Kojo embraces the flagship F35

With the release of Sony’s F35 flagship CineAlta camera, Kojo Productions are one of the first in Australia to receive delivery and put the camera through its paces. After only two days of receipt, Kojo used the F35 for a TVC shoot for Spirit Films.

Director Roh Smith at Spirit Films was very pleased with the new camera. “At last we have a camera system which delivers the promise of high definition images on a videotape format with the optical potential of a 35mm film camera,” Smith says. “The F35 is a pure joy to use. Small enough to hand hold, a contrast range to rival film, the opportunity to bolt on any piece of PL 35mm glass you can get your hands on and a tape-based recording system for piece of mind.

“I’ve been sceptical about the ability of a high definition camera to truly compete with film but this camera does. It’s great to be able to shoot all day and not worry about film stock getting low and costs blowing out. It’s just one less thing a director has to consider during a shoot day.

“The other huge plus is a video split that delivers quality images for a true indication of performance, framing, art direction and lighting. No more squinting over a dark monitor at flickering, soft, undefined pictures. The future has arrived and it’s called the Sony F35. I’m a convert. I would consider the F35 for most commercial production.”

Director of photography Tim Hudson

Director of photography Tim Hudson ACS is also impressed with the performance of the camera. “The latitude of the camera really surprised me,” Hudson says. “Particularly in one scene, the moment after I had finished lighting our lead girl (who was wearing a navy blue training jacket, side lit with some pretty harsh Australian sun) the AD called last checks, then off came the jacket to reveal a hot yellow Australian team shirt. I'm no longer ready to shoot. The glare from the shirt was hurting my eyes. I assessed my options, and whilst doing so, checked the HD monitor to see how many stops it was over. I was astounded at what I saw, the yellow shirt was holding beautifully. I know if I was shooting film, I would have asked the grip to put at least a double or two on that shirt.”

“This latitude has brought the video format into a medium that can tell stories without getting in the way. The F35 really nails all the top issues that have kept video cameras away from first class story telling. The resolution is incredible and the big sensor has its obvious benefits. I never thought this before, but [I] now truly look forward to shooting features on video. There were many other lighting situations where I was impressed by the camera, allowing me even more freedom than I allow myself on film, truly amazing.”

Paula Smith, executive producer at Spirit Films, sums up the excitement at the company with the new camera. “[We at] Spirit Films…were all blown away by the pictures; they look amazing. Using an HD camera with 35mm prime lenses is a match made in heaven, enabling us to have the best of both worlds. Like many others in the industry, I have been a film devotee since way back and I never dreamed there would come a day when the medium was rivalled by any other. From both a creative and a production point of view, I can foresee the longevity of this application in future Spirit Films projects.”

7 April 2009