Production Days Near and Far

As we continue our busy production schedule, every day comes with different projects and new challenges. The beginning of this past week was devoted to editing awards videos for Kiewit's 50th anniversary, as well as shooting testimonials for AB Guerra.  Back at the studio, our production team assembled one of our green screens for a shoot with an investment company.

Because the video only required one person, we managed a simple set up. While we have many green screens for a variety of projects, this layout required two lights to illuminate the background as well as two lights to brighten our talent. The most important aspect of utilizing a green screen is how well it is lit. This is necessary in order to successfully key out the background in the post production process.

 

In order to capture the best delivery of lines, we used a teleprompter that also helped in establishing the pace of the video.  This set up used a second monitor for our talent, and a computer to manage and set the speeds. Overall the shoot went smoothly with no problems, and we were lucky to have such remarkable talent.

 

We ended our week by sending our mobile production unit to San Jose for Aruba Networks 's Townhall meeting. In the past, we have worked at other Aruba townhalls and have really enjoyed working with the people there. We did a similar set up to the one we had previously done by having two robotic cameras and one manned camera. This allowed us to film each of the presenters when they spoke, as well as the awards ceremony.

We will be working with Aruba again in two weeks at the Aruba Airheads Conference in Las Vegas, and look forward to capturing video and streaming. We are always looking to grow in different fields of production in places across the country, and all over the world. As a multi-tiered production company, we not only specialize in producing amazing videos, but also have the benefits of live streaming and mobile production units. If you would like to request our services, please call us at 480.240.9270

Challenging Week in San Jose

As our company grows, we have managed to achieve more and more business in the Bay Area. Half our production team spent last week in San Jose, working on three different shoots and met with clients for future projects.  It was a challenging production week, yet we were able to finish everything with great success.

 

 

The week began with Aerohive,  where we spent most of the day shooting a marketing video. The team wanted to try a new aesthetic, so we utilized the white board to showcase small animations of the drawing process. After brainstorming icon ideas and shooting each of them, the post production process will require speeding up these animations. It was an productive day with Aerohive, and we started the next day with Exablox. 

 

Exablox is a data storage company with web application management that is growing into the storage industry. We produced seven videos ranging from demos of their product to overview videos about the company. For this shoot we used our Sony EX1 camera along with our HDLSR to capture the whiteboard effectively and also capture some beauty shots around the office. We will be working with Exablox more, as we finish these videos demonstrating the abilities of their product.

To finish the week off, we participated in Wireless Field Day 4 (WFD4) at Tech Field Day. In the past, we have done many Tech Field Days, which require live streaming presentations at a variety of innovative companies. This event involved visiting five different companies and provided challenges at each location. With our trouble shooting skills, we were able to successfully stream and record the each presentation easily.

 

Also during Tech Field Day, we had some fun with the delegates by going indoor go-carting. PrimeImage Media did very well for the first couple of rounds, and managed to get pole positions for each of the final races. However, our team finished close to last and wasn't able to maintain our starting positions. It was a great way to end a busy production week and exciting for us to do something fun with our clients.

 

While half our production team was in California, our other team went to Miami, Arizona to shoot an educational video at a copper mine. Along with video, we shot impressive ELC photos of the area and spent the day touring the facility. We filmed interviews with one of our HDSLRs and used our slider to capture shots of the process. 

Having two production teams increases our ability to shoot for companies all over the country and here in Arizona. The next few weeks will continue with more exciting projects including town hall meetings, more live streaming, and doing event coverage. If you would like to request our services, please call us at 480.240.9270

Shoot. Edit. Organize.

In December we had the opportunity to shoot with Corrosion Engineering, where we used  GoPros to capture slow motion, and our jib to film stunning shots of their large machines. This week, we had the pleasure of working with them again, in order to gain additional shots for their Design to Delivery video.

 

For the best results, we used our glidecam to shoot additional scenes in the quality control areas and the lab. Corrosion Engineering's product depends on using rubber with added solutions, which requires testing each batch for consistency and quality.  We do similar practices here at PrimeImage, as we constantly check and go through every video we produce to meet our client's satisfaction.

As we continue to test out our new helicopter, we were ready to try it with a HDSLR.  Our team mounted the camera and connected the transmitters to our glasses, which gave us an idea of what the camera was shooting. We were a bit nervous, as the only thing holding the camera on was one small screw. But after a few pre-flight checks, it was ready to soar.

Using the HDSLR had a substantial difference in the quality of what we were able to shoot as opposed to the lighter cameras we used. However, the Canon 5D was heavier and drew much more power while taking longer to get off the ground. Overall, we like using both cameras, but believe a lighter camera results in footage with more stability. For our future projects with this new piece of equipment, we will decide what works best for the video regarding the environment.

 

Back at the studio, we are always trying to imagine ways to utilize our space to the best of its potential. With our primary set on one side, we decided to use the spaces behind it to store our bigger lights and stands. Our team creatively brainstormed ideas and were able to hang the lights using its own weight, while also storing our stands in a similar fashion.

We are always looking to improve our services, whether it's with new equipment, or through steady organization. Next week, half our team will be in San Jose for three exciting projects while our other team will be shooting at a mine. If you have video needs anywhere in the world, or right here in Arizona, please contact us at 480.240.9270.

Bringing Video to New Heights

In a previous blog, we discussed the importance of aerial photography through the use of our X6 helicopter. The need for commercial aerial photography and video continues to grow, and with advancements in technology, more of these drone-like helicopters have entered the market. In order to offer the best in photo and video, we decided it was time to say goodbye to the X6 and hello to the Cinestar 8.

  

With the ability to carry heavier cameras like the Canon 5D or even RED cameras, The Cinestar 8 is completely different when compared to the X6. Our X6 didn't have enough power to take a HDSLR into the sky, so we were limited to aerial photography. With our new helicopter, not only are we able to get photos from higher heights, but we will also have the advantage of capturing stunning video.

 

The complexity of this helicopter enhances its abilities to capture beautiful footage with ease. It has a variety of features which elevates our production quality, including the capability of going to altitudes of 300 feet. Anxious to start using our helicopter, we have already booked a couple shoots around the valley and have taken the helicopter on test runs. We believe that the Cinestar 8 is a very impressive addition to our equipment library and will enhance our abilities as video specialists.

 

This week, we also had the opportunity to begin shooting for Unelko, a company specializing in a wide range of cleaning products. The elaborate project will include multiple shoots for videos featuring each of their products. To compile preliminary footage, we went to their local office in order to capture B-roll for their overview video. We constructed our jib, which provided incredible shots showcasing the large warehouse setting while capturing fluid motion across the space.

From the production line to the warehouse, and the lab to the lobby, we made sure to get coverage of the whole facility. As we continue production on this project, we will be planning shoots at other locations to illustrate the use of Unelko's products.

With continued production and new equipment, we strive to challenge ourselves and stay focused on our skills as video professionals. We are excited for new endeavors in February that include the use of our Cinestar 8, which continues our pursuit into all avenues of video production. If you would like aerial video or photo to showcase your business or home, please call us at 480.240.9270.