Cinema Drone – SHOTOVER U1
SHOTOVER, the maker of high performance stabilization platforms, recently announced the debut of the SHOTOVER U1, the world’s first professional grade unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the broadcast, motion picture, law enforcement and industrial survey markets.
Further increasing functionality, the SHOTOVER U1 gimbal (U1g) can be detached from the multirotor and used as a standalone gyro-stabilized platform for mounting on motorcycles, cars, boats, cables and almost anything that moves. Buyers can choose between the U1, which includes both the multirotor and gimbal, and the U1g, which is the gimbal without the aerial component. Other U1 features include redundant flight control and battery systems, customized downlink with two HD video feeds and unparalleled stability even at full zoom. Preorders for the U1, which will begin shipping in Q1 2016, have already topped several dozen units.
SHOTOVER U1
The U1 builds upon SHOTOVER’s expertise in the aerial cinematography space with its industry leading SHOTOVER F1 and SHOTOVER K1 gyro-stabilized camera systems. Recent credits include Hollywood blockbusters Jurassic World, Furious 7 and Spectre; SHOTOVER has also been tapped by the BBC for filming telephoto 4K footage of wolves, bears and caribou in Canada’s remote Northwest Territories for a six-part wildlife documentary series scheduled to air in 2016.
“The SHOTOVER U1 is the first drone specifically designed for broadcasters and big budget filmmakers, allowing productions to employ the same professional grade cameras and lenses they choose for their principal photography,” said SHOTOVER president Alex Giuffrida. “Coupled with unsurpassed reliability and support, the U1 will enable cinematographers to capture breathtaking shots, including those that wouldn’t be possible with a helicopter or crane – such as from inside a waterfall – without having to sacrifice image quality.
The U1’s redundant battery system with on screen feedback of cell voltage and capacity allows the pilot to turn off a failed battery cell and get the ship home safely. And the redundant flight control system provides operators with the ability to quickly switch to a back-up flight controller if the need arises. Additional features of the U1 include a user friendly design that allows operators to easily swap cameras and lenses during a shoot, 10X more pan motor torque than other prosumer gimbals and a unique balancing system for unshakeable stability. Like all SHOTOVER systems, the U1 has no ITAR restrictions, enabling it to be shipped around the world without requiring U.S. State Department approval.
To download the spec sheet for the SHOTOVER U1, please visit: http://shotover.com/site_assets/content/U1specs_10.22.V6.pdf
About SHOTOVER
SHOTOVER is a developer of high performance aerial camera systems for the motion picture and broadcast industries. The company’s line of gyro-stabilized camera platforms offer aerial cinematographers an unprecedented level of stability, control and versatility in a compact package easily configured for 2D, 3D and Ultra HD shooting with the world’s most advanced cameras and lenses. Developed in partnership with the motion picture industry’s top aerial cinematographers, SHOTOVER systems are fully user upgradeable, allowing operators to utilize new professional cameras, lenses and accessories as they come to market. SHOTOVER is online at http://www.shotover.com
SHOTOVER U1
Arri AMIRA
The Arri AMIRA takes the ALEXA’s sensor and puts it in a lightweight and compact body, designed to let you pick it up and start shooting. Since the AMIRA’s sensor is the same as that of the ALEXA, you’ll get 14 stops of dynamic range, fantastic skin-tone rendition, a native ISO of 800, and EI range from 160 to 3200.
Recording in ProRes formats up to 4:4:4 in HD and 2K modes with frame rates up to 200fps, the AMIRA also includes all the standard frame rates of the ALEXA, in addition to some interlaced frame rates (59.94i and 50i), which are necessary for some broadcast applications. All recording is done to CFast 2.0 cards, which are fast and affordable. The camera features an internal motorized ND filter wheel with 0.6, 1.2, and 2.1 ND filters.
The AMIRA Premium is the highest-end of the AMIRA varieties, with the ability to shoot 4K UHD 3840×2160, 2K 4444 ProRes, up to 200 fps, and in Log C installed in-camera.
Features:
Same sensor and image quality as the ARRI ALEXA
Records HD 1080 or 2K
Dynamic range of more than 14 stops, low noise, beautiful skintone and natural color rendering
Records Rec 709 or Log C images using ProRes LT, 422, 422HQ or 444 codecs
Speeds of up to 200 fps
Single-user ergonomics – perfect shoulder balance
Build-in ND filters
High-res OLED eyepiece and fold-away LCD monitor
Comes with a number of preloaded 3D Lut-based looks
Rugged and reliable build
ARRI Amira
VFX FILMING AT HOLLYWOOD CAMERA
Sound Stage with ‘The Unwilling” Crew
Cast and crew from ‘The Unwilling’ came into Hollywood Camera to film some special effects pick-up shots on our sound stage.
‘The Unwilling’ is a psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Heap, produced by Philip Morton and starring Dina Meyer, Lance Henriksen and David Lipper. If the tag line has any indication, we are in for an edge of your seat experience.
“6 family members gather for the reading of a will. Who will leave alive?”
