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HBO's Chernobyl Series Features Behind-the-Scenes Photography with Hasselblad X1D Camera

publication · 2026-03-31

The HBO mini-series Chernobyl, which dramatizes the 1986 nuclear disaster, incorporated behind-the-scenes photography captured with a Hasselblad X1D camera. Director Johan Renck, known for his work on television productions like Breaking Bad and Bloodline, photographed cast members including Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson during production. These on-set images were taken using the medium format digital camera, which offers 50-megapixel resolution. The series premiered on HBO and recounts events surrounding one of history's most severe human-caused catastrophes. The photographic documentation provides a visual record of the production process while showcasing the technical capabilities of the Hasselblad equipment. The mini-series has attracted significant attention since its release, with the behind-the-scenes photography offering additional perspective on the production.

Key facts

  • The HBO mini-series Chernobyl dramatizes the 1986 nuclear accident
  • Director Johan Renck photographed behind-the-scenes moments during production
  • Photography was captured using a Hasselblad X1D medium format camera
  • The camera features 50-megapixel resolution capability
  • Cast members include Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson
  • Johan Renck has previously worked on Breaking Bad and Bloodline
  • The series is currently available for streaming on HBO
  • The Chernobyl disaster is considered one of history's worst man-made catastrophes

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • HBO

Sources