Directive Studios Blogs

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

Since we can take the DJI Osmos anywhere because of it's size, we keep it in this carry case by DJI to protect it in travel and weather conditions. Fitting the whole Handled Gimbal System in this water-resistant and shock resistant case allows us to bring on set anywhere it may be. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1190629-REG/dji_cpzm000247_osmo_carry_case.html

This Big Balance Smartphone Mount Kit allows us to use our smart phone as a camera remote without hassle. We all know that photos and videos take a lot of equipment to make a production happen. Being to use your smartphone as a remote frees up your hand so you can focus on capturing the footage. This mount holds your phone right next to the camera while it displays exactly what the camera sees. It's easy to adjust exposure without even touching the camera. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1180377-REG/big_balance_bbsmk_ga13_smartphone_mount_kit.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

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

Because we like our exposure to be precise, we decided to upgrade our light meter to the Sekonic L-758CINE-U DigitalMaster. With a range of cine and video settings we can now make sure our lights are exactly where they should be. One of the huge benefits this meter provides, is it's ability to match the dynamic range to our specific camera, which can be a huge difference with the outcome of our video. With an ISO range of 3 to 8,000 in 1/3 steps and 17 other custom settings, we no longer have to guess how our camera will read the light. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1219222-REG/sekonic_401_761_l_758cine_u_digitalmaster_light_meter.html

With this Full HDMI to Mini HDMI cable, we're allowed to hook our shogun monitor directly to our cameras. This 11.8 inch cord can extend itself up to 17.7 inches, just incase you need that extra length. It also prevents the cord from getting those annoying knots and kinks while you pack it for set. You can't have too many of these to help get your picture on a bigger screen. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1065083&gclid=CK_upcWWh8wCFVdahgodCSoKPA&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051677562%2C&A=details&Q=

Because we travel a lot for our video service, we try to make our gear as portable as possible. We decided to get this Auray Boompole Holder with the grip head to use with our boom mic. Just like many filmmakers we don't have someone to hold the boom pole, especially just for interview style videos. We can simply attach the head to a C-stand, and easily use the holder for our boompole anywhere.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469810-REG/General_Brand_Boompole_Holder_and_Grip.html

As we begin to get more involved with audio, we decided to grab this Stingray Bag for our Tascam 70D audio recorder. The fact we can easily access the battery and media compartments can really speed up time on site. This allows us to get inside of the bag without even taking our recorder out of it. The additional features such as it's straps to attach accessories and receivers, as well as keeping the camera attached to the recorder while it is still it the this case, really gave us the extra bump with wanting to purchase this item.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1200016-REG/k_tek_kstg70_stingray_bag_for.html

I'm excited to announce that we've added a new piece of equipment to the family, the powerful A7S Mark II. Because we travel with our gear so often, it's a hassle getting all of our lighting equipment from place to place. Sometimes lights just aren't feasible, this low light masterpiece can still help you get a great shot in low light situations. It's ISO can range from 1600 to 409,600. Now, any photographer and filmmaker will know that a high ISO can introduce a lot of noise to the picture. That is exactly what caught our attention about this camera. It's higher ISO levels are very very low noise. However, that is not the only thing that caught our eye. It's internal 4K recording and 5 axis image stabilization adds to the list of reasons why I really wanted this camera. It's perfect for our CAME-TV handheld 3axis gimbal. 5 axis...

There's a lot of pressure standing in front of a couple of cameras. We try to make it as easy as possible for our talent to deliver their message without the need of memorizing their lines, although it still helps! We use a Pad Prompter that can display a script in front of the our lens without disrupting our camera. You can mount this on a rail system in front of your camera lens. By simply placing an iPad in the teleprompter, you can control the text size, speed, and color of the script to make it suitable for any talent. Yes, this does mean we recommend two tablets. One tablet will display the text for the reader, and the other tablet will work as a remote so you can adjust settings as you go. Not only does this hide the camera lens from nervous people, but it also makes it so...