David Stump, ASC, the cinematographer for ‘The Unwilling’, is a member of the ASC and his credits include some amazing films. Mr. Stump decided to film the principle photography in 4K with the Sony F65, F55 and FS7 and the Leica Sumillux C primes paired with Fujinon 25-300mm T3.5 and 19-90mm T2.9.
The F65 became particular useful with its 16 bit color depth and all the scenes that had to have visual effects were shot with F65 mounted on a Cinetech Capinera dolly also provided from Hollywood Camera. The Sony F55 was used as the camera car and hand held camera, whereas the FS7 was used for the Movi M15 scenes.
The special effects pick up shots today were for a mirror shot that was needed for a scene. Filming with the Sony F65, and the Fujinon 25-300mm they needed a more heavy duty dolly. We provided them with the Cinetech Falcon 2 that is usually available for rental to the customers that are shooting in our stage. David placed the camera on its side to give you the illusion the footage was vertical, yet the prop and actor were in a horizontal position.
Bertone Visuals, our partner company provided the digital acquisition systems (Dreadnought 4K cart) which allow the DIT not only to store and archive the whole film, but also, to take care of the color management and the transcoding on set from 4K Raw and XAVC to 2K Apple pro-res 4:2:2 codec. The editor for the unwilling is currently cutting the thriller/horror movie in Premiere CC.
Gianluca Bertone the president of Bertone Visuals participated as second camera operator and second unit DP, whereas his assistant Marco Paonessa worked as DIT.
The Unwilling is being edited at the new Bertone Visuals grading room located on the second floor of Hollywood Camera. The editor will import his cut via EDL to DaVinci Resolve where Bertone Visuals and Mr. Stump ASC, will grade the whole feature in P3-DCI (for theatrical release via DCP) and Rec 709 for Internet, TV and DVD applications.
We love having productions come over and use our facilities. Our 30 x 35 foot sound stage is available to rent for film, commercial and rehearsals. Call one of our rental agents to book you in for a walk through on 818 972 5000.
CHOOSE THE ALEXA, MATCH THE LENS
Arri Alexa Plus – The ALEXA Plus is known for its exceptional image performance with 14+ stops of dynamic range. The ARRI color science in the ALEXA Plus provides natural color replication and excellent color separation. Our Alexa cameras besides capturing Apple ProRes internally are also capable of acquiring 3K Arri Raw with our onboard Codex M and S recorders.
Arri Alexa 4:3 – With the ALEXA 4:3 cameras, the full area of the sensor is used and a much higher image quality retained. In addition, the unique optical characteristics of anamorphic lenses the magic at the heart of anamorphic cinematography are rendered faithfully and fully in the digital image.
Arri Alexa XT – The ALEXA XT cameras add a number of significant and unique features: a Super 35 sensor with Open Gate and 4:3 sensor modes, in-camera ARRIRAW up to 120 fps, ProRes 4444 XQ, ProRes 3.2K, internal ND filter, Lens Data System, integrated CDL capture, ARRIRAW checksum, included anamorphic de-squeeze and high speed licenses, new viewfinder mounting bracket as well as a new, super silent fan.
Arri Alexa Mini – ARRI Alexa Mini combines a compact and lightweight form factor with the same unparalleled image quality that has made the ALEXA system a gold standard for the industry. Designed for specialized shot-making, the ALEXA Mini perfectly complements a full ALEXA shooting kit and allows the crew to keep a single system that is trusted all over the world.
MATCH THE CAMERA MATCH THE LENS
Arri Alexa Plus – The ALEXA Plus is known for its exceptional image performance with 14+ stops of dynamic range. The ARRI color science in the ALEXA Plus provides natural color replication and excellent color separation. Our Alexa cameras besides capturing Apple ProRes internally are also capable of acquiring 3K Arri Raw with our onboard Codex M and S recorders.
Sony F65 CineAlta 4K – F65 uses a unique 20 million photosite Super-35 sensor which has higher resolution than any previous digital motion picture camera. Although digital, it gives the feeling of a film based camera due to its mechanical rotary shutter. Its 16-bit color depth together with 4K/6K/8K footage output make the F65 unmatched by any other digital camera on the market today.
Sony FS7 – The Sony FS7 records in XAVC codec on internal XQD media cards in UHDTV 4K resolution (3840×2160), but it can also acquire 4K RAW footage when it is paired with the Sony AXS-R5 recorder and the HXR-IFR5 deck or the Convergent Design monitor/recorder Odyssey 7Q. The FS7 camera is capable of shooting slow motion at 60fps in 4K and 180fps at HD resolution.
FILM AND DIGITAL TIMES ARTICLE
Jon Fauer, ASC from Film and Digital Times came to Hollywood Camera last month to conduct a series of tests with the Cooke/i Anamorphic primes and the Angenieux Optimo Anamorphic 56-152 zoom with Gianluca Bertone from Bertone Visuals.
They used the ARRI Alexa XT, which is one of the higher end cameras we have here at Hollywood Camera. The lenses are also part of the amazing lens selection that is available here.
