Sukeban - Bringing the Action to Life: Moonshine Film's Pro Wrestling Shoot
Written By Michael Smith
At Moonshine Film, we thrive on capturing stories that combine energy, artistry, and emotion. When Sukeban, the all-female Japanese pro wrestling league, held a match at York Hall in London, we seized the chance to document their electrifying performance.
From the heart-pounding action in the ring to the crowd's roaring cheers, every moment was an opportunity to showcase Sukeban's intensity through our lenses. Here's how our team and tools came together to create magic.
The Iconic York Hall and Sukeban's High-Energy Atmosphere
York Hall, known for hosting legendary events, provided the perfect backdrop for Sukeban's dramatic showdown. Wrestlers clashed in the ring with explosive power, delivering jaw-dropping moves that thrilled fans. Capturing that energy required precision, creativity, and seamless teamwork.
The Dream Team Behind the Shoot
Every project starts with a strong team, and this was no exception. Each member played a critical role in making this shoot a success:
- Jack Smith (Director of Photography): Jack led the charge with a cinematic vision that elevated every shot.
- Kosta Volkov (Producer): Kosta orchestrated logistics, ensuring the crew stayed on track and the shoot flowed smoothly.
- Alfie Peter, Abhishek Thapa, and Bhavishay Kher (Camera Operators): Each operator captured unique perspectives, from ringside close-ups to dynamic tracking shots.
- Oliver Churm and Abi Jones (Camera Assistants): Oliver and Abi ensured smooth transitions and rapid adjustments, keeping the shoot running efficiently.
- Simon Norma (Sound Technician): Simon's keen ear captured the crowd's energy and the wrestlers' fierce impact, creating an immersive audio experience.
Cutting-edge gear for Wrestling Action
Shooting an event as dynamic as pro wrestling demands versatile, high-performance equipment. Our toolkit for the day delivered exceptional results:
- Arri FX6 and Red Komodo 6K: These cameras captured every detail, from the wrestlers' intense expressions to intricate costume details, all in stunning clarity.
- Cooke SP3 Lenses: Their rich, cinematic quality added depth and vibrancy, giving the footage a polished, professional aesthetic.
- DJI Ronin 4D: The Ronin gimbal enabled fluid motion tracking, capturing fast-paced action with smooth precision.
- Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Lenses: Equipped by the referee, these smart glasses provided a unique, first-person view of the match, delivering an innovative perspective.
- Grip Factory Munich Slider and Tripods: These tools allowed dynamic angles and dramatic pans, ensuring a versatile visual narrative.
What Made This Shoot Stand Out
Filming pro wrestling is more than just pointing cameras at the action; it's about telling a story. Sukeban brings larger-than-life characters and dramatic arcs to the ring, blending athleticism with theatrics. Our mission was to amplify that energy on screen.
Some highlights from the shoot:
- Referee POV: The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Lenses let us capture the action from the referee's perspective, immersing viewers in the heat of the match.
- Dynamic Coverage: With multiple camera operators covering every angle, we ensured no moment went unnoticed—from high-flying moves to the crowd's reactions.
- Cinematic Impact: By combining cutting-edge lenses and stabilisers, we added a filmic quality that enhanced the drama and scale of the event.
The Final Result: Sukeban Comes Alive on Screen
The footage we captured isn't just a record of the event—it's an experience. From the wrestlers' explosive energy to the fans' palpable excitement, every shot reflects the spirit of Sukeban.
At Moonshine Film, projects like this remind us why we love what we do. They challenge our creativity, push our technical skills, and make us part of something bigger. As we look back on this unforgettable shoot, we're already gearing up for the next adventure.
Do you have an exciting project in mind? Let's bring it to life.