Inside Adolescence: Netflix breaks down episode take counts and the making of the drone shot

Netflix's British television series Adolescence has been in the headlines for its bold shooting approach—every one of its four episodes is shot in a single unbroken take. Philip Barantini helmed this effort, which required tremendous care towards coordination, with actors, cinematographers, and crew members gliding smoothly in concert to maintain the continuity of the plot.

This method, reminiscent of Barantini’s previous work in Boiling Point and the acclaimed Birdman (2014), posed significant challenges. Extensive rehearsals, precise choreography, and reliance on real-time adjustments were necessary to execute the single-take format.

Even minor errors in dialogue, camera movement, or lighting required a complete reset, leading to multiple takes before achieving the final version. Despite such hardships, the production team of the show produced a visually cohesive storyline that added intensity to the narrative.

The making of the drone shot in Adolescence

Perhaps the most debated point of Adolescence is the drone shot in the second episode. The sequence opens with a camera at ground level tracking a character through a school before cutting into an aerial shot. The process was:

Attaching the camera to a drone during the scene.

Making a smooth cut from the ground operator to the aerial operator.

Capturing about 0.3 miles between a school and a crime scene in one shot.

Coordinating the movement of actors to synchronize the technical realization of camera transition.

Precise coordination was necessary for this shot's execution, with elaborate rehearsals conducted to achieve seamless transitions between the operators. Several attempts were made before the sequence could be perfected since even a slight technical hitch meant a total retake. The drone had to be specially calibrated for the correct speed and placement to create continuity of sight throughout the entire shot of the show.

Rationale for four-episodes in Adolescence

Teenagers in Adolescence was deliberately developed as a four-episode series in Adolescence to maintain a concise and coherent story. The authors, Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne wrote the story based on true events that concentrated on addressing radicalization and violence against women. The short number of episodes was meant to ensure the effect of the story without unnecessary prolongation.

The four-episode structure was also selected to maximize the live storytelling experience. By keeping the story concise, the series was able to sustain tension and interest without filler material. This strategy also enabled the creators to emphasize character development and plot advancement without elongating the story unnecessarily.

Difficulties of ongoing single-take shooting in Adolescence

The single-shot shooting method in Adolescence posed several logistical difficulties:

Massive rehearsals were required to get the timing and coordination just right.

The overhead shot in episode 2 took two weeks of planning to get it right.

The movement of the cast and crew had to be coordinated to avoid mistakes that would result in re-shooting the scene.

Light and sound settings had to be done with precise planning since re-takes were time-consuming and expensive.

Actors needed to memorize lengthy dialogue sequences without interruption, adding to the complexity of performance delivery.

Despite all these challenges, the crew carried out the filming strategy successfully, adding to the visual style of the series. The cinematography team was challenged to develop new methods of transitioning between various shooting techniques so that the transition was seamless and a consistent view was maintained.

Technical innovations employed in Adolescence

The show employed several new methods of shooting so that the single-take style could be presented to audiences:

Wireless camera transitions: The team employed wireless transmission of signals to allow uninterrupted video captures during camera handover from one operator to another.

Custom-configured drone rigs: The drone had a custom-configured stabilizing rig which facilitated easy traversal of intricate transitions.

Real-time lighting adjustments: Methods were developed by the crew to re-adjust lights dynamically on long takes without changing the scene.

Hidden Cuts and Seamless Edits: While the show seems to have been shot in one take per episode, hidden cuts were applied at important moments to ensure continuity and make small adjustments wherever required.

These techniques allowed the production team of the show to break the rules of traditional filmmaking and create an interactive experience for the viewers.

Reception and impact of Adolescence

Teenage people have been commended for applying sophisticated cinematography with a robust thematic direction. The use of the single-take technique and technical design has been praised for its contribution to storytelling, and the exploration of social matters by the series has created controversy around issues of youth violence and media censorship.

The show's method of continuous single-shot filming has become a standard for immersive storytelling. It has been likened to other productions that employ similar techniques, including 1917 and Birdman, but is unique because it was adapted for a television format. The smooth production of each episode has been recognized as a milestone in cinematography and production planning.

With the launch of a combination of real-time narrative and complex cinematographic methods, Adolescence is the best expression of Netflix's dedication to experimentation and impactful filmmaking. The technical achievement and thematic richness of the show are still being discussed in the film and television world.