ORA (2011)

Interesting facts

Ora is a 2011 experimental 3D dance film filmed thermographically, capturing images of the dancers using only their body heat. The 15-minute short film was directed by Philippe Baylaucq as part of his two-year residency at the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) in Montreal. Ora was choreographed by José Navas, who had previously worked with Baylaucq on the NFB experimental dance film, Lodela.

Production

Baylaucq had experimented with standard-definition thermal imaging cameras, but wasn't satisfied with the results. Commercially available thermography produces brightly coloured images, while Baylaucq wanted high-definition cameras that could shoot in black and white, so images could be colourized afterwards.

This technology is used by the United States military for night vision and military operations, as well as for scientific and medical applications, but was never used to film dance until Ora. While Baylaucq had "certain misgivings" about using military technology for his film, he secured permission from Lockheed Martin and the U.S.

Production took place in an unheated warehouse in Vermont, close to the Canada–US border, with floor-to-ceiling sets made of heat-reflecting aluminum panels, which were constructed and shipped by truck from Montreal. Cameras had to be cooled by liquid nitrogen so they wouldn’t generate a heat signature themselves.

Ora is also the first NFB film recorded in 7.1 surround sound. The film was shot in 3D as well as 2D, for wider distribution in areas of the world where 3D cinemas are not as popular. The NFB executive producer of Ora is René Chénier.

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