New Tool: The Blackmagic Video Assist #blackmagic #lasvegasvideoproduction
The Blackmagic Video Assist by BlackmagicDesign is a versatile and compact solution for video monitoring and recording. Perfect for DSLRs, and video cameras that shoot on SxS, XDCAM, and P2 media, the Blackmagic Video Assist records on inexpensive and high quality SD memory cards. Capable of recording 10-bit 4:2:2 quality ProRes and DNxHD files, the footage works seamlessly with Premier Pro, AVID, Final Cut, and DaVinci Resolve editing software. Along with the invaluable recording capabilities, the Blackmagic Video Assist provides a beautiful 5-inch, 1920x1080 HD monitor with an incredible 135° viewing angle so multiple crew can view every shot. There is a 6G-SDI connection so you can view Ultra HD when using with say, a Canon C300 Mark ii, or a RED Epic Dragon. All in all, the Blackmagic Video Assist is an amazing tool that will no doubt enhance your production, so make sure to add it to your next rental order!
Words of Wisdom From Set #lasvegasfeaturefilm #cmdp #f11rentals
One of our favorite freelance cinematographers recently worked on an Indy feature here in Southern Nevada, and their crew rented one of our audio mixers. Clayton Moore (www.ClaytonMooreDP.com) was righteous enough to write a stellar review for us, feast your eyes!:
High end film production demands consistent results, from both crew and equipment. I recently wrapped up a 5 week feature film shooting at various desert locations around southern Nevada. The production took place mostly out doors, so we experienced high temperatures during the day and low, near freezing temperatures during the night. It was a challenging shoot due to a low budget and a rather short schedule, shooting mostly available daylight during the short winter months.
F11 rentals supplied the production with a brand spanking new Sound Devices 633, with Sennheiser wireless Microphones. This mixer/recorder allowed us to record in a double system setup, thus keeping the sound department from having to be tethered to camera. As a DP, my camera usually ends up having so many accessories and cables hanging off of it, so the less things that have to be plugged in to my camera the better! The whole production was very fast paced, and most of the film is shot hand held. Not having to have a mixer plugged in to the camera really helps to keep the set moving. The equipment and service provided by F11 was second to none, the gear was well maintained and we never experienced any downtime due to the equipment.
Whats the one thing a director always wants more of? Time. During a typical day on set, saving a little time here and there can add up to an extra take, or an extra moment to get the lighting and blocking just right, or even an additional setup you might otherwise have missed. One of the easiest ways of saving time on set is making sure you have good quality equipment. With F11 there’s never a question that you will have the latest and greatest at your fingertips!
So, there you have it, real words from a real DP on a real film. You can't beat that. So, best of luck to them in post production, we'll let you fine readers know when the film is available to see. Cheerio.
F11 Gear Goes to the Night Club #SLS #TheSayersClub #LasVegasVideoGearRental
The other night, F11 Rentals sent gear out for a night on the town, where did it end up? The Sayers Club at the SLS Las Vegas. The shiny Canon C300 Mark IIs did their thing on the dance floor, and all over the club, shooting party girls, b-boys (still a thing?), and the always fantastic Charli XCX! The ultra talented operators came up with amazing footage that of course looked righteous. Well, time for an ibuprofen and hangover burrito. Until next time: Deuces!
Benifits of a Full Lens Kit #EOSseries #CanonEOS #RokinonPrimes
Yesterday (into today) our full lens kit went out with our Canon C300 Mark iis on a shoot highlighting and showing off a new line of merchandise from a great company taking part in a trade show at the LVCC. One of the benefits of taking both the Canon EOS zoom lenses and the full Rokinon Prime lenses that we have available is the potential to really capture the perfect shot. A zoom lens, while helpful in many circumstances, isn't always as effective as a prime lens. While it may take a little more maneuvering to set up the shot, a prime lens can give you a nicer, crisper image, in some instances. There was plenty of time for the crew to capture the most beautiful and appealing shots for the client, so it wasn't a question for them to include the Rokinon lens kit. Something to consider in your next Las Vegas video rental gear package.
Complete Grip Truck Coming Soon! #grip #videoproduction #grip department
We have begun the process of building a complete, 1 - 2 ton grip truck. We have the vehicle, and are currently in the process of outfitting it with security measures, and the racks, shelving, etc. that it will need to store all the great grip gear that we'll have available to our wonderful clients, very soon. Keep an eye out, this will be a great resource for your Las Vegas video production, or wherever your production rental gear needs take you.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Osmo. #osmo #dji
Our much anticipated DJI Osmo has arrived, and is ready to rock and roll. This ingenious little contraption utilizes the excellent camera found on the DJI Inspire 1 Pro, and gives you a 3-axis stabilization unit in a handheld device. While we love the Ronin, this is an awesome device when space, time, and budget are factors. Check out this blog entry from FiveSix Productions, or, just go to the DJI website directly to see why you'll definitely want this to be part of your rental order.
Yao Ming Tall #tripodriser #backofroom
The first of a couple of our Spider Pods has arrived! This awesome setup consists of independent tripod riser and operator podium. The riser is 24" tall, and the podium is 23" tall, getting you up and over the crowds where you're shooting, with ease. In that the two are independent of each other, means when you shift your weight or move around, there won't be any shaking or rumbling in the camera- which is great with long lenses. The riser can hold up to 200 lbs, and the podium up to 300 lbs; but together weigh only 42 lbs. This is great for so many different kinds of shoots, and will be a great price to add a great deal to your production. Check out our "spider pod" page to get it on your next shoot.
HPX Still In The Mix #HPX #CES2016
We have been so excited about our new Canon C300 Mark IIs, that we haven't taken much time to notice that our reliable Panasonic HPX500s haven't been getting much love. After a couples therapy session, we made up, and wouldn't you know, the HPX was back at it! We sent it to CES to rub elbows and hob-nob with the youngsters (surprisingly, a ton of REDs... ???). Either way, the HPX did a great job, was reliable, and delivered the quality product it has for years. Well done ol' fella.
C300 versus the Pacific Ocean #CanonC300 #OnLocation
In a recent, impromptu test, the Canon C300 is not suitable for use while submerged or enveloped in Pacific Ocean water. Due in large part to electrical devices not being compatible with a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, it is highly recommended that one keep these items separate. We here at F11 Rentals rarely find ourselves working under the sea, and thus, do not have use for an underwater housing for the C300- it would have been helpful in this situation.
In conclusion, C300 Mark i + salty, ocean water= bad news bears (shout out to Walter Matthau).
Mark and Label Your Gear #productiongear #lasvegasvideogearrental
Just a quick little promotion for a needed habit. Since taking over here at F11 Rentals, I cannot stress enough the importance of labeling gear. It is so easy to not only lose gear, but get it mixed in with other packages or crews' gear. There are times when our gear goes out to supplement a large, multi-camera shoot that was short a camera or two, leaving our gear to mingle with strangers. We greatly value our clients, and the vast majority of the time everything comes back in great shape; however, accidents and mistakes do happen. We have some great friends here in Las Vegas who have compatible equipment, and it's easy to have an important cord, plate, battery, or card go home with the wrong team. With the obvious common sense included, I don't think there is too much labeling that can be done, and don't be scared to double up. So long as you're not inhibiting any of the gear's functions, label away!