C300 Mark III now available!
We've officially taken the plunge and got our hands on a new Canon C300 Mark III Cinema Camera! The latest in the extremely popular, rugged, and versatile EOS C300 line features a Super 35mm Dual Gain Output sensor with up to 16 stops of high dynamic range capability, providing superior HDR recording with low noise.
Canon improved on it's ability to film at high frame rates above 1920x1080; you can know record at up to 120 fps in true 4K, and up to 180 fps in 2K cropped. The Mark III offers Canon Log 2 and 3 gamma modes and the imaging quality that has come to be expected from Canon Cinema.
Beyond the tech features/improvements, some physical aspects of the camera have been greatly improved. The XLR inputs have been moved onto the camera body itself, leaving the LCD monitor to be streamlined and more robust. What was once a weak point in the LCD/XLR input hot shoe mount has been replaced with a sturdier design.
The camera also seems to have grown ever so slightly in size, enabling a few more buttons to be added to the side, saving time going through the menu.
After a few trial runs, it's clear that while the Mark II is still a fan favorite, the Mark III is going to quickly rule the roost. Make sure to reach out and give this camera a go on your next Las Vegas video production.
What's a Producer's Deck?
You're asking a great question! F11 Rentals has been on a mission to create the nicest film/photography studio in all of Nevada. That said, we invented a little something-something we like to call "The Producer's Deck". The Producer's Deck is a 16'x20' (320 square feet) deck that sits above our Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe room. The deck gives it's occupants a bird's eye view of our awesome cyclorama stage and the rest of our studio. It's one of a kind! (As far as we know.)
The deck comes equipped with a couch, a large work table, mini-fridge, and television that can live-stream what is being captured on the stage! There is also a very nice rug that really ties the room (deck) together.
The reason behind having the deck is simple, Producers are special and they deserve their own space. It's not that they get in the way of the crew and you can't really tell them to scram... no, not that. It's a cool, unique and hopefully awesome space for Producer's, above-the-line folks, and anyone else who wants to chill.
In conclusion, please book our space so that you may experience the majesty and glory that we have created for you.
Green Screen Stage in Las Vegas!
If you're already familiar with our awesome new three-walled cyclorama stage, then perhaps you know that it can be painted. That's right! Our 35'x36' stage can be painted... pretty much any color you want. While Chroma Green has been the most popular choice away from matte white, we have had a few other requests, and bookings with various colors. We've had requests for black, blue, and even light pink; we've booked a photo shoot with baby spinach, which ended up looking nice!
Once we have our awesome, motorized light grid up, as well as the lights, then, you can potentially paint the dang thing any color you want with light. Until then though, this is a great way to add some razzmatazz to your shoot. Also, depending on your project, you may not be able to bath the stage in light, you may need to paint it... but, you'll figure that out.
So, for your next Las Vegas video shoot or photo shoot, look no further than your good friends at F11 Rentals. We'll bring the paint rollers!
The Benefits of a Haze Machine in Videos
A Haze Machine can be a very valuable tool for productions. Music Videos, Films, and Commercials are all examples of good times to add haze. Let's look at these examples more thoroughly.
Music Videos
First, Music Videos. Not every video or scene calls for the addition of haze, but a lot could. Adding haze to a party scene to add "atmosphere" is a very popular move. Additionally, if the song is heavier or darker, adding haze may intensify the heavy, dark, sinister mood of the song. There is a difference between haze and smoke, so take note of that; the haze is a lot lighter. So, if you're trying to soften up the image, maybe soften up a practical light source, haze is the way to go. If your artist/talent is supposed to walk through a smokey building, haze is not the way to go. In all, haze can give your music video just the right type of cinematic atmosphere and softness to make it stand out from the multitude of other videos.
Films
Here's an example: FiveSix Productions of Las Vegas/Long Beach shot a short film in Utah. The film took place in a cabin in the woods, and was a physiological drama. Now, you may thinking, "Oh, the haze made the cabin creepy!" No. All the haze was used for was to create a bit of "atmosphere" in the rooms. It didn't look hazy at all, but, it did create a little bit of softness, and glow. To the untrained eye, you would never know it was hazy, but without, it wouldn't have looked so cinematic. Think of it like this: haze is to a cinematic look, as shallots are to a restaurant quality dish. Adding a tiny bit of haze will give the picture a little extra quality, and shallots will give a dish a little extra flavor.
Commercials
Finally, commercials. Again, similar to films, there are so many different uses. Dense haze can add a rich atmosphere to beauty and fashion products. If you're creating a creepy environment such as a a haunted house, cemetery, etc., haze is great. Concerts or clubs of any kind generally have haze machines. Or, again, a dramatic, cinematic style commercial could really benefit from a tiny bit of haze to create 'atmosphere'.
So there you have it. If you have any questions, make sure to drop a line. If you would like to rent a Hurricane Haze Machine for your next project, make sure to reach out and we'll get you squared away!
Best Film Gear During Coronavirus!
As the production industry attempts to increase business and productions, it's important to be safe. There are always risks on set, but there are solutions for safety.
Similar to taping down cables, using shot bags on stands, and keeping clear pathways, COVID safety is key! Wearing a mask it a no brainer. It will help keep you and the crew safe... and it masks bad breath! Nevada law requires masks in most businesses and situations; sets and studios are no exceptions. Your on-screen talent is generally exempt from wearing a mask when on camera.
