph from Saul Leiter featuring a woman seated on a bed, cloaked in complete silhouette. Instantly, I knew I had found the cinematic inspiration I was seeking a departure from the conventional Elvis and Priscilla imagery.
In addition to this evocative photograph, we delved into the world of movies that held a special place in my heart and cinematic education. Having studied Italian cinema at university, my early passion was ignited by Antonionis masterpiece, LAvventura. The films framing, composition, and mise-en-sc ne profoundly influenced my perspective as a cinematographer. The portrayal of loneliness, emptiness, and the adventurous spirit resonated with me.
Our cinematic journey also drew inspiration from another Antonioni gem, LEclisse, which brought us immense joy. These films became not just references but guiding lights in shaping the visual narrative of our project.
What brought you to Panavision for this project?
Le Sourd: Panavision is a gold mine. You search for something, and you know that something antique or super modern could be there. You cant be wrong to go to Panavision. The people, the quality, the craft, the knowledge that comes from 70 years. I knew I need these craftspeople behind me.
What optical characteristics did you see in the Ultra Speed and Super Speed lenses that made them the right match for this story?
Le Sourd: This was my first movie shot on digital, so I did a lot of tests to compare formats. Even the size of the camera adds a layer to the set ambience. When you bring a piece of equipment on set, it tells a story to the actor and to the director.
I've used the Super Speed and Ultra Speed lenses on film before, and perhaps it was an unconscious decision, but they turned out to be the perfect fit for this particular story. Reflecting on it, I believe it came down to the texture they provided. There was a unique quality, a certain depth that resonated with the emotional essence of the narrative, and ultimately, that aspect held greater significance for me.
Working with digital afforded me the freedom to manipulate colors and experiment more on set. Typically, I lean towards a naturalistic approach in my work, but with Priscilla, I found it was interesting to explore the idea of color and the emotional impact of color.
How does this project differ from others in your career?
Le Sourd: Every project is different, but I think there's a continuity of the work in certain ways, a continuity of research. You never stop looking for something. Every day brings something different and challenging. Even a scene like Priscilla and Elvis' first kiss inside a car was a challenge. I needed to find something special that brought the emotion of two lovers inside a cage. So for me, it's always a challenge. I never stop thinking, Was that different?'
Images courtesy of A24.
Most recent headlines
30/12/2025
As the College Football Playoff Enters the Quarterfinals, ESPN Blows Out Its Meg...
30/12/2025
SVG's Best of 2025: Original ArticlesTake a look back at all our coverage of big-time productions, game-changing technologies, and state-of-the-art new faci...
30/12/2025
MELBOURNE, Fla., Dec. 30, 2025 - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) will release its fourth quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, J...
30/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
30/12/2025
It marked the first civilian operational authorization for a HAPS flight in Europe, led by Space42's subsidiary, Mira Aerospace
The flight demonstrated HAP...
29/12/2025
San Francisco 49ers Strike Gold With Halftime Laser SpectacularStunning display caps $200 million renovation of Levi's Stadium techBy Dan Daley, Audio Edito...
29/12/2025
The Cup's Around the Corner: An Inside Look at Broadcast Preparations for th...
29/12/2025
SVG's Best of 2025: Longform VideoWatch the standout keynote conversations, deep dives, and panel discussions from the year for free on SVG PLAY!By Brandon ...
29/12/2025
From crisper Lossless audio and immersive music videos in beta to new Audiobooks+ plans, custom transitions between tracks, and in-app Messages, we keep levelin...
29/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
27/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
26/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
26/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
25/12/2025
Holiday lights are twinkling, hot cocoa's on the stove and gamers are settling in for a well-earned break.
Whether staying in or heading on a winter getawa...
24/12/2025
What is AI good for? Posted by MTI Film on December 24, 2025
What is AI good for?
What is AI good for?
It's been three years since ChatGPT first cap...
24/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
24/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
24/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
24/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
24/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
24/12/2025
Back to All News
The Boyfriend' Season 2 Unveils Heartwarming Trailer, Key...
24/12/2025
Back to All News
Love, Fights, and Everything in Between: Badly in Love' Returns for Season 2
Entertainment
24 December 2025
GlobalJapan
Link copied t...
24/12/2025
Scripps Research study links sleep variability with sleep apnea and hypertension How consumers' digital activity trackers could enable personalized health s...
23/12/2025
How guilas Cibae as Dominican Winter League Games Are Locally Produced for Glob...
23/12/2025
BitFire's Jim Akimchuk on Supplying Scalability and Customization in the Clo...
23/12/2025
CAMB.AI Enables European Athletics to Offer Multi-Language SupportPlan is to eventually offer translation into all languages spoken in EuropeBy Ken Kerschbaumer...
23/12/2025
Analysis: As sports media values trend negative, scarcity and quality are king By Callum McCarthy, Editor-at-Large
Monday, December 22, 2025 - 14:08
Print ...
23/12/2025
ESPN, Disney, and NBA Return to the Animated Altcast Fray With Second Edition of...
23/12/2025
End the Year on a High Note and Donate to the Sports Broadcasting Fund Today!By Ken Kerschbaumer, Editorial Director
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 - 12:25 pm
P...
23/12/2025
The year is winding down, the weather outside is frightful, and it's the perfect time to escape into a story that warms the heart. For listeners looking for...
23/12/2025
A Zeus motor is hot fire tested at L3Harris' Camden, Arkansas, solid rocket ...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Lightware will exhibit several major product innovations at ISE 2026, including the new USB-C BOOSTER-V1, Google Meet. integration for various Taurus UCX models...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Flipboard...
23/12/2025
Taking the Stage at Carnegie Hall-On a Global Scale Boston Conservatory Orchestra students reflect on their epic concert marking the 80th session of the UN Gene...
23/12/2025
Back to All News
Netflix's The Great Flood and Culinary Class Wars 2 Top Gl...
23/12/2025
Back to All News
Stranger Things By the Numbers: How the Global Phenomenon Shap...
23/12/2025
Experience the power of WO Automation for Radio's newest service, the System Effectiveness Review. Designed to help you achieve more, a System Effectiveness...
23/12/2025
23 Dec 2025
VEON's Beeline Kazakhstan and Rakuten Symphony Collaborate to A...
23/12/2025
Back to All News
How Steamy Can It Get? Single's Inferno' Season 5 Pre...
23/12/2025
Back to All News
33 Million Global Viewers on Netflix Watched Jake Paul vs. Ant...
23/12/2025
New technique lights up where drugs go in the body, cell by cell Scripps Research scientists developed a technique that maps drug binding in individual cells th...
22/12/2025
SVG New Sponsor Spotlight: Presidio's Neerav Shah on the Role of Its Captiva...
Based on Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, the feature Priscilla reunited writer-director Sofia Coppola with cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd, ASC, AFC. Their prior collaborations included the features The Beguiled and On the Rocks, both of which were photographed on 35mm negative. Priscilla, though, marked Le Sourd's first foray into digital acquisition, and he worked closely with Panavision Toronto in selecting his camera and lens package, ultimately opting to pair an Alexa 35 camera with Panavision Super Speed and Ultra Speed optics. Here, the cinematographer shares his perspective on the creative approach behind the movie's visual language.
