The film “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” introduces the world’s first electric car chase. When writer and director Christian Gudegast considered creating the sequel, he aimed to elevate the intensity by incorporating a high-octane, action-packed car chase that felt authentic and fast-paced. Gerard Butler returns as Nick, an L.A. cop on a mission to apprehend notorious thief Donnie (played by O’Shea Jackson Jr.). As the plot unfolds, a daring diamond heist at the World Diamond Center in Antwerp, Belgium brings Nick to Europe in pursuit of Donnie. To pull off the heist, they enlist the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, a sleek and stealthy vehicle that is crucial to their plan of infiltrating and escaping the Diamond Center unnoticed. The heist transforms into a thrilling car chase through tunnels and treacherous mountain roads, as they face off against rival mafia members intent on intercepting their operation. Cinematographer Terry Stacey, who collaborated on the project, reveals that Porsche provided the cars used in the film. The team meticulously planned and executed the action sequence, employing various techniques and camera setups to capture the heart-pounding chase. Despite utilizing VFX for certain elements, the filmmakers prioritized in-camera action to deliver a visceral and authentic viewing experience.
Stacey explains the intricate camera setup involved in filming a crucial stunt scene, detailing how they utilized a combination of practical effects and CGI to capture the action effectively. “We had one camera in the car where the stunt actor had to mime going off the cliff, which presented its own set of challenges,” Stacey reveals. “The wide shot showing the car going off the cliff was achieved through CGI, but Christian skillfully managed to break it down when focusing on specific characters like Nick or Donnie. This involved shifting the perspective to have a dedicated car and camera on them, strategically mounted and intercut with scenes featuring the antagonists in the Audis.” The meticulous planning and execution of these camera techniques were crucial in bringing the thrilling sequence to life on screen.
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