Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Black Magick Camera Tests

After looking at a couple different cameras to use for our feature film Black Magick--to include professional level HD (Red, upper tier Sony, etc.)--the clear winner for portability, ease of use, and best image were the DSLR's we tried out.  Though we have decided to use one of the Canon cameras (EOS 60D), I was personally surprised at the high quality image the Panasonic Lumix micro 4/3 cameras produced--specifically the Lumix GH2 (something to think about if you decide to purchase a reasonably priced DSLR for a movie shoot).

Since I now know that the film will be finished in black-and-white, will use noir-style lighting, and will employ mostly practical SFX, the camera test had to be rather specific.  Here is one of the test photos shot with the Canon EOS 60D cameras that impressed us:


To have a better idea of what the 'look' of this movie will be like, imagine the film as an updated, classic Universal horror feature (like the original Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein, etc.).  We want this movie to have this type of feel, only with updated/modern acting, scares, and plot points.  A modern Gothic movie if you will.

Locking down the camera, as well as establishing the final look of the film, has helped us to move on to other areas of pre-production--and to now know the direction of the movie so that we can keep some consistency throughout production.  Stay tuned to this website for more info about our next movie, Black Magick.

Black Magick is projected to enter principal photography in November, 2011 and to be released some time in 2012.