FILM EQUIPMENT

THE TECH BEHIND IT ALL

The Ursa 4K cinema camera by Blackmagic Design is absolutely perfect for studio work. With three screens — two at 5", one main monitor at 10" — it's fantastic for a crew.

Shoots at full 4K in RAW or ProRes
Records directly onto an SSD for long shoots

A versatile camera needs to be able to fit any scenario and any shoot location. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is 1.1lbs and has ISO up to 25,600, making it perfect for anything.

Adaptable MFT mount with PL glass
Compact, light body for filming anywhere

Being able to film from the sky, over water, or in areas inaccessible to humans opens up so many possibilities to break your piece free from any constraints of physical limitations... leaving only your imagination.

The Solo can fly anywhere, and get there fast

The bitrate and quality of encoding matter nearly as much as which microphone is being used, and is the difference between professional audio and enthusiast work.

Internal recording on the Ursa 4k
A Zoom H4N or a Zoom H1 when necessary

As important as the camera lens is the medium through which you transmit your sound. Using the right microphone for each job is of paramount importance.

Use several microphones for several different use-cases.
Lavaliers, shotgun mics, and VO mics used.

This defines the versatility of the filmmaker, and the range of projects and styles which s/he can shoot and record. I use two heavy-duty tripods and a Zhiyun Crane for this.

Traditional tripod mounting
Gimbals for impossibly smooth motion
Shoulder mounts for long shoots and concerts

MAIN CAMERA

SECONDARY CAMERA

AERIAL CAMERA

The incredible Ursa 4K by Blackmagic Design is capable of jaw-dropping footage, rivaling that of the RED Epic and ARRI Alexa. I shoot in full 4K resolution, in RAW and ProRes.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is a stupendously versatile workhorse. I have rigged it myself for many styles, and shoot at 4K in RAW and ProRes.

The 3DRobotics Solo is a quadcopter specifically designed for aerial cinematography and maximum stabilization. It is capable of flying in excess of 45kph, and uses a GoPro HERO shooting in CineLike.

AUDIO RECORDERS

MICROPHONES

MOUNTING EQUIPMENT

I use a combination of the incredible internal preamps on the Blackmagic Design Ursa 4K, the Zoom H4n, and the Zoom H1 to get crisp audio no matter the demand. This combination makes great audio viable in all locations and setups.

This is a category whose importance is incredibly underestimated by many. The crispness of the audio, the frequency response, and the clarity are so very vital to getting good sound; even in quiet places.

I've built all of my rigs myself, and each is custom-made to accommodate a specific use case or scenario. My tripods are all heavy-duty enough to support the 30lbs+ of my Ursa rig with extras on it.

FILM EQUIPMENT

MAKING YOUR PROJECT LOOK AND SOUND

AS PERFECT AS CAN BE

CAMERAS AND LENSES

I have created, bought, and tuned my equipment around the goal of creating cinematic images with few to no compromises.

My main camera is the Blackmagic Ursa 4K cinema rig, outfitted with ARRI-cinema mount lenses. Secondary (and tight quarters) camera is the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, with both native and adapted lenses. Aerial camera is the 3DRobotics Solo, with a DJI Inspire 2 drone + ZenMuse X5S camera in the works.

As for lenses, I enjoy the look and character brought by old Carl Zeiss and Mir/Helios lenses as well as modern lenses from the likes of Sigma and DZOFilm. I use EF, PL, FD, m42, and MFT lenses on the Ursa 4K and the BMPCC 4K.

AUDIO AND MICROPHONES

Audio is an aspect that many, many clients cheap out on to the severe detriment of their projects. Having the proper equipment and the proper setup for any given occasion is incredibly important to the professionalism of any piece, as well as the immersion your audience is going to experience.

I record using the excellent preamps of the Ursa 4K, as well as a Zoom F6, Røde Wireless Pro, and a Zoom H1 for interviews. Microphones include a Røde NTG4+, Audio Technica AT875R, Sony ECMSM3 lavalier, and more.

RIGS + GIMBALS, SLIDERS, AND TRIPODS

I use several fluid-head tripods for my main cameras, and have a number of smaller ones for GoPro and audio recording usage. All are incredibly sturdy and capable of supporting cinema rigs. I have one 32-inch slider and a tripod dolly for getting smooth dolly shots. I have a DJI RS2 gimbal and a variety handheld rigs that I've custom-built, as well, for whenever the camera needs to get off the ground and travel around.

Having this flexibility is paramount for being able to get good shots under any conditions. Having even a single shaky shot in your film can absolutely ruin the presentation and professionalism of the whole thing.