What does it take to shoot Formula 1 at Formula 1 speed? For 1st Assistant Director Toby Hefferman, it meant precision, improvisation, and a crew running at full throttle.
This week on Below the Line, Toby Hefferman joins Skid to talk about his work on F1: The Movie, the high-octane feature that merges scripted drama with real-world racing. From on-track logistics to high-pressure resets, Toby shares how he and the crew captured the energy of Formula 1 without slowing it down.
The conversation races through:
- Preparing for race-day chaos with limited takes and no second chances
- Coordinating with the F1 organization for track access and safety
- Balancing authentic racing with scripted storytelling beats
- Working with the broadcast crew and integrating into their coverage footprint
- Collaborating closely with director Joseph Kosinski to shape coverage and keep pace with the story
- Navigating the unique demands of filming alongside professional F1 drivers in active race environments
- What it means to “make the day” when the cars set the schedule — not the crew
What emerges is a portrait of an Assistant Director balancing structure with flexibility — drawing on lessons from Rogue One, Mission: Impossible, and now F1: The Movie.
🎧 Press play and go Below the Line on F1: The Movie. For more, visit belowtheline.biz.
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