For Dave Rogers, directing episode five of Upload season three was all about perspective. The episode titled “Rescue Mission” delves into the meeting of downloaded Nathan and backup Nathan in the Gray Zone. The two Nathans join forces to help Luke escape from prison, all while exploring the complexities of their individual identities. This episode also showcases AI Guy’s testing under the guidance of Aleesha, who brings her own unique charm to the character. Meanwhile, Ingrid grapples with her insecurities when she reconnects with shallow friends, and Nora finds herself caught between her feelings for backup Nathan and the mystery surrounding her real Nathan’s condition.
Throughout the episode, the concept of perspective plays a central role. The camerawork and editing techniques employed by Rogers and his team are instrumental in capturing the emotions and thoughts of the characters and guiding the viewers’ understanding of the events unfolding in both the real and digital worlds of Upload.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rogers delves into the tricks and techniques used to bring the two Nathans to life on screen. He praises Robbie Amell’s ability to portray the subtle differences between the characters, not only through his acting but also through posture and reactions. Rogers expresses his excitement about exploring the dynamic between the two Nathans and the comedic elements that arise from their meeting, particularly when backup Nathan encounters Nora for the first time. He mentions how they paid homage to a previous season’s moment when Nathan and Nora meet, adding a layer of humor and nostalgia to the scene.
Rogers also discusses the various shooting techniques used to differentiate the two Nathans. Whether it’s through split screens, motion control, or compositing different shots, the goal was to ensure that every appearance of Nathan was portrayed by Robbie Amell himself. The body double was used primarily as a placeholder for eye lines and timing, with Robbie later recording his own dialogues to ensure consistency in the final edit. The attention to detail and commitment to authenticity were evident throughout the filming process.
When questioned about his inspiration for directing the two Nathans, Rogers mentions films like “Secret Window” and “Back to the Future Part II,” which showcased the seamless portrayal of a single actor as multiple characters. He appreciates how technology has evolved and enabled filmmakers to push the boundaries of what can be achieved on screen.
Moving on to the Gray Zone scenes, Rogers discusses the costumes worn by Nathan and Luke. The choice to dress them as Princess Leia and Prince Eric was pre-determined in the script, with input from the show’s creator, Greg Daniels. Rogers highlights the collaboration between the costume department and himself to ensure that the characters’ looks and accessories, such as Nathan’s fanny pack, were consistent throughout the show. He also reveals that the henchman’s outfit was inspired by Zangief from Street Fighter, emphasizing the comical and over-the-top nature of the character.
Another significant aspect of the episode is AI Guy’s real-world test run, orchestrated by Aleesha. Rogers explains the challenge of filming from multiple perspectives, as the scene required capturing Owen (AI Guy) interacting with others, showcasing his point of view through a camera on his face, and observing his reactions. This complex sequence required shooting multiple coverage variations and ensuring that the interconnected reactions and commentary of the characters were seamlessly intertwined.
Rogers concludes by emphasizing the intentional choices made in terms of the perspective shown on screen. Whether it’s displaying Aleesha’s experiences through a screen or pulling out to capture Owen’s presence on the street, every decision was carefully considered to enhance the storytelling and engage the audience.
In conclusion, “Rescue Mission” is a pivotal episode of Upload season three that utilizes various filmmaking techniques to explore perspective. Rogers and his team navigated the challenges of portraying two versions of the same character and capturing the essence of different situations in both the real and digital worlds. From the chemistry between the two Nathans to the whimsical costumes in the Gray Zone and the multi-perspective AI Guy test run, every detail contributed to the overall authenticity and entertainment value of the episode.