Latest Project: TV Commercials using Twixtor…aargh!!!

 

For the past 2 months we have been working hard on a few national TV commercials. Our client is excited about the possibility of applying the “curse of the plug-in” called Twixtor. This project is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Unblind, so we want to do all we can to please them, but I personally think I am ready to invest in a real slow motion camera…no matter the cost! (Hope my wife does not read this.)

Anyway, for the project we shot with a Canon 5D, Canon 7D, and a Canon 60D. 100% of our shots were outside, so many, many ND filters were necessary. We attempted to use our Teradek Cube via an ad hoc network connected to an iPad 2, but that only worked a little. After doing some research, it seems that maybe there are still some kinks to work out. It has proven itself to work better with a Mac Book Pro.

We used Zacuto’s new Z-Finder Pro, but the rubber lens piece kept falling off which became very annoying. But it was extremely helpful while shooting in a Colorado sunshine. We shot using Technicolor’s Cinestyle preset which takes a little getting used too. When shooting the footage looks terrible! But when editing, it really begins to shine. In regards to their settings, I prefer not shooting with the sharpness all the way down. I prefer setting it around 3.

Here is a list of the gear we used on the shoot:
Kessler Pocket Dolly
JAG35 shoulder mount rig
Red Rock Micro shoulder mount
Cobra Crane jib
Teradek Cube 450
Zacuto Z-Finder Pro
IDC Follow Focus & hoodloupe
2x Nasty Clamps

We started the project coloring with Magic Bullet’s Looks suite, but since decided to try our Magic Bullets Mojo, which has proven itself to be very powerful in regards to render time. We also took advantage of Knoll Light Factory for some cool sun flares.

Here are some screen grabs of the Mojo look:

Here are some random pics from the shoot, some with our gear in action.