ICYDK, ‘Euphoria’ Season 2 is shot entirely on 35mm Kodak Ektachrome film
If you’re a huge fan of HBO’s hit series, Euphoria, you might have noticed that things look a little different compared to its first season. Well, we have gathered that season two is all shot on 35mm Kodak Ektachrome motion picture film, and the result is simply breathtaking.
Behind the scenes
To pull off the much-anticipated new season, Euphoria director Sam Levinson and cinematographer Marcell Rév wanted to create a more evolved version of the show in terms of visuals and mood. They then decided to switch from shooting digital to shooting analog, specifically on Kodak Ektachrome.
The biggest fear was that we were going to go back and do the same thing. So despite how popular the look of Euphoria was, I wanted to create something that had the heart and soul of Euphoria but it looks different and it feels different.
Sam Levinson on going into detail about his choice to shoot Euphoria entirely on film.
Levinson even reached to Kodak if they could get enough of the classic film stock to shoot the entire series on 35mm. Since Ektachrome is only available in 8mm and 16mm, Kodak ended up resurrecting their factory to make it possible. (FYI, this is monumental for photography and cinema!)
Ektachrome is recognized for its vibrant colors and fine grain that is ideal for daylight shooting. This film stock can also pick up skin tones better, allowing Rév to capture stunning close-ups and make simple moments more powerful. Levinson and Rév, as main character and executive producer Zendaya pointed out, “did a beautiful job at finding a distinct visual difference.”
Season one was very in the moment, and had a present feel to it. [Season 2] feels like some sort of memory of high school, I think. Just emotionally, [Ektachrome] film felt like the right choice.
Marcel Rév on describing how the two seasons differ in visual tone.
“Remember this feeling”
Shooting on film was a brilliant style choice by the creators of Euphoria, and it has made an impact in the second season of the show. Normally, fans wouldn’t pay attention to something like this, but it also has made a huge impact on them.
Let’s hear what they had to say about Euphoria’s new look.
Basically, the fans are in for a treat. Euphoria really wants us to “remember this feeling.”
What’s in Euphoria S2?
Premiered last January 9, Euphoria’s sophomore season did not hold back after its two-year hiatus. It has still lived up to its mature rating, delving into a world of drugs, strippers, and guns. But this time around, the story reflects the characters’ hope in the pressures of love and loss.
Zendaya, whose character, Rue, struggles with drug addiction, tells fans that this season is an emotional roller coaster ride, with Ektachrome adding to the flavor.
It’s a very different season, to be honest. I mean, tonally, it’s different. I think it’s far more emotional than the first season. … Much like the film stock that we use this season, which is also different, it’s high contrast, meaning the highs are high, the lows are low. And when it’s funny, it’s really funny. And when it’s painful, it’s really painful.
Given that the Kodak Ektachrome film stock was completely discontinued a decade ago, it’s great news that new generations of photographers and filmmakers will be able to enjoy the world of film today, with its most thrilling experience for many more years to come.
Now, do you still think film is dead?
Thanks to this change, a totally new element has been added to the hit series. So far, Euphoria S2 has been successful, and with decisions like this paying off, it’s clear that this show can do no wrong. That being said, we can’t wait to take in all the glory of the beautiful Kodak Ektachrome 35mm.
You can check out the new episodes of Euphoria every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
