Josh Safdie Unveils Techniques Behind Filming Ping-Pong Matches

Filmmaker Josh Safdie shares his unique techniques for filming ping-pong matches in his recent podcast appearance. He reflects on his childhood connection to table tennis and how it inspires his latest project, “Marty Supreme.” Safdie’s interest in capturing the sport stems from his personal experiences and historical insights into post-WWII New York City.

Inspiration and Background

Growing up, Safdie played table tennis with his father, finding solace in the sport during his childhood struggles with ADD. He notes that the game requires intense focus and precision, which informs the emotional core of his film. Research for “Marty Supreme” involved conversations with his wife, Sara Rossein, and anecdotes from his uncle George, who frequented Lawrence’s Table Tennis Club in the 1950s.

Character Development

The film is heavily influenced by real-life table tennis champion Marty Reisman, inspiring the protagonist Timothée Chalamet’s character, Marty Mauser. Safdie aims to explore themes of ambition and individualism against the backdrop of a sport often dismissed as unserious.

Filming Techniques for Ping-Pong

Safdie faced challenges in translating the fast-paced nature of ping-pong to the screen. He expressed concerns about the rapid rhythm of shots—less than one-third of a second apart—potentially complicating his filming technique.

Choreographing the Matches

To capture the sport authentically, Safdie sought the expertise of Diego Schaaf, a renowned table tennis choreographer who collaborated with Safdie to create realistic match sequences. Their approach involved combining elements from various historical games to develop an intricate visual script.

• Collaboration with Diego Schaaf: Developed technical accuracy and choreography for the film.
• Historical Accuracy: Used real points from past games to build match sequences.
• Visual Script: Created a detailed guide for actors to understand the choreography.

Challenges Faced During Production

While the actors underwent rigorous training to master their characters’ skills, Safdie acknowledged the need for CGI to enhance certain sequences. The timing involved in filming ping-pong matches proved more nuanced than realistic, as the actors had to simulate playing without a physical ball.

Technical Innovations

Working with acclaimed cinematographer Darius Khondji, Safdie sought to innovate beyond traditional filming angles used in professional table tennis broadcasts. By adapting a documentary-style approach with multiple camera perspectives, they aimed to depict the game more dynamically.

The Future of “Marty Supreme”

As the film reaches audiences nationwide, Safdie takes pride in how he represented the sport’s integrity. He believes his preparation and dedication have successfully captured the essence of playing table tennis, providing a deeper appreciation for the sport and its complexities.

For more insights into Josh Safdie’s filmmaking process and techniques, tune into the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast available on major platforms like Apple and Spotify.