Karl Wiggins – Learning on the Job

We were presented with a compelling proposition by a boxing promoter: to challenge the public perception of the sport. While often viewed as sheer brutality, boxing is a pursuit rich in finesse, self-control and tactical depth. The question was, how could we use film to illuminate these nuances for a wider audience?

A conventional highlights package was out of the question; it would only play into the stereotypes we sought to dismantle. Our strategy had to capture the blend of primal force and meticulous skill that characterises elite boxing. We devised a concept built on contrast, employing two distinct visual languages within a single film to reflect the duality at the heart of the sport: the meeting of disciplined training and explosive, in-the-moment reality.

The first style was cinematic and considered. In the gym, we used high-contrast, single-source lighting to sculpt the athletes’ forms, echoing the iconic portraiture of boxing history. This method allowed us to emphasise the deliberate grace and precision behind every training movement.

In stark opposition, we captured the unscripted chaos of live competition using a hand-held, vérité style. Here, we embraced the unpredictable natural light and frenetic energy of the ring, immersing the viewer in moments that were raw, authentic and unrepeatable. This juxtaposition was key to showing how calculated craft unleashes instinctive power.

Every cinematic shot was meticulously storyboarded before we set foot in the gym. Access to elite athletes is limited and their schedules are unforgiving, so this rigorous planning was essential. It ensured our time on location was exceptionally productive, respecting the commitments of everyone involved.

Our choice of a 5K Red Scarlet camera was driven by versatility, not brand recognition. Its capacity for high-frame-rate recording was crucial, allowing us to create elegant slow-motion passages that made the invisible visible: the subtle shift of weight, the ripple of muscle, the absolute focus in a fighter’s eyes. The resulting footage was high-resolution, retaining its impact across all display formats, from mobile phones to cinema screens.

In post-production, we brought all the elements into harmony. We deliberately entrusted the edit to a fresh pair of eyes; an editor uninvolved with the shoot who could find the film’s true rhythm without any on-set attachments. They wove the two styles together, selecting a musical score that amplified the emotional arc.

The final stage was the colour grade, where we applied the film’s atmospheric texture. We developed a desaturated, gritty palette reminiscent of traditional, time-worn boxing gyms—the breeding grounds of champions. The aim was not conventional beauty, but emotional authenticity.

The finished piece invited audiences to look beyond the fight and see the fighter; to connect with the discipline, passion and dedication that defines this demanding art form. This is the power of cinematic storytelling: to reshape understanding and forge a profound connection with the viewer.