I am in Cambodia for the next 2 weeks to film the explosive opening of “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday” for Legendary Pictures and Bandito Brothers about the undercover operations of the Navy SEALS. It is the final segment that we need to shoot before wrapping the project.
Street scene in Cambodia
Great visual, this is the main form of transportation
On this last leg of the movie, I have only two members of the Elite Team with us, so we are in super stealth crew mode. I thought it might be interesting to describe our unique small footprint work flow. Starting with my Elite Team, here are the 2 most important elements when I interview and choose co-collaborators.
1. Hand pick a few team members who have the expertise and ability to simultaneously handle more than one job. Be certain they do it well without getting flustered.
2. Trust the eye of each member you choose. I can give a camera to my Elite Team members and send them to capture images without having to constantly check up. They have the eye and the instinct for what is important on this project and what looks phenomenal.
The 5D Mark II camera fits perfectly with the small footprint work flow because it requires a smaller crew size due to its size and versatility. On this movie we had access to a Nuclear Sub, an Amphibious Assault Destroyer, Blackhawk helicopters, Mark IV helicopters, SOC-R jet boats. With the tight quarters in most of those locations and the spontaneous action of the SEALS, the small, nimble 5D with our Elite Crew was the perfect fit to go anywhere and capture the action. The spontaneous action of the Navy SEALS was then able to play out in real time because we were observers and not the focal point.
This is the wave of the future. Small footprint, small crew, small truck, small camera package, small lighting package, less waste, fewer resources and power being consumed. Financially responsible film making equals HUGE VISION!!!
One final side note, please be patient if I do not immediately respond to blog posts as my access to the internet is spotty and we have long shooting days. I value your input on the blog and know that when I have a minute I will get back to you personally.
Tags: Digital Workflow, HDSLR Cameras
Shane 
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Responsible Filmmaking
Camera Stabilization
The Power of Focus
Filtration: Beware Of The Reaper Of Cheap Glass
Still Lenses That Can Grace The Big Screen
Cinema Style Lenses
John Guerra,Elite Team Member: Lighting On The Sub
HurlBlog Sound Guru: Gene Martin
The Sub Shoot
That sounds like too much fun. How are you converting those 5D MK files to 24P? Can you elaborate on your workflow?
Thanks!
Smari
Are you intending to do a post about the behind-the scene equipment set-up? That would be appreciated.
EHi hi Shane!! I was curious to know also what type of light you have used for the movie, and if in cambodia you are gona use only natural light?
Can’t wait to see this movie!1!!!
F.
J V, if you are signed up onto our blog this month’s newsletter gives you all the insider info. on what I used to make this movie from the camera perspective.
Smari, I use the Twixtor plug in to do the 30p to 24p pull up. They have the best logarithm out there. It also makes your video look more like film when you go through this process. I think it costs $500.00 for the program, but you can go to their website at Twixtor.com and get all the details.
Federico, I have used all types of light on this film, from natural light to, HMI and Tungsten. I will be using mostly natural light in Cambodia, and shaping it with solid flags for close-ups. We are shooting a terrorists training camp out in the middle of the jungle and I will bring a small HMI package to boost up the levels under the canopy.
Do you know when the film will release? I’m so excited to see it and haven’t been able to find much information on line about it.
Just A Navy Wife, yes we are keeping it under the radar. The new title is “Act of Valor,” it will be out in September of 2010. A trailer will be out in about two months.