HUNGER GAMES PHOTOS
Movies’ exec also shoots the ad photos
HIGH-POWERED Hollywood studio executives aren’t supposed to be the creative types in the movie business.
Tim Palen apparently didn’t get that memo.
The newly promoted chief brand officer and head of worldwide marketing for Lionsgate has spent years honing his passion for photography on the side — and at his job crafting the creative promotional campaigns for the wildly popular “Hunger Games” flicks. Few of his contemporaries, though, actually travel to the set and snap the pictures themselves.
Now some of his best work from the hit franchise is on display in a new coffee table book from Assouline, “Tim Palen: Photographs from ‘The Hunger Games,’ ” that goes on sale this week on www.assouline.com and at the publisher’s boutiques.
“I came into the business through the creative advertising side of marketing — I’ve been a copywriter, paste up artist, typesetter,” Palen told the Daily News. “I consider myself a marketing executive who has worked a long time to create a job that’s as rewarding as it is challenging.”
The graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena has used his photographer’s eye to put together all the innovative posters and marketing for his studio’s “The Hunger Games” saga. Most moviegoers may not have picked up just how unique the imagery has been, but voters for Adweek sure did, awarding him the Brand Genius of the year award for the first movie’s campaign.
“I think (being a photographer) helps me in everything I do,” he said. “Just being aware of the details really. The details make all the difference.”
One of his subjects, “Hunger Games” star Jennifer Lawrence is one of the most photographed women in the world.
Palen, though, has an advantage over the legion of fashion magazine shutterbugs who have snapped her picture — he’s been on set with her for the past four years and built up trust.
“I always try to look for a relaxed or natural moment,” said Palen. “I think one good by-product of having shot all four movie campaigns is that our shoots became part of the process.
“For a model/actor it’s less stressful and more honest when you feel safe and know what to expect.
“At least I hope that’s true.”