Never underestimate the power of quality content, beautiful subject, matter, solid editing, slow-motion footage, and a mesmerizing soundtrack. The video below was uploaded 5 days ago on Vimeo and already has over 155 thousand plays, with 3000 likes. Shot on a RED Epic using a Nikon 14mm F/2.8 lens, in an SPL waterhousing, “Water”, by Morgan Maassen will transport you to a world you’ll long to visit.
Red Epic
“Unbound” Arbor Skateboards + James Kelly + RED.
When you take a RED camera and film one of the best downhill skateboard racers in the world free riding, the results can be pretty amazing. The film below from Arbor Collective features James Kelly simply having fun, going fast, flying downhill.
While this film has a great look to it with a desaturated color pallet, and interspersed slow motion shots, one thing that really makes it is the sense of speed. The way this is filmed, you get a sense of just how fast he is going. You see the wobbles, fumbles, and near spills. All of this helps build the sensation of movement and speed, while capturing the grace and athleticism of this sport. Great little short film with a soundtrack from the movie Django Unchained for bonus points.
“VO to Hero”. Thursday Morning Inspiration.
The right gear, a simple yet effective story, talented individuals behind the camera and working post make this short film. Shot on a RED EPIC, Michael Shainblum, and Maxwell Frank have created a beautiful little film championing those at the beginning of their journey. This short film has an absolutely wonderful look to it. Shallow depth of field, atmosphere, really nice color grading that accentuates the overall feel of the story. Definitely worth taking a few minutes to watch.
Monday Inspiration. Zacuto’s Great Camera Shootout.
Below are two interesting films from camera accessory maker Zacuto. They are from the “Great Camera Shootout” for 2012, and folks the results are really interesting. In the audience is Francis Ford Coppola, along with a number of other industry pros. They were shown eight short films each shot with a different camera and then asked to choose the best of the eight. They were not told in advance which cameras were used on each film.
The cameras used in the shootout included a Panasonic GH2, Sony F65, Red Epic, Canon C300 and Arri Alexa. The price range goes from less than a grand for the GH2 to around $75,000 for the Sony F65. Now here is the the kicker, that GH2 won. It is chosen more by this group of pros than any other camera. So does this mean it is a better camera than the F65? not necessarily. What it does mean is that the technology is getting so good, that in the right hands, a small crew can get some seriously amazing results. I continue to say this, and I will repeat it as long as I can breath. The gear you use will not make you more talented, it only helps improve the end result of your work. If you have the skills you can create magic even with an enthusiast level camera.
Watch these and be inspired. The industry is changing and you can make some magic too.
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