Audio:
Lavaliere microphones should be used a little as possible. If a lavaliere is required, the talent should put it on themselves. A much better option is a shotgun microphone and boom pole. Both the Sennheiser MKH 416 and Schoeps CMIT 5 (my favorite) are great options! Another fun trick, if you're doing ENG interviews, is to use a handheld microphone on a boom pole. You can take the excellent Sennheiser MD 46 cardioid mic, put it on a boom pole, and keep your distance!
Makeup, Wardrobe, Hair:
Talent should come to set with their hair, makeup, and wardrobe done. If however you need touchups or small fixes, crew should wear masks, visors, and gloves. All of these items are readily available for purchase, and don't cost much. The typical problem of a little shine on talent is easily remedied with "shine killer". NYX makes a great "shine killer" that talent can easily apply to their own skin.
Lenses and 4K:
Lastly, while the CDC and other medical experts have said that masks are the key to stopping the spread, socially distancing is needed too. You can only stay so distant on set, so here are a couple items to help you along. Use a longer lens like a Canon 70-200mm L-Series; or heck, a 100-400mm lens, and shoot from really far away! Also, consider investing in UHD/4K. Having the ability to crop in will make it possible to stay further apart, and have less people on set. (The idea is you don't need as many cameras...)
So, there are some ideas and suggestions to keep us safe, healthy, and working. Best of luck!
Las Vegas Cyclorama Stage Open for Productions!
Our beloved cyclorama stage is now up and running. We are still finalizing power distribution and our lighting grid, but we're operational. So, what does that mean, and how can it be used? Without the lighting grid, the full breadth of the stage can't be lit, but sections can. We have two 20 amp drops, which is more than enough power for most setups. Finally, with temperatures dropping, the studio space is habitable all day.
Our besties over at FiveSix Productions are filming on the set as we speak! They set up a 12x20' Green screen in the back of the stage to film some awesome marketing video for the next three days. There is also a potential shoot using one of the back corners of the stage, which is easy to light.
Beyond these smaller setups, still photography is also possible. Again, using a backdrop, or one of the walls/corners, we have the space and resources to shoot!
We relentlessly practice caution and safety with regards to COVID-19 and general set wellness. We have a long list of gear and tools available for your production. And to conclude, we are offering great discounts and deals through the end of the year on our rates.
We hope to host your next production/photo shoot soon!
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12x20' Green Screen setup -
12x20' Green Screen setup
Intermission...
In accordance with Governor Steve Sisolak and the fine folks in Carson City, we have stood down as "a non essential business". To be honest, though, we can think of nothing more essential than production! We will stand down for 30 days and do our part to help our community, city, and state. James Moore, General Manager of F11 Rentals, will be available from home to help in any way possible. And we sincerely hope to be back to helping make cinema-magic soon!
On a personal note, we send out our best to all of our friends, clients, and the like. We know that most filmmakers are freelancers, and are feeling the horrible, and terrifying reality of little to no paychecks. We also know that our friends, clients, and/or their families may be affected by illness, anxiety, frustration, etc., and we truly hope the best for all. Believe that you are all in our thoughts, and we will be relentless in our determination to get everyone back on track when society picks back up. We will continue our 19% discount until the effects of this pandemic dissipate.
So, be well, be safe, and be calm. Please do your part so that we can get past this, and get back to awesome. We're here as best as we can be, and send our best. Peace be with you.
Matching cameras on Multi-camera shoots.
How important is it to match cameras (make and model) on multi-camera shoots? Like everything in production, that depends on your end goal. Generally speaking, you always want to match not only brand (make), but also the model of camera. There are differences for instance, between the image produced by a Sony FS7 MkII and a Sony a7S II, but it's not a huge difference. You could dive into the specs of the processors, image sensors, color space, etc., but when push comes to shove, they're very similar. Let us hypothesize a few scenarios:
Two-subject, three-camera interview. Budget is always the driving factor in production. Using a DSLR as your lock-off wide shot for a two or three person interview is great. You can easily match shooting specs, and shoot without a color profile. Additionally, run audio to your nicer cameras capturing the singles, and you're great.
Event coverage with interviews. If you have the budget to have a Sony FS7, Canon C300 MkII, or similar, you want to take advantage. However, getting smooth gimbal or slider shots is much easier with a DSLR and Ronin-S or Cinevate Duzi (think small and light). The b-roll that you're using to compliment your interviews will look great as long as you're matching camera makes (Canon with Canon, etc.)
Different cameras, same assignments. If you have two crews capturing similar content, but using different brands of cameras. The common viewer may not notice, but an experienced client probably will.
All in all, while the world won't end if you mix camera brands or models... life will be easier if you don't.
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!
Why Insurance is a Must-Have on Set.
Nothing is worse than broken gear... okay, stolen gear is worse than broken gear. Cameras are expensive. Lenses are expensive. Microphones are expensive. Everything we use in this industry costs a lot, especially to those who own it. Breaking or losing your gear is horrible, breaking or losing someone else's gear is worse. It sucks something fierce to pay $1,500.00 to buy a new drone, and you have no drone to show for it. Like most rental companies, we require insurance; this protects us and our clients. A $300.00 policy and $500.00 deductible is way better than a $25,000.00 bill for a stolen C300/Sigma Prime/Sachtler setup. So, while we know it's not fun to buy insurance, it's definitely the best way to go. For your next Las Vegas video production rental, reach out and we'll walk you through the whole process.