David Worth’s Journey with Hulk Hogan on McKinsey’s Island

In an exclusive interview, David Worth, the director of photography for McKinsey’s Island, takes us behind the scenes of the film’s unique blend of action, adventure, and comedy, starring none other than the iconic Hulk Hogan. From capturing Hogan’s larger-than-life presence on screen to the challenges and memorable moments on set, Worth shares his insights on the visual elements that shaped the film’s legacy. Discover the camera techniques, natural locations, and the unexpected journey of working with future wrestling sensation Paul White in this captivating conversation. Plus, find out which visual elements made Worth proud, and why McKinsey’s Island remains a memorable part of his cinematic journey.

McKinsey’s Island featured Hulk Hogan in a lead role. How did you work with the director and production team to capture the larger-than-life presence of Hogan on screen and bring his character to life through your cinematography?

We ventured into natural locations and relied on available light, which was quite the adventure in itself.

Hulk Hogan is known for his iconic wrestling career. Did his background as a professional wrestler influence any of your creative decisions in terms of capturing his physicality and larger-than-life persona on camera?

Surprisingly, not much. My approach has always been to take what’s given to me every day and capture it in the best possible way.

McKinsey’s Island blends action, adventure, and comedy. How did you approach visually balancing these different elements to create a cohesive and engaging visual style that complemented the film’s overall tone?

We stuck to natural locations and available light, and I always believe in the mantra: “ALWAYS KEEP SHOOTING!!!”

Hulk Hogan has a charismatic and energetic screen presence. How did you collaborate with him to capture his dynamic performance and translate his on-screen charisma into powerful visuals?

Shooting him from a low angle was the key to capturing his dynamic presence on screen.

McKinsey’s Island includes various outdoor locations, from lush tropical settings to rugged terrains. How did you approach capturing the beauty and adventure of these locations, and what techniques did you employ to enhance the visual storytelling?

We continued to rely on natural locations and available light, using long lenses to avoid seeing the rain. And remember, we always kept shooting.

As the director of photography, what unique lighting or camera techniques did you use to capture the action sequences and create a sense of excitement and energy throughout McKinsey’s Island?

As mentioned earlier, natural locations and available light were our allies in capturing the action sequences.

Hulk Hogan’s films often have a distinct blend of action and humor. How did you work with the director to visually convey the comedic moments while still maintaining the overall excitement and momentum of the action-packed scenes?

The same philosophy applied: Take what’s given and capture it in the best possible way.

McKinsey’s Island had a diverse cast, including Hulk Hogan and other actors. How did you ensure visual continuity and balance in capturing each character’s unique qualities and interactions on screen?

It was all about maintaining the consistency of our approach.

Can you share any memorable behind-the-scenes moments or challenges you faced while filming McKinsey’s Island, particularly in relation to capturing Hulk Hogan’s larger-than-life personality and his action sequences?

A fascinating tidbit is how I worked with Paul White before he became “The Big Show.” He used to pick me up with one finger during low-angle shots. Several years later, I saw him in WWE as the massive sensation he is today.

Looking back at your work on McKinsey’s Island, what are some of the visual elements or sequences that you are most proud of, and how do you think they contribute to the overall entertainment value and legacy of the film?

Despite the film being forgettable for many, it was an interesting journey. For me, it was about working with remarkable talents such as Hulk Hogan, Paul White, Grace Jones, and Robert Vaughn, even if the film itself may not be remembered as a classic.

Check out more Interview from Action Reloaded