Inside the Fast Lane: Joseph Kosinski Unpacks F1 Film's Groundbreaking Camera and Sound Design

Director Joseph Kosinski recently shed light on the groundbreaking cinematic techniques employed in his upcoming F1 film, offering a glimpse into the meticulous process behind capturing high-speed racing. In an exclusive interview, Kosinski detailed the innovative camera setups utilized within the custom-built Mercedes F1 cars. "On this film, we had 16 different mounting positions built into the car, working with the Mercedes F1 team," Kosinski stated, highlighting the use of a new Sony prototype camera system, codenamed 'Carmen,' which is a miniaturized version of the Venice camera used in 'Top Gun.' This allowed for real-time focus and control, enabling actors Brad Pitt and Damson Idris to genuinely drive the cars at speeds up to 180 mph. Kosinski also discussed the film's auditory landscape, emphasizing the unique challenges of sound design for F1 racing. He revealed that every car sound in the movie was custom-recorded and mixed, akin to 'car ADR,' to ensure distinct audio profiles for each vehicle. "An orchestra is not going to do that, the frequencies are just too on top of each other," he explained, underscoring the necessity for electronic elements in the score to cut through the powerful engine noises. His collaboration with composer Hans Zimmer aimed to create a 'global nature' for the film's sound, reflecting the sport's international appeal.