Australian filmmaker Emilie Lowe used Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro digital film cameras and DaVinci Resolve Studio for her award winning short film “Where Dead Things Grow,” a character driven project recognised for its cinematography and visual storytelling.
Written, directed, shot and edited by Lowe, the 35 minute film explores themes of grief, isolation and self determination. Set in a post apocalyptic environment, the story follows a man struggling to survive alone on a rural property after losing his family, before an unexpected companion gives him a reason to continue.
“I try to make each frame mean something,” said Lowe. “Even if it is a simple shot, it needs to contribute to the character’s journey. The film is about finding light in the darkness, and I wanted that to come through not just in the story, but in the way it was shot and graded.”
Shot on location in Western Australia with a crew of just five, the production relied heavily on natural light and a lean, efficient workflow. Lowe used Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro cameras paired with cine and Sigma lenses, favouring shallow depth of field to create an intimate visual style.
“The cameras are very practical and ‘hands on’, which is exactly what I want as a cinematographer,” Lowe explained. “You are in full control of focus and exposure, and that physical connection to the camera is part of the filmmaking process for me. It helps create something that feels raw and real.
The film’s visual language evolves alongside its protagonist. Early scenes are desaturated and minimal, reflecting loss and isolation, while later sequences introduce more vibrant color and life. Lowe captured seasonal changes by filming the same location in winter and spring to reinforce the narrative arc.
“I love color grading because it allows you to tell the story in a different way,” she said. “With DaVinci Resolve Studio, I could shape the mood and show that transition from darkness into something more hopeful. It is one of the most powerful tools in the process.”
Production conditions presented additional challenges, including shooting exterior scenes in winter storms and rapidly changing light. Lowe said the built in ND filters of the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro were critical for maintaining consistency.
“We were filming outdoors in conditions that could change very quickly,” she noted. “Being able to adjust ND internally saved time and helped us stay focused on performance and composition rather than constantly adjusting gear.”
The film’s handheld and tripod based shooting style also contributed to its naturalistic feel. Without relying on camera stabilisation, Lowe embraced subtle movement to bring audiences closer to the character’s emotional state.
“It is not meant to feel overly polished,” she added. “There is a slight imperfection to it that makes it more intimate, like you are experiencing the moment with the character.”
Lowe’s work on the film has been recognised in multiple festival circuits, including awards for cinematography.
Looking ahead, Lowe is preparing her next feature film, which will expand on her visual style with a larger scale production and multi camera setup, while continuing to use Blackmagic Design cameras and DaVinci Resolve Studio as the foundation of her workflow.
“I have used Blackmagic cameras since I started making films,” she said. “It is a system that allows me to stay creative and work efficiently, and it has been a huge part of my development as a filmmaker.”