C100: Shooting my first TV Show with a C100... Help!

tobyhoffman

tobyhoffman

Active member
Through the film school I'm studying at I've got the chance to work on a local television show, that is also shown nationally in Australia. The show is one of those renovation reality shows in which a disadvantaged family is taken and pampered for a week whilst their house is renovated. Although it's a reality show, it still has high quality production values (use of Sony F5's/FS7's, drones, OSMO etc) and I've been asked to come on as the 4th cameraman - this means I'll be relied on to get crucial footage of certain elements of the show. This is my first real paid gig, and the most responsibility I've ever been given so I want to make sure I do it right.

I have been asked to bring my own gear, the university has XDCAM's which are suitable for this type of work and is likely to be more reliable than my C100. In the case that I shoot with my C100 I'd be using my Canon 24-105 f4 and either atomos ninja 2/SmallHD AC7 monitor - are there any tips for optimising this as a run/gun setup? I have owned my C100 for a few years now and am more than comfortable with it, although on a reality show like this I will need to be 100% ready to go at all times. I could use advice on how to most efficiently use small things like peaking/WFM/zebra/WB. I will be shooting indoor and outdoor over the course of a week.

I would appreciate any advice on this subject. Thanks in advance - Toby.
 
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I'm sure you'll do fine. The fact that you're so concerned about being prepared is good... I think firstly you need to find out what the technical requirements/logistics are for the show. Do they have any specific acquisition codec requirement? Is there a minimum data rate? (broadcast is usually >50mbps), will you being doing run and gun work or have time to set up your shots?.. For example if your data rates have to be broadcast spec than you will have to use your Ninja 2 with your c100. Another consideration is lens choice. I have found for run n' gun work the 24-105 is a bit too long. I prefer to use at least an 18mm to capture the action... Bottom line is try to find out the most you can about the project you can and then prepare accordingly. In any case I'm pretty sure if they know you're a student they're probably not expecting you to be Gordon Willis right away ;)
 
scorsesefan said:
I'm sure you'll do fine. The fact that you're so concerned about being prepared is good... I think firstly you need to find out what the technical requirements/logistics are for the show. Do they have any specific acquisition codec requirement? Is there a minimum data rate? (broadcast is usually >50mbps), will you being doing run and gun work or have time to set up your shots?.. For example if your data rates have to be broadcast spec than you will have to use your Ninja 2 with your c100. Another consideration is lens choice. I have found for run n' gun work the 24-105 is a bit too long. I prefer to use at least an 18mm to capture the action... Bottom line is try to find out the most you can about the project you can and then prepare accordingly. In any case I'm pretty sure if they know you're a student they're probably not expecting you to be Gordon Willis right away ;)
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Thanks for the advice. It would be a mix of both set up/on the go type stuff. I'm not sure about the data rate or best lens to use but I will ask the question.
 
I just bought the Zacuto Recoil v2 and it's so good for my C100! I feel it has a pretty small footprint too and puts the weight right on your shoulder (though you might need some sort of adapter to put the rig on your tripod)
 
trickydan said:
I just bought the Zacuto Recoil v2 and it's so good for my C100! I feel it has a pretty small footprint too and puts the weight right on your shoulder (though you might need some sort of adapter to put the rig on your tripod)
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Hi Dan,

I looked into buying this when it came out although as a student was scared off by the price. If I continue to pick up this work I will consider your post. Toby
 
hey toby the jew, zacuto is indeed expensive, but they do make quality products, i can recommend another brand, google 'shapewlb' and you will find decent rigs at an affordable price, i have both shape parts and also zacuto, shape is a canadian company, remember to always invest in something durable, don't buy cheap stuff from china/india, the headache is not worth it! Also depending on what picture profile this reality show wants, i say a good flexible option is shooting WDR...

for a typical run and gun set up, if you can't get a shoulder mount then go with at least a monopod, rode video mic pro for your audio needs, if you need a faster lens i say either rent a canon 17-55 F2.8 and sigma 50-100 F1.8 and you will be set! you can easily buy a good used canon 17-55 on ebay these days; Good Luck :thumbsup:
 
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I feel your pain on the pricing, when I bought my Zacuto gear the Aussie dollar was ~$1 USD, now it's at $0.75!
Makes Zacuto gear all the more expensive, but it's solid stuff. I don't think I'll ever need to replace it.
 
If you're transitioning quickly from interior to exterior I would recommend an EVF.
Also an VCT-14 wedge + handgrips so you can pop on and off your tripod/monopod and be handheld or shoulder mounted in seconds.
 
Amira-user said:
hey toby the jew, zacuto is indeed expensive, but they do make quality products, i can recommend another brand, google 'shapewlb' and you will find decent rigs at an affordable price, i have both shape parts and also zacuto, shape is a canadian company, remember to always invest in something durable, don't buy cheap stuff from china/india, the headache is not worth it! Also depending on what picture profile this reality show wants, i say a good flexible option is shooting WDR...

for a typical run and gun set up, if you can't get a shoulder mount then go with at least a monopod, rode video mic pro for your audio needs, if you need a faster lens i say either rent a canon 17-55 F2.8 and sigma 50-100 F1.8 and you will be set! you can easily buy a good used canon 17-55 on ebay these days; Good Luck :thumbsup:
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Hey! Definitely agree with the quality argument. I actually own two Sigma art lenses, 18-35 and 50-100 although I think for this type of work the 24-105 would make my life a bit easier. Thanks for your suggestions.
 
bill totolo said:
If you're transitioning quickly from interior to exterior I would recommend an EVF.
Also an VCT-14 wedge + handgrips so you can pop on and off your tripod/monopod and be handheld or shoulder mounted in seconds.
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Hi Bill. I'm working with my equipment and the job does not pay me enough to hire equipment so this might be bit of a stretch but I will enquire about this. Thanks.
 
Matt Turner said:
I feel your pain on the pricing, when I bought my Zacuto gear the Aussie dollar was ~$1 USD, now it's at $0.75!
Makes Zacuto gear all the more expensive, but it's solid stuff. I don't think I'll ever need to replace it.
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Thanks Matt. Looks like solid equipment to invest in when I have to funds.
 
Noticed you say they use FS5 and FS7s? In that case, perhaps your C100 would be better. They'll have a hard time ever matching the great Canon skin tones and color to the FS5 or FS7 but at least then your DOF and FOV would be similar.
 
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puredrifting said:
Noticed you say they use FS5 and FS7s? In that case, perhaps your C100 would be better. They'll have a hard time ever matching the great Canon skin tones and color to teh FS5 or FS7 but at least then your DOF and FOV would be similar.
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Yeah I was thinking the same thing..
 
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