Our Tampa video production company now has an equipment arsenal that includes the RED Scarlet, one of the first 5k ultra high-resolution cameras on the market. “We’re gearing up to shoot a new independent feature film and the extra resolution and RAW files will enable us to bring our special FX and color grading to a new level,” says founder Christian Schwier.
Litewave Media’s RED Scarlet Camera in Tampa, FL
Hollywood films like The Amazing Spiderman, Prometheus and The Hobbit were all shot using the new RED 5k camera technology, counting Peter Jackson and Steven Soderberg among its fans.
For years, film makers have been discussing what would replace film. Some felt it was HD, but now RED has created a camera with enough resolution to replicate the quality of 35mm. And in fact, this camera has a higher dynamic range – besting that of film. It’s an exciting time for film makers.
Taylor, camera operator and Steve, DP prep the RED Scarlet camera for a shot
The Tampa video production company‘s expansion also includes video post production hardware and software. Litewave Media has upgraded three of its video editing suites to include the new Adobe CS6 Production Bundle with CUDA certified graphics cards. “We’ll be using Premiere Pro and After Effects for video editing and post workflow with the RED 5k files,” he explains. “The new software acceleration enables us to edit in real-time just like regular HD files.”
Schwier is quick to point out that the ability to do higher end film production is a great upgrade for the Tampa video company, but it won’t replace the extensive video equipment currently being used. “Our clients and our Tampa film crew are excited about having choices,” he says.
Director Christian Schwier with the RED Scarlet video production team in Tampa
Clients of the Tampa video production studio can look forward to the same high-caliber quality they’re used to while also having options like the RED Scarlet for higher end productions.
Over the past several years the video production industry has seen a gradual transition from traditional camcorders like the Panasonic HVX200 to digital DSLR cameras like the Canon D series. What brought about the transition from camcorder to DSLR?
DSLR cameras have a smaller camera body and perform better in low light and offer a wide range of lenses that are easy and quick to change. These factors make the DSLR a cost effective alternative to the large camcorders. Many Hollywood productions are embracing DSLRs and making the switch. Several primetime dramas have started to use DSLRs as well, including the hit show Numb3rs. Another series to embrace the SLR is the medical drama, House. The entire final episode of this season was filmed on the Canon 5D Mark II. Check out the teaser below.
At Litewave Media, we’re no exception. Several months ago our Tampa video production company began incorporating DSLR cameras, such as our Canon 5D and 7D, into our video production equipment. Our latest award-winning independent film, StarGump was filmed on the Canon 5D Mark II. We have been using the DSLR for commercial productions in the Tampa Bay area including a local Sarasota solar panel installation business. However Litewave Media will continue to use camcorders as well, making Litewave Media a truly versatile company capable of both camcorder and DSLR filming.
Andrew and Christian filming with the Canon 5D Mark II.
Litewave Media teamed up with Ideal Image this past week to produce a series of training videos for their national sales centers in an effort to better serve customers. The training videos were shot on three cyc wall sets at WEDU studios. The shoot lasted three days and we are now entering the editing phase of production.
Filming on set the second production day.
Becky and Misty of Ideal Image oversee the production from the monitor station while Christian directs.
This is a useful video that shows how to calibrate a video monitor to view accurate color. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how to get the proper color out of your video production monitor this is a good little tutorial to check out.
Binaca, the breath spray company, is revamping their image, and Litewave Media won the national TV Commercial Production contest! Binaca will be using this new spot during the course of 2010 to promote their new brand image. Check out the award-winning spot below.
Shot in HD on the Panasonic HVX-200 video camera. Video Post Production in Tampa on Final Cut Studio. Green screen key and 3D modeling done in After Effects. [Credits: Director: Christian Schwier & John Jones | Camera: John Jones | Writing: Jeff Zampino, Christian Schwier, John Jones | Special FX: Keith Jones | Actors: Diana Durango, Ian Hoppe, Christian Schwier]
