DP Catherine Goldschmidt on the made-for-mobile series Dummy
30/08/2024
In addition to the standard 16:9 aspect ratio, director of photography Catherine Goldschmidt had to create visuals for a vertically oriented 9:16 presentation. Working with marketing executive Mike Carter at Panavision, the team at Light Iron, and DIT Peter Brunet, Goldschmidt helped steer the Dummy team toward a new workflow that would satisfy both framing requirements through the entire pipeline, from on-set capture to final color.
Originally developed as a TV pilot, Dummy was rewritten into ten 10-minute segments to fit into the Quibi format. Produced by Deadbeat co-creator Cody Heller and directed by Tricia Brock, the series is a buddy comedy about an aspiring writer (Anna Kendrick) and her boyfriends sex doll. From my perspective, it was like we were shooting an indie feature, Goldschmidt explains. The script totaled around 100 pages broken into 10 episodes to be shot over 18 days on practical locations across L.A.
Quibi's platform allows viewers to use their smartphones in landscape or portrait orientation, seamlessly adapting the viewing experience whenever the phone is flipped. Technically, this requires two versions of the show with different aspect ratios and a single soundtrack that syncs with both, all of which streams simultaneously to the mobile device. The brief was to frame in 16:9 and in 9:16 for two separate deliverables, Goldschmidt says. The initial recommendation from Quibi was to shoot in 16:9 and then crop-in for the 9:16 resulting, of course, in a much tighter shot.
When I thought this through, it was apparent that if you made the conventional wide and two shot in 16:9, then as soon then as the phone is flipped, all your careful framing goes out of the window, she continues. I just wanted to see if there was a better way.
After consulting with peers who had previous experience framing content for mobile as well as with colleagues at Panavision, Goldschmidt opted for a new approach. No one had yet done what we were about to do, she says. We were given a demo of the way the app was going to work and the tests they had shot. We then shot our own tests, facilitated by Mike Carter and [Panavision technical marketing director]Dominick Aiello, which we took all the way through the pipeline, including dailies at Light Iron and sitting down with final colorist Nick Hasson. Dual framing requires a lot of thought and not a little imagination.
The first decision was to shoot full frame, working under the principle that it is better to work with more information than with less, particularly when it comes to the grade.
I was initially thinking I could shoot a common top a shared headroom between the frames which would make it easier for the boom operator or to light from overhead, Goldschmidt recalls. But the more I scouted, the more I realized how much floor space there would be in 9:16. How could you position a shot that wouldn't destroy both frames or make one unusable? This was the main challenge for myself, the camera operators and everybody to wrap our heads around.
That's when Goldschmidt suggested using the director's viewfinder solution Artemis Prime. I have been an avid user of Artemis as a scout tool on my phone, she notes, and I was delighted that Mike Carter was able to lend us an Artemis Prime finder to scout with during preproduction in order to demonstrate and visualize the two frames properly with the director, the producers and all my collaborators.
The Artemis Prime viewfinder allowed Goldschmidt the flexibility of customizing multiple frame lines in situ while scouting, and to preview the results on an iPad. The ability to take a lens to the location, move around and truly picture the scene happening in both frames was essential for me, the director and everyone I was working with, allowing us to be confident in our choices. It was a delicate dance to satisfy both frames, which are pure opposites.
For her camera, the cinematographer adds, We selected the Sony Venice and cropped the 6K sensor to a 4K square and within that, we framed for 16:9 and 9:16 in a crucifix orientation. This way both frames were the same resolution, and the subject size stayed relatively equal in both frames. The two frames are unique, but both share the same middle portion. The crucifix position of the two frames and the ability to orient them the way we wanted was key.
Although she would be cropping the large-format image horizontally, Goldschmidt was still using the entire height of the sensor, and therefore needed lenses that would cover the sensor vertically. I tested a range of different Panavision large-format lenses and chose Panaspeeds primarily because I liked how fast they were and what they did for the depth of field, she says. I was conscious of the final smaller viewing format and wanted to use depth of field to have more control over where to direct the audience's attention. She rounded out the set with Primo 70s, adjusted slightly to match the Panaspeeds, and a pair of zooms that, in the end, were rarely used.
To generate the three frame lines needed to compose in camera, the crew first turned on the Venice's user frame line for the 1:1 square. Additionally, the A and B cameras each wore a Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q monitor, which served as frame-line generators for the 16:9 and 9:16 guides. By placing the 7Q at the start of the signal chain, Brunet explains, we could pass those frame lines along to the operator's eyepiece as well as to our Teradek transmitter for everyone else to monitor on set.
Goldschmidt and Brock each had two 7 monitors, set
LINK: | https://www.panavision.com/highlights/highlights-detail/smart-solution... |
See more stories from panavision |
Most recent headlines
09/12/2024
Dalet Named an IDC Innovator in Media and Entertainment
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced that it has been named an IDC Innovator in the IDC Innovators: ...
09/11/2024
Dalet Expands Leadership Team to Fuel Next Stage of Growth
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced three new members of its executive team. Tara Bryant joins as Chi...
01/11/2024
CNN To Stream Election Night Coverage for Free
WASHINGTON CNN said its coverage plans for Election Night next Tuesday (Nov. 5) will include around-the-clock special coverage from the CNN Election Center in W...
01/11/2024
Fox Sports: Total World Series Viewing Up 67%
NEW YORK Fox Sports is reporting large audience numbers for the 2024 World Series and its coverage of the postseason, as 18.6 million viewers across Fox, Fox De...
01/11/2024
Boris FX Brings Greater ML Power to Continuum's VFX Toolkit
Boris FX Brings Greater ML Power to Continuum's VFX Toolkit Jessie Electa Petrov November 1, 2024 0 Comments The 2025 release adds instant, accura...
01/11/2024
Joseph Kahn's Frantic Horror Film Ick Completed with Full Blackmagic Design Workflow
Joseph Kahn's Frantic Horror Film Ick Completed with Full Blackmagic Design ...
01/11/2024
Pixel Power bolsters team with key appointments
The appointments follow the launch of an updated brand identity and corresponding restructure at the Rohde & Schwarz company By Matthew Corrigan Published: N...
01/11/2024
Landsec acquires MediaCity
The waterfront site is home to BBC North and ITV Studios, as well as dock10 and more than 250 creative businesses By Matthew Corrigan Published: November 1, ...
01/11/2024
Samba TV Acquires Semasio
SAN FRANCISCO Samba TV said it has acquired Semasio, a contextual targeting and audience data-solutions provider that will strengthen the company's ability ...
01/11/2024
6 Entravision Stations Add AccuWeather's StoryTeller+
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. AccuWeather said Spanish-language broadcaster Entravision Communications has purchased six of its StoryTeller+ Display Systems to enhance its...
01/11/2024
Comcast Explores Spinoff of Cable Networks
PHILADELPHIA As Comcast reported better-than-expected third-quarter financial results, executives told analysts the company is considering spinning off its cabl...
01/11/2024
Superpower Comedy Series The WONDERfools' Confirmