“Behind the Lens: Jake Polonsky’s Raw Glimpse into the Unfiltered Film Industry”

It was approaching 1am and Jake Polonsky, situated on the 24th floor of Tower 42 in central London, was three hours away from concluding his day. The director of photography, who has collaborated on projects such as Black Mirror and Billions, had been preparing for a night shoot throughout the day.

His filming timetable for the second season of the Apple TV show Surface extended over three nights, running from 5pm to 4am. “We were capturing a grand engagement party for two characters, Quinn and Grace. During a pause, I observed these extras awaiting their turn. I’m unsure if the woman on the left found the towel on set – perhaps she brought it from her home.”

He refrained from interrupting them to inquire about their names and states that the placement of the cup, concealing the male extra’s face, was entirely incidental. “The lighting was flat, the composition unusual, yet it functioned. I appreciate the contrast between the luxurious booth and the people sprawled upon it,” he remarks. “The image serves as a reminder of the film industry’s lack of glamour, but it also brings a smile to my face – it illustrates the perseverance of individuals on a film set trying to catch some rest.”