Michael Bay’s 6 Underground, RED Bayhem Camera, and The Komodo Bayhem
By Adam Noyes
The first trailer for Netflix’s most expensive film was released yesterday. After digging a bit in the film director-Michael Bay’s Instagram, it appears that the RED camera behind 6 underground was the custom made RED Bayhem. Read more down below.
The Return of the Bayhem
Michael Bay has returned to its old school style: Shooting (and creating) cinematic explosions, enhancing the visuals and making the popcorn to taste a lot better. The genius director that doesn’t seem afraid to get his hands dirty by taking the camera and shoots a high octane action scene just finished shooting another mega-budget movie called 6 Underground.
6 Underground: Netflix’s most Expensive Film
The film is about six individuals brought together by a leader (Ryan Reynolds) whose sole mission in life is to ensure that, while he and his fellow operatives will never be remembered, their actions damn sure will. The budget for this film was about 150 million dollars, which makes it Netflix’s most expensive movie to date. 6 Underground is scheduled to be released by Netflix on December 13, 2019. It’s important to note that this is a significant gamble for Netflix. Investing this sum of money in a film is not trivial for them. However, time will tell if it was a valid investment.
Michael Bay’s Custom Camera: RED HELIUM 8K Super 35
A few years ago, RED made a custom camera, especially for Bay. The goal was to use this camera in the last Transformers episode. RED Digital Cinema has invented a whole new sensor called HELIUM 8K in a Super 35 dimensions. This new sensor was packed in a compact, perfectly stabilized RED camera according to Bay shooting style. RED called it the Bayhem. The RED Bayhem was used in the 6 Underground film as well. It’s important to mention that the RED Bayhem wasn’t the only camera used to shoot the film. The production also used Sony Venice as well, utilizing its full sensor capabilities. Probably the Bayhem was dedicated to action sequences that demanded close capture and in tight spaces.
The cameras need to be located at the most dangerous spots in order to get the most epic shots
There is no doubt that Michael Bay made (and still makes) a massive impact in the cinematography world. Numerous copycats have emerged trying to mimic those epic camera movements and kinetics. However, Bay is doing it the best. Bay believes that the camera needs to be located at the most dangerous spots to get the most epic shots. That’s the Bay’s mantra and the reason he prefers to shoot handheld and close to the action.
ARRIFLEX 235
The ARRIFLEX 235 was Bay’s baby and weapon of choice for many years. The 235 was the primary camera when the film was the only option. In the digital age, it appears that Bay prefers to shoot with its custom-made RED and IMAX cameras.
Komodo Bayhem
Surprisedly, a few days ago, RED’s President, Jarred Land posted on his Instagram a Bayhem version of RED’s new camera (and sensor), the Komodo. This camera hasn’t been announced yet. However, it seems that Bay has its custom made Komodo already. Nevertheless, according to Land, this custom made Komodo was not used in 6 Underground since it’s a brand new model. However, it will be interesting to reveal Bay’s future projects that will be shot with the Komodo Bayhem.
We’ll soon publish a post dedicated to the upcoming RED Komodo, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, let’s wait until December 13 to see those old school Bay’s style on Netflix. The trailer is down below.
All images courtesy of Matthew Tremblay, Jarred Land, RED Digital Cinema and Michael Bay’s Instagram.