Mtys Erdly, HCA: The Iron Claw cinematography

19/08/2024

Written and directed by Sean Durkin, the feature film The Iron Claw shines a light on the tragedies and triumphs of the Von Erichs, a real-life family of professional wrestlers who brought signature style to the sport in the early 1980s. For cinematographer M ty s Erd ly, HCA, the project offered his first opportunity to shoot an American feature, and he chose to shoot the story on 35mm film with Primo optics, working with a package sourced through Panavision New Orleans. Panavision recently caught up with Erd ly for the cinematographer's reflections on the production.

Panavision: How would you describe the look of The Iron Claw?

M ty s Erd ly, HCA: Sean and I believe that it is unnecessary to create a look' by forcing certain ingredients. We believe that the production design, locations, wardrobe, props, etc., will create a world that is true to the film. This combined with shooting on film and lighting mainly with tungsten units was our approach. These elements serve the story in an organic way, and the combination of these elements became the look. So my description of the film would be that it is very raw and organic, definitely not too stylized, and very simple in its approach.

Were there any particular visual references you looked at for inspiration?

Erd ly: There were many references for minor details, but we usually dont use overall references for a film. Sean and production designer James Price compiled an extensive library of references for the real locations like the Sportatorium and for wardrobe. We tried to stay close to the reality of the Von Erichs' world but also felt free to elevate or deviate from reality when it felt necessary.

What drew you to use Primo optics and the Panflex Millennium XL2 camera?

Erd ly: I've always had a very romantic relationship with everything Panavision. Growing up in Hungary, and reading American Cinematographer and looking at my heroes, using Panavision was constantly on my mind. When Sean and I first started to talk about The Iron Claw, I immediately suggested that this film needs to feel American,' and Panavision glass especially a classic like the Primos represents something very American for me in a romantic way. We tested the Primos, and we both felt they were the right choice for this film.

The camera body obviously is not affecting the image [when shooting film], but we needed something that is flexible and quiet enough to shoot sync sound. We also carried an Arri 235, which we used as an action cam' and was extremely useful for the fight scenes.

How does this project differ from others in your career?

Erd ly: This was my first real American film. We were so lucky to have an amazing cast and crew and producers who gave us full creative freedom, which I believe is the most important thing to be able to make something that is truly personal and because of that can turn into something universally engaging.

The Iron Claw is a film that immerses the audience in a world that was very alien for me before we started our discussions in preproduction. I was given the opportunity to immerse myself in it and allowed to shoot this world with an outsiders approach. I was constantly shocked and surprised in a great way and I feel it kept the photography fresh at all times.

What inspired you to become a cinematographer, and what keeps you inspired today?

Erd ly: I had this realization when I was about 16 years old that cinematography is something that combines everything I was interested in. Photography, literature, technology, theater, painting, architecture and even dance. It is such a complex experience to make a movie, and the fact that we are surrounded by our crew who have way more experience than us allows us to always learn. It is the best job there is!

Stories inspire me. Important stories that allow us to learn about human behavior and, in an ideal world, to become better or at least more empathetic human beings.

Behind-the-scenes photos by Devin Oktar Yalkin. All images courtesy of A24.

LINK:	https://www.panavision.com/highlights/highlights-detail/family-of-figh...
	See more stories from panavision

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

18/03/2026

Net Insight Names Larissa GrnerMeeus CPO

Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4. Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...

18/03/2026

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026: Select Sessions Now Available to Watch on SVG PLAY

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...

18/03/2026

SVG's SportsTech@NABShow Blog Goes Live as Countdown to Vegas Heats Up

The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...

18/03/2026

The Premiere of Dead Lover Showcases Grave Robbing and Sex With a Giant Finger

(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...

18/03/2026

Music Row Piano from Wiltone Productions

Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...

18/03/2026

Techivation introduce T-Warmer Mk2

Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...

18/03/2026

Tonal Balance Control 3 from iZotope

Mix-reference plug-in overhauled iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...

18/03/2026

Toontrack Transistor Organ EKX

Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...

18/03/2026

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture 18 March, 2026 Media releases New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...

18/03/2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz at NAB 2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...

18/03/2026

LCTWS 2026

London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026