A Stab at Heaven is a deeply personal truth story based on the real-life experiences of lead actor and writer Ema Mckie. Her longtime collaborator and friend, Mark de Paola, visually brings Ema’s story to life using the Leica SL system and Leica optics. A Stab at Heaven is profoundly personal and intimate, and finding the right tool to tell this story has been a lifelong journey for Mark. One we have had the privilege of helping over the past couple of decades. Using the Leica SL system, Mark and Ema were able to narrate this story beautifully and emotionally. In their words, “This is not a documentary, but a narrative film based on a truth. A “Truth” Story.”
A Stab at Heaven is the result of a 5-year creative journey between Mark and Ema. When we heard from Mark about his use of the SL system, we knew there was more to the story than just the film itself. We wanted to explore Mark’s process and how he used the photographic tools that enabled him and Ema to tell their “truth” story.
A Stab At Heaven follows a stream of consciousness narrative as Ema drives across the country grappling with the sudden loss of her fiance. A profoundly internal cinematic experience, A Stab At Heaven is currently in the film festival circuit with release dates coming soon. Be sure to keep an eye on astabatheavenfilm.com for updates.
This documentary, produced by Carlo Velasquez in conjunction with dePAOLA Pictures, Leica Store San Francisco, and Camera West, uncovers the story behind the story. Our hope is that you’ll see and feel the immense impact these photographic tools have on the artistry of Mark de Paola.
Mark states how the SL system has become integral to his workflow and creative practice.
“It’s a fluid environment in which to create, I’m not bogged down by settings, or ‘I wonder how this is going to look’ I walk in and I know exactly what it is. It takes milliseconds to get to the look. I don’t grade one frame of my cinema with the SL system… because it doesn’t require it… because it is me and I am it”
Mark de Paola
The Leica SL system opens the doors for both photographers and directors to create and express themselves by using optical and photographic tools that are made with the photographer in mind first. We’re thrilled to see Mark push the Leica SL system to the fullest capacity and leaning into the creative possibilities this system opens up for him.
Carlo Velasquez filmed and produced this documentary using the Leica SL3 as the primary camera, the SL2-S as a secondary camera, and Leica SL optics.
“For me, the Leica SL system allows me to react in the same way I use my M system… It feels intuitive and responsive. The form factor allows me to not only be present but intimate in the scene. Combine with SL optics and a good microphone, and you have the bare essentials to create and take on any project!”
Carlo Velasquez
Behind the Kit: Mark de Paola’s Tools of Choice
The Leica SL3
Mark has continued his style with the latest iteration of the Leica SL system, the Leica SL3. The Leica SL3 was used in filming the teaser released before The Making of “A Stab At Heaven” in collaboration with Camera West and Leica Store San Francisco.
The Leica SL2-S & 50mm f1 Noctilux E58
Leica SL2-S: Mark exclusively used the Leica SL2-S while filming A Stab at Heaven. He achieved the desired look and feel for the film directly through the camera, without any grading.
The Leica 50mm f1.0 Noctilux E58, better known as “The dePAOLA Noctilux,” is Mark’s signature lens. Over the years, he has created his unique style using this lens after testing it against a plethora of other lenses and Noctilux versions. By using this optic on the Leica SL2-S and now SL3, Mark is able to replicate the aesthetic from his still images in motion.
The Leica M2 Black Paint
Mark has a deep appreciation for beautifully crafted, well-made, and unique Leica photography tools that have seen and told many stories. Among these is the Leica Black Paint Leica M2 with an incredible patina and character, paired with a Leica 35mm f2.0 Summicron “8-element” from around the same era. This M2 was provided for the filming of The Making of “A Stab At Heaven” from the extended collection at Camera West.
The Leica M 246 Monochrom “Your Mark” Edition
Leica M 246 Monochrom “ Your Mark” Edition with matching 35mm Summicron-M ASPH: Several years ago, Camera West and Leica Store San Francisco collaborated with Leica and Horween Leathers to create one of the most iconic black paint cameras of the digital age, the Leica M 246 “Your Mark” Monochrom. Limited to only 80 pieces, Mark was among the first to purchase this beautiful camera when it launched and continues to use it extensively to this day. Mark has embellished the top plate with his brand “dePAOLA”, signifying his intention to keep this camera with him always.
Upcoming Workshop with Mark de Paola
Bridging the Gap Between Stills & Motion | July 13th, 2024
Our goal is to make this process tangible for you. We’re offering a limited-seating workshop at the Leica Store in San Francisco with Mark de Paola on July 13. In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to translating your creative vision from still images to motion. You’ll bring it to life using the Leica SL system and view it on the Leica Cine 1 projector. Click the link below to learn more about this workshop.
Featured image credit – David Kevin Weaver and pictured from left to right is Mark de Paola, Ema McKie, and Pedro Correa