When working with 4K resolution cameras, it is important to make sure your SD card can keep up. We use a couple of the SanDisk 64GB Extreme Pro cards to capture and transfer our media. Designed for Raw, JPGS, and video, this card can write at a speed of 90 MB/s. Because we are located in Upstate New York, the weather can be unpredictable. These cards are tested under harsh conditions such as water, shock, x-ray, and cold weather, which is exactly what we need for the environments we shoot in.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10824149&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

While trying to control the camera on a shoulder rig, it can be very difficult to try and focus a DSLR. We recommend this shoulder rig that helps you with that focusing problem you might be running into. The Z-drive is a universal follow focus that can change your focus by a simple turn of a dial. The Zacuto DSLR Recoil Rig comes with the handgrip kit, dslr baseplate, the Z-Drive, and of course the shoulder pad for long term shooting comfort. Not very many shots can be focused while using a DSLR on a shoulder rig, however the Z-Drive and single hand grip allows you to have complete control over both the camera and the focus.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1010705-REG/zacuto_z_drr_dslr_recoil.html

This watertight hard case can help keep your important gear safe during travel. We spend a lot of time shooting outside of our studio, and rely on this case to carry some of our equipment. It's hard shell and foam interior lets us relax knowing some of our equipment is well protected. Because the case weighs over 13 pounds, it can get heavy for some users. But have no fear, the wheels and extendable handle allows you to wheel your equipment around. This is definitely a durable and reliable case that will help get your equipment to any location safely.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330231-REG/Pelican_1510_000_110_1510_Carry_On_Case.html

Here in the studio we like to assure we're getting the best image possible. We hook up our DSLR to this 42" LED tv so we can get the full picture of what we are capturing. The full HD 1920 x 1080 LED panel isn't exactly what 4K video looks like, however we use it anyway! It's great for a stationary stand that allows you to see more than you would on an average display monitor. Something like this would be highly recommend for any studio like environments!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1119815-REG/lg_42lf5600_42_1080p_led_tv.html

Fitting on most camera flashes, these portable FlashBender reflector are great for trying to get more control of your lighting. You can't always aim your flash in the direction you need it most. A reflector will help you do just that, its lightweight design is perfect for carrying in your camera bag. A very simple piece of equipment that will only help your lighting get to where it should be!  B&H Link:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1122620-REG/expoimaging_rogueresm2_rogue_flashbender_2_reflector.html

It's tiring holding a boom mic for hours, especially if you need to hold it in one spot. We use the SB9600 Tripod Studio Boom Stand to hold our mic while filming. This boom stand has a base of 32-48" for superb stability and security for your mic. It's 7 pound counterweight provides even more security to your microphone as it balances to take pressure off of both ends of the support shaft. A very light weight stand helps us travel with more gear. Highly suggest stand for someone who will be using a boom mic without hands to hold it! B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407080-REG/On_Stage_SB9600_SB9600_Studio_Tripod_Boom.html

This small stand is the perfect size when you need to set down a laptop or tablet where you can still easily use it. It's aluminum service will help support up to 30 pounds of gear you might have. Here in the studio we have a couple of iPads for our teleprompter, and it can get difficult trying to hold the device while adjusting the speed for the talent reading the text. We have this very simple Tether Table to set our iPad on while shooting some of our videos. We recommend this for anyone who has a tablet and/or laptop on set but doesn't have a place to put it! http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/818521-REG/Tether_Tools_TTATBLK_Aero_Traveler_Black.html

Mounting to your helmet, body, cars, drone, and countless other things, this professional full HD camera is a blast to film with! This GoPro comes with many awesome features such as built in Wi-Fi that allows you to remote control your settings! The waterproof housing is great protection for the camera. We never know when we might need some underwater B roll, or perhaps rainy footage for our projects. An awesome inventory item we're looking to use more and more when the shot is too risky for our DSLRs.

Supporting up to 2.5 pounds, this Magnesit Copter mini tripod is great for low camera support. It stands a tall 6.5 inches high when fully opened. It can be great for both a light camera or a place to attach your flash. This pocket size tripod has large rubber feet to prevent movement on any slippery surfaces it might be standing on. It's single knob can enable both the ball head positioning and also pan movement which gives you the customization you might need. A nice little piece of equipment that is reliable and extremely portable.   B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=799983&gclid=CNvBrKjiksgCFcOPHwodFEIL5w&is=REG&m=Y&A=details&Q=