Three sets. One stage. Limited time with talent. No room for mistakes. Working on a project like Michael, balancing stills and directing motion, is all about the art of negotiation, production, timing, coordination, and getting the right team of trusted creatives in place. From the start, we knew space would be a challenge, multiple sets on one stage, with three teams moving in sync to maximize time with talent and hit our creative goals. Two stills sets and one main motion set, each with its own lighting approach. My job was simple: capture iconic moments that bridge reality with the art of illusion, especially when telling the story of someone as recognizable as Michael Jackson. My stills team, led by lighting tech and set DJ @bradenmoran, alongside DP @jeffv0 on motion, all anchored by @3star_productions, kept everything aligned with the studio, key art agency creatives, and the film crew. Over 60 people on set, all moving as one to create something we knew would be iconic. Our approach for the motion segment was a modern take on the Motown 25 performance, honoring the legacy while bringing a cinematic edge. We built out a stage to give @jaafarjackson the space to truly perform, dialing in everything from Moonwalk friendly flooring to the lighting to capture that glide and presence. Photo geek moment, had to do it. We added a soft bloom star filter for a touch of glam, and the wardrobe team recreated the iconic Billie Jean socks… so when the light hit just right, that sparkle carried the magic. ✨✨✨ BTS 📸 @chase_hirt | 3Star Productions