Filming in the Desert Heat
We are a third of the way through spring, which means that summer is around the corner, including summer heat. Filming in the heat of the summer comes with it's challenges. It's important to note that most pieces of gear have minimum and maximum operating temperatures. Cameras generally top out around 104 degrees; here in Vegas, it's common to surpass that. Best practice is to keep cameras, audio mixers, computers, etc, as shaded as possible.
Filming in shorter spurts when possible can help to regulate gear temperature, and can ultimately lead to more productive shoots. Furthermore, investing in additional 4'x4' solid cutters can help create added shade for crew and gear. It's also good practice to have your crew bring gloves and multi-tools, as metal gear can become burning hot sitting in the sun.
Hopefully, we'll be back up and running sooner than later, and we can enjoy the scorching heat. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay filming.
Stay Calm and Keep Filming!
We hope that everyone stays safe and healthy in the coming weeks. We also know that times are tough, especially for businesses. While we can't generate business for you, we can definitely help make it a little more viable. We're offering a guaranteed 19% off all rentals moving forward. (Laughter is medicine.) If you have a production that's on the fence because of budget, let us know and we'll be happy to try and help! Visit F11 Rentals for all your Las Vegas video production needs!
Green Screen Filming Basics
Green Screens are a popular way to create exciting, resourceful, and dynamic videos. Corporate and commercial work is a great example. A green screen enables you to add text, graphics, and logos. Also, green screens can really help when a location is not very attractive to film in.
Lighting a green screen correctly is not difficult, but it is very important for the post process. It is critical to have a very even spread of light across the entire screen. Similarly, it is very important to make sure the screen is not brighter than your subject. A great place to start on your waveform is an even line around 45 for the screen, and then your subject's face should be around 60. There are obviously exceptions with skin tones and wardrobe, but it's a good place to start.
For the budget conscience, I would recommend a set of Kino Divas for the screen, and an Arri Tungsten kit for the subject. 750 with a softbox for the key, 300 for the fill, and 150 for the backlight. About $250.00 will get you that gear with us. However, if you have a larger budget, you could go: S2 LiteMat 4s for the screen, a couple Astra Gemini 1x1s for the key and fill, and then a Dracast 1K for the backlight. That setup would set you back about $700.00, but it would be totally Cash Money of you.
Either way you go, we have the video production rental gear you need!
Best Gear for Music Videos
Do you have some funky beats and dope lyrics that need to be seen as much as heard? Well then, my friend, you need a music video! Whether you spit hot fire, shred metal, or rely on Auto-Tune and lots of makeup, a music video is for you. Music videos have transformed the music industry. A TV channel completely dedicated to music (until "The Real World" happened) resulted from music videos. Music videos not only allow you a glimpse of your favorite artists, they allow expanded creativity and vision of their songs. The sky is the limit on creativity, but you need the right gear!
The overwhelming majority of creativity comes from the director. That being said, you need one heck of a talented director to just grab a handy-cam and strike gold. So, start with the following: Astera Titan Tubes (like Hansel, so hot right now!). Litepanels Gemini 1x1, the most versatile LED panel on the market. Easyrig Vario 5, handheld made easier, dutch-angles made dutch-ier. Rokinon Primes; because no one does snap zooms anymore, and you're artist is probably ballin' on a budget. Hurricane Haze Machine... welcome to the jungle.
Las Vegas is a great place to film music videos; from the Strip to the dry lake beds, hotel suites to Fremont Street! When you're in need of Las Vegas video production rentals, look no further than F11!
Best Gear for Filming the Convention Floor: 2019
Conventions and trade shows are big business these days, and that's especially true here in Las Vegas. With well over 10 million square feet of convention and meeting space, Vegas constantly ranks among the top host cities in the world. Gear requirements of course depend on the project, but some of the best gear on convention floor are as follows... The Sony FS7 Mark II is great for ENG-style shooting, has a 17-110mm servo lens, and can shoot up to 4K. Couple the FS7 with the Sony a7S II and the DJI Ronin-S; b-roll shot over-cranked will really up your production value. Either the Astra 6X or Gemini 1x1 LED kits provide more than enough light, run on batteries, and have a small footprint. If you have an audio technician with you, the Sound Devices 633 is perfect. If you're a one-man-band, an on-board shotgun mic and lavalier is usually more than enough. Finally, the Cinevate Duzi is a great, compact slider to really take your video over the top. F11 Rentals is happy to provide all your Las Vegas video production rental gear for your next convention gig!
Astra 6X: exceptional LED for rent.
Litepanels Astra 6X are an industry favorite, and for good reason! These 1x1 LED panels are very bright, color accurate, light weight, and run on both AC power and batteries. Astra 6X are exceptionally brighter than their predecessors, and they've proven to work well in a myriad of environments. From green screen or outdoor interview set-ups, to convention room floors, these lights are great. Coupled with soft-boxes, these LEDs make excellent key lights, but are controllable enough to work as fills and even stage lights. If you're next project calls for a versatile, dependable, quality LED, reach out today and book a set of our Litpanel Astra 6Xs.