Directive Studios Blogs

Supporting 4K resolution at 30fps, we couldn't resist the new GoPro Hero 5 Black. We have always been satisfied the with quality and durability GoPro products have to offer. This being their first camera that is completely waterproof without housing, we're excited to put this thing to the test. Voice control, video stabilization, touch screen display, and 12MP photos with different modes including time lapse, we couldn't think of a reason not to have it!  B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274419-REG/gopro_chdhx_501_hero5_black.html

Gathering B-roll for a video can make or break the production. We snagged this DJI Osmo to capture B-roll quick and easily. This small handheld device holds a 3-Axis Gimbal, along with a 4K resolution camera. The Osmo allows you to walk or run without having to worry about shaky footage. It's 4K camera can capture outstanding 12MP JPEG of RAW photos, and 4K or Full HD videos.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188624-REG/dji_cp_zm_000160_osmo_handheld_4k_camera.html

The DJI Osmo FlexiMic allows us to easily capture audio on the go. We use the DJI Osmo when we need a quick solution to capturing video and stills. Now that we can have a mic recording the audio, we can easily make a quick video on the fly. Of course, we wouldn't use this as our primary mic on set, but we now have the opportunity to have another back up mic for b-roll footage. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222067-REG/dji_cpzm000321_m_15_fleximic_for_osmo.html/pageID/accessory

GoPro has become a huge name in the video industry. The fact you can place and mount the small camera anywhere has made it a tool any filmmaker should have. By adding this G4S 3-Axis gimbal to our inventory, we can now run or walk with our GoPro and still get smooth footage. The 360° Rotation axes are controlled by it's 4-direction control stick, so the angles are basically endless. We are now able to use our GoPro Hero 4 Camera on the ground as well as on our drone. There is no limit for our GoPro, and we have now extended our options with this Handheld Gimbal.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188097-REG/feiyu_fy_g4s_g4s_3_axis_handheld_gimbal.html

For a drone or handheld gimbal, this DJI Zenmuse Camera can record in 4K and take 16MP photos. Not only is the resolution great for the size of this camera, it also has over 12 Stops of dynamic range which gives us more shadows and highlights to play with. The videos and stills can record to a micro SDHC/SDXC card that will make sure your footage stays nice and secure. From single shot and burst photos, to time-lapse and video modes, this DJI Zenmuse camera is a highly recommended choice!  B&H Link:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1186060-REG/dji_x5l_camera_and_3_axis.html/prm/alsVwDtl

Good resources about shooting b-roll. I'm gathering more information and will add more to this post. Check it out! Thanks to: Slavik Boyechko

A new movie called The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is coming out Christmas day. It looks visually Epic, the cinematography is amazing. This is a non-remake of the Danny Kaye movie from 1947. I might go see it. :)

We are shooting a new commercial that needs an infinite white background. I did lots of searching online and did find a couple great videos about it, these sum it up pretty good: Unless I missed it there was a little detail missing, probably because I'm a novice. Our original screen test looked like this:   Definitely not white, I did some color correction, but this is where I ended up without over exposing him too bad. So, following Olivia's instructions worked and the part I had to figure out was to turn the light way down on the talent. I know it's lame but that's the part I was missing. The key light and the fill light are the 9 Bulb Octacool's so I turned off all but 2 light banks on the key light and left only 1 bank turned on, on the fill light. We turned off 1 bank of the hair...

  Dear BlackMagic Design, Your stuff is cool and is rocking my little foundation of thinking I had want I want. I just can't keep up with all your coolness. Makes my gut hurt to not play with your toys. I saw today an announcement from NAB that you're releasing two new cameras. I was just looking at getting something small for certain situations (like the sony NEX 7) and NOW I see this: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera   So... I'll be waiting on finding a smaller solution until at least July, which is good so I can save up. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera will be $995 and shoot in 1080p. I'm not so worried about 4k yet for this application (small).  One of the main reasons I love this camera and it's $3,995 big brother is the 13 stops of dynamic range. That's right the Pocket camera comes with the...

We have just finished setting up our studio so we can shoot company videos. I've been asked by a few clients to outline what it takes to have one internally so you can build your own videos regularly and professionally. We are shooting everything from instructional videos, demo videos, educational marketing videos and more. I'll be updating this post as I get the gear section banged out.