Jon Fauer ASC, is one of the publisher/editors at Film and Digital Times and he wrote a 2 page piece on the lenses he tested while at Hollywood Camera. It’s a great read, you can press on the images below to read the article or go to their website and read the full issue.
http://www.fdtimes.com/issues/nab-issue/
Call one of our rental professionals on 8189725000 to book a test shoot with these lenses or to check for availability and pricing for your next job.
Film and Digital Times
http://www.fdtimes.com/issues/nab-issue/
ADVANCED LENSES AT HOLLYWOOD CAMERA
Cooke S4’s, Leica Summilux-C, Optimo Anamorphic zoom and Cooke Anamorphic/i primes, these are some of the most advanced lenses made for filmmakers today and they are available at Hollywood Camera. Visit our website to see what else we have in our vault. All our camera and lens packages are accessorized for the productions needs and budget.
Cooke S4/i primes
Award winning Cooke S4/i T2.0 Prime Lenses were designed and developed in close technical collaboration with industry professionals. Cooke S4/i optics offer superb optical and mechanical performance, control of flare, distortion, veiling glare and spherical aberrations at full aperture.
Leica Summilux-C primes
At T1.4 the Leica Summilux-C prime lenses are among the fastest modern lens sets available. The use of exotic aspherical elements in each lens creates a telecentric path of light from the rear element to the sensor. Telecentricity and aspheric correction not only reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing, but also create a more even illumination across the entire field.
Angenieux Optimo Anamorphic Zoom
Optimo Anamorphic 56-152mm 2S Lens has an optical performance never seen before from any other anamorphic zoom, with a 2x squeeze, no ramping or breathing and a fast aperture of T:4. The unique optical design combines spherical and cylindrical elements in the same group giving this anamorphic lens exceptional sharpness and low distortion.
Cooke Anamorphic/i primes
All of the anamorphic characteristics demanded by filmmakers today with the Cooke Look® and oval bokeh. Images beautifully rendered for film and especially suited for use with digital cameras. The Anamorphic/i, T2.3 primes have superb optical and mechanical performance. All the primes have a X 2.0 de-squeezing factor and they render a 2.40:1 aspect ratio.
Call one of our friendly staff for more information or to book a test shoot 818 9725000.
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David Stump ASC
It was a privilege for me to meet David Stump, ASC, who came in to Hollywood Camera for a test shoot for his upcoming project. David is a member of the ASC and his credits include some amazing films. Just to mention a few, X-Men, X-Men II, Contact and my personal favorite Stand By Me.
David’s next project is a modern Western called BLS Colorado. It’s based on a popular novel from the 1940’s with the adapted screenplay for the teaser written by Joe di Gennaro. They will be shooting in remote locations in Colorado for 7 days with the intent to develop this into a feature production.
David has chosen to film BLS Colorado on the Sony CineAlta F65 with the Leica Summilux-C T1.4, ten piece prime lens set. David loves the look of the Sony F65, especially for this film where he will be shooting a lot of day exteriors and epic landscape shots. Although digital, it gives the feeling of a film based camera due to its mechanical rotary shutter. The F65 will be set on Slog3 Cine (Via RAW player software) and the 14 stops of dynamic range of the Sony Gamut will allow David to capture the maximum out of the scenery and wild life of Colorado. He also felt the glass of the Summilux-C and the sensor of the F65 was a perfect marriage. The Leica primes are lightweight because the mount and lens barrel are manufactured from high-strength titanium and with a T stop of 1.4 they are among the fastest modern lens sets available. All Leica Summilux-C lenses share a uniform length, 95mm threaded lens front, advanced distance focus scales, and similar location of focus and iris rings which allow quick interchange of lenses in a busy production environment. The use of exotic aspherical elements in each lens creates a telecentric path of light from the rear element to the sensor. Telecentricity and aspheric correction not only reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing, but also create a more even illumination across the entire field.
BLS Colorado will be directed by Joe di Gennaro, David Stump and Scott Crane. Scott will also be producing and acting in the film. They will finish with a cinemascope look, 2.35:1 and will be delivering the film in 4k. Post-production will take place on the second floor at Hollywood Camera using Bertone Visuals color grading room. Designed and developed with filmmakers needs in mind, the brand new Color Grading room features a 4K theater style projector. It allows David to have a full Digital Intermediates facility for grading and mastering all the way to the theatrical DCP.
We wish them the best of luck with the film. We can’t wait till we get some behind the scenes photos sent to us from the amazing landscape in Colorado. We’ll keep you guys posted.
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Digital Motion Picture Center at Sony Pictures
The DMPC offers weekly hands-on training on Sony’s full range of Super 35mm cameras, including the F65 CineAlta™ digital motion picture camera and the F55 4K digital camera.
Today’s training was for the Sony F55. When we arrived in the morning we were seated in the theater section fitted with the latest Sony 4K projector. Spent a couple hours going through the Sony F55 features and recording formats.