Neutral Density Is Changing

Why would we want to discuss something as boring as ND filters? Simple, because the times, they are a changin’.

Daniel Brockett

This Tiffen Variable ND filter is one of the most commonly used ND filters for mirrorless hybrid and DSLR shooters. Neutral-density filtration. Why would we want to discuss something as boring as ND filters? Simple, because the times, they are a changin’ and along with them, how we think about ND filters is also changing. Depending on which... Read more

The Evolution Of The Mirrorless Hybrid Camera With The Fujifilm X-T4

Is it money well spent to sell off your X-T3 and upgrade to the X-T4?

Daniel Brockett

The new Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Hybrid is the latest offering from Fujifilm. As you’ve seen if you’re tapped into camera/production social media and it’s resulting blogosphere, Fujifilm recently announced the successor to the Fujifilm X-T3, one of the most popular cameras it has ever produced. We shot a project for a Los Angeles NPR station... Read more

Ready Camera 1, Take 1

A crash course in live streaming: The key to stepping outside of your comfort zone is to stay calm and focused

Daniel Brockett

Livestream Studio is a fully featured live streaming package that’s popular in the streaming world. How often do you try something new in your work? I mean really new, like something you’ve never done before? Or what about something you haven’t done for a long time? Recently, a friend who I’ve known for quite a few years approached me about... Read more

HPA 2020 Tech Retreat, Part 1

A post oasis in the desert

Michael Guncheon

Every February, some of the smartest minds in the content creation world come together and engage in presentations, discussions and debates about wide-ranging topics. They call it the Hollywood Professional Association Tech Retreat. I try to make time every year to travel to Palm Springs so I can absorb the unvarnished content that attracts current... Read more

HDR At CES

More nits? More confusion?

Michael Guncheon

Besides 8K at CES, high dynamic range (HDR) was also being shouted about from the rooftops. I saw a lot of HDR displays. I saw some good HDR footage. I saw some bad HDR footage. I also saw SDR footage playing on HDR displays. And I saw two spectacular HDR clips. Two. All the hype and the poor ratio of great to not great footage reminded me a little... Read more

Optical Choices for 2020, Part 1

A look at some of the lens choices available for the Canon EF mount and the best situations to use them in

Daniel Brockett

There are so many lens choices possible in 2020. Not only lens brands and models, but different types of lenses for different functionality. Let’s talk lenses. In 2020, we have many, many choices in lenses, especially depending on the camera you shoot with. Our main digital cinema cameras are the Canon C300 MKII and the Canon C200. Choosing the best... Read more

8K At CES

More pixels, less bezels

Michael Guncheon

CES always offers a mind-blowing array of screens on display. Also mind-blowing is the hype that goes with them. This year’s exhibition in Las Vegas was no different. I never walk away from CES with a definite idea of what the best display is. It’s really not a place to compare, as nothing is side by side or showing the same material. What I do... Read more

Accessorizing Your Camera

There’s a huge array of accessories available that allow DSLR/mirrorless cameras to perform better when shooting video

Daniel Brockett

The Canon EOS Cinema C200 Digital Camcorder with a good amount of accessories on board. Digital Cinema Camera manufacturers spend a lot of time and effort crafting the designs of the cameras that we buy and use. The ergonomics, layout, design workflow and usability are a significant part of the camera design budget. Yet how many times have you bought... Read more

Tech Crossover

Using non-pro gear in a professional environment

Michael Guncheon

At CES, I walk the acres of exhibit floors looking at all the new technology. There isn’t a great deal that applies to my job as a video editor, but certainly, displays and various capture devices do. Also, as someone who has been involved in the tech industry for most of my life, I relish the opportunity to learn where technology is going. As I view... Read more

Documentary Serendipity—Sérgio Mendes: In The Key of Joy

Feature documentary "Sérgio Mendes: In The Key of Joy" recently had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Daniel Brockett

“Sergio Mendes: In the Key of Joy,” a documentary that I shot in 2017 and 2018 just had its premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. It finally happened. Director John Scheinfeld’s feature documentary about the life of Brazilian composer and musical legend Sérgio Mendes, “Sérgio Mendes: In The Key of... Read more

Sundance 2020: “His House” Offers No Refuge From Horror

In this video clip, first-time director describes how he created such a claustrophobic horror film

By Simon Wakelin

Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu appear in “His House,” directed by Remi Weekes, an official selection of the Midnight program at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Aidan Monaghan. “My House” pulsates with claustrophobic unease, a horror film that disturbed audiences with powerful effect. It’s a remarkable... Read more

Sundance 2020: “The Nest” Premieres At The Festival

Director Sean Durkin returns with a social critique of England

By Simon Wakelin

A still from “The Nest,” which premiered this year at Sundance In 2011, Sean Durkin won the dramatic directing award for his directorial debut “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” tapping into the terror of a cult lingering on in the mind of an escaped victim. With his new movie “The Nest,” Durkin returns this year to Sundance with a social... Read more