Filmmaking | Reports

Holiday Wish List: The Top 5 Things Filmmakers are Hoping for this Season

1 Dec , 2013  

Written by K. Correia | Posted by:

For filmmakers and non-filmmakers alike, the excitement of a new ‘toy’ brings a sparkle to our eyes and puts a smile on our face. To add or comment on our list, post your comments at the bottom of the page.

Some would call it ‘geeking out’ others would call it getting excited or maybe just overly enthusiastic about the latest gadget, the newest toy, the item you simply can’t do without. For filmmakers, these items can range from anything, such as camera equipment, editing software, lighting kits, to the all mighty tripod. And when you’re on a budget, how do you know where you can get the most bang for your buck? NewEnglandFilm.com explains what exactly is causing those gleeful expressions this season.

Check out this list, assembled in no particular order, of suggestions from our local area businesses and NewEnglandFilm.com’s Facebook followers.

#1: The Benro Monopod

This is on the wish list for Adam at Boston based Adam Camera. According to Adam, the Monopod, with support feet, is great for shooting live events because “it allows me to maneuver and adapt for roaming interviews without too much hassle and I can even replace the existing head with a Manfrotto 701HDV head for smooth pan and tilts.”

#2: The new Sony PMW-300K1 XDCAM Camcorder

The camcorder is at the top of the suggestion list from Boston audio and video rental and sales company, Talamas, who recently added this camera to their stock. “It would work great as a second camera for a Sony F800 or an F5 because it has time-code I/O and GenLock In, as well as compatible UDF or FAT file formats,” says Talamas.

According to the company: “The semi-shoulder mount camcorder features three 1/2′ Full HD Exmor 3CMOS sensors, 50 Mbps MPEG HD422 recording, a QHD Viewfinder with 960 x 540 resolution, a second SDI output, and other professional features. It has the exact same imager and lens as its predecessor the PMW-EX3 but has a better signal-to-noise ratio.”

That said, the team at Camera Company suggests the SONY NEX-FS700RH, an NXCAM camcorder with a superior 4K Super 35mm CMOS sensor, super slow-motion capability and an interchangeable E-mount lens system, offering unrivalled flexibility and creative expression or the Canon XA25, a unique combination of high-precision optics, outstanding image processing, multiple recording formats, flexible connectivity and intuitive user features.

#3: Red-One

This is the camera of choice on NewEnglandFilm.com Facebook user Matt Helme’s list. Since first hitting the market in 2007, the cameras have “redefined digital cinema” according to the company’s website. The camera can “display a natural depth of field from 2k to 4.5k resolutions… has the ability to capture anywhere from 1-120fps onto high-speed RED CF or SSD media… and has interchangeable lens mounts” keeping it at the top of the evolutionary chain in digital filmmaking.

#4: Arri Travel Kit

NewEnglandFilm.com Facebook user Brina Healy put this on her wish list. The Arri 150W Fresnel Light Kit is a “great kit to add a little zest to scenes which are naturally lit,” according to the Rule Boston Camera website. The kit from Rule includes four 150W Fresnel Lamp heads, four barndoors, full and half double scrims, full single scrims, and four 8 foot light stands. It is all bundled in a heavy duty case making it secure for on the move shooting and travel.

#5: The Konova Slider K2 Series

This dolly found itself on NewEnglandFilm.com Facebook user Ann Kulichik’s wish list. The dolly or slider is compatible with various DSLR cameras and is “a perfect instrument for both personal & pro film art,” according to the Konova website.

Representing only a hand full of filmmaking tools, filmmakers, and companies, the equipment available is as varied as the uses and preferences of the filmmaker. While this is by no means a complete list of items, it does add a little fire to the imagination, to the excitement of what’s out there and of what’s possible with the right tools in the world of filmmaking.

What’s on your wish list? Add your own suggestions with your comments below…


Red One http://www.red.com/products/red-one Arri 150W Fresnel Light Kit http://www.rule.com/rentals/product/default.aspx?sub-cat=200&id=320 Konova Slider K2 Series http://konovaphoto.com/konova-slider-k2-series.html

Leave a Reply