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"This Is Better Than Game Of Thrones", Apple TV+ Dazzles With This Epic Series
The series "Chief of War" masterfully combines a historical power struggle with stunning visual recreations of Hawaiian kingdoms, captivating viewers with its rich storytelling and production quality.
The Apple TV+ series Chief of War is set in a time when power struggles and political alliances were crucial to the future of Hawaiian kingdoms. The show engages viewers not only through its intrigue and battles but also through the stunning visual portrayal of its world. Behind this approach lies a comprehensive process.
Production designer Jean-Fran9ois Campeau was tasked with distinguishing the various kingdoms and cultures of Hawaii and beyond. As many available sources are heavily European-oriented, his team had to be resourceful. They notably reconstructed boats and collaborated with local artists to create believable textures and details for temples and homes. Each island was given recognizable geographical features to visually clarify the political differences.
However, the series sometimes focuses not on building, but on destruction. For instance, we see a slave complex and food supplies engulfed in flames. Campeau explains that some sets were deliberately built to burn in a controlled manner, with VFX enhancing the scenes.
Campeau, who spoke with IndieWire, designed the city of Zamboanga to be suffocating and oppressive, making the Spanish domination palpable in the architectural style. This contrasts sharply with Hawaii’s open and lush landscapes, emphasizing the different power dynamics and foreshadowing the changes the islands are about to face.
For the storyline, it was crucial that each faction and island had its own visual identity. O'ahu, Maui, and Hawaii were each characterized by a notable landmark that underlined their role in the geopolitical landscape. For instance, Kamehameha's power was linked to vast green plains and imposing cliffs, making it all the more poignant when everything in that environment goes up in flames.
"Forget dragons, this is better than Game of Thrones," someone remarked on set, to highlight that the authenticity and rawness of Chief of War has more impact than any fantasy epic.
Production designer Jean-Fran9ois Campeau was tasked with distinguishing the various kingdoms and cultures of Hawaii and beyond. As many available sources are heavily European-oriented, his team had to be resourceful. They notably reconstructed boats and collaborated with local artists to create believable textures and details for temples and homes. Each island was given recognizable geographical features to visually clarify the political differences.
Fire As A Dramatic Weapon
However, the series sometimes focuses not on building, but on destruction. For instance, we see a slave complex and food supplies engulfed in flames. Campeau explains that some sets were deliberately built to burn in a controlled manner, with VFX enhancing the scenes.
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Campeau, who spoke with IndieWire, designed the city of Zamboanga to be suffocating and oppressive, making the Spanish domination palpable in the architectural style. This contrasts sharply with Hawaii’s open and lush landscapes, emphasizing the different power dynamics and foreshadowing the changes the islands are about to face.
Visual Identity Of The Islands
For the storyline, it was crucial that each faction and island had its own visual identity. O'ahu, Maui, and Hawaii were each characterized by a notable landmark that underlined their role in the geopolitical landscape. For instance, Kamehameha's power was linked to vast green plains and imposing cliffs, making it all the more poignant when everything in that environment goes up in flames.
"Forget dragons, this is better than Game of Thrones," someone remarked on set, to highlight that the authenticity and rawness of Chief of War has more impact than any fantasy epic.
