Remember the infamous first set of Man Of Steel set pics that showed a shirtless, bearded and super-shredded Henry Cavill filming for the movie? They were released on 13th October 2011, a full 20 months before the release date of the film. The set consisted of just 4 pictures unlike all other paparazzi sets which featured hundreds. Also that shirtless scene was shot in the middle of nowhere and there were no paparazzi or bystanders around, so who took those photos and released them online?
Well turns out it was the film-makers themselves! Clay Enos, the film's official stills photographer reveals that he took those photos. Why did the studio release them as paparazzi shots? Well, perhaps they were too modest to blatantly showoff the stunning physique of their star or perhaps this is some viral thing which clearly worked because these photos were splashed across the internet and media and generated enormous positive buzz online as people responded very positively to Cavill's jaw-dropping physical transformation. And also the pictures were released just in time for the Immortals press junket which would then have Cavill fielding interminable questions about his workbook regime to acquire his Superman physique. Henry Cavill said at that time that he was happy the pictures were leaked because he thought he won over a lot of the doubters with those photos and the audience was able to see all the hard work that went into it. Movie promotion 20 months in advance!
So I guess the studio adhered to the old motto, if you have something to grab eyeballs, better not sit on it and release it to the public as soon as you can!
Below are some quotes from Enos's interview as he reveals some exciting information about what the job of a photographer on the set of multi-million dollar blockbuster entails. You bet you and I would kill for this job.
On how he got involved
I have a personal relationship with the Snyders. While it’s never good to presume anything in Hollywood, I was pretty sure I’d be part of the project from the moment it was announced.
On his spectacular work on Zack Snyer's Watchmen
Watchmen was my first effort and the fact that I keep getting invited back is certainly a validation of my efforts. The Cruel team is very hands-on with their marketing efforts and the fact that they make books for every movie is a real treat. I shoot with that in mind more so than just the traditional needs of the PR and Marketing departments. I think that’s appreciated.
On creating Superman iconography
I don’t get too caught up in the comic book stuff. A movie set is a distinctive assignment and my job is to honour that. I’m not ignorant to the symbolism of Superman but I wouldn’t give myself too much credit for any iconic representation. When Supes finds himself standing in front of an American flag, smoke wafting through the air, you don’t pass on it.
On what his job entails
Unit photographers are an interesting breed. We are tasked with making images that can be used for marketing long before anyone is really giving marketing a thought. The production is in full swing and I’m in the way as a rule. There are hundreds of people swirling around to make a movie and I’m just trying to make a couple stills. A guy could get a complex at how seemingly insignificant and unnecessary they feel on the day. Only a year later as the images start showing up in books or magazines does it all make sense. All that said, I make a point of working from call to wrap every day of the production. I’m as committed to the project as anyone and one way to show it is to endure the long hours and often uncomfortable conditions with everyone else.
On how he can be responsible for the audience's first look at a movie
I’m always aware of that. The first image of Supes against the safe was set up just for me. The “leaked” images of Clark shirtless were mine that were made to look like paparazzi images. It’s part of the fun of being a movie still-photographer. I don’t need to tell you that still images have remarkable power and flexibility, more so than a teaser trailer, so I’m honoured to have that early and lasting role.
on his 2 favorite shots for Man Of Steel
I love the shot of Lois in the Daily Planet office. The light was great, she looked amazing, and it’s gotten great play. Of Supes himself, I guess I should be most proud of the ComicCon poster that is being used to advertise the critical reviews in [my home-town newspaper] the New York Times. It’s mostly un-retouched and evokes a ton of what the film represents.
You can read the entire interview at
Junsui Films.
The "leaked" set photos.
Enos's two favorites
Clay Enos, who is himself a disciple of Gym Jones like Snyder and Cavill.
(Image Courtesy Gym Jones.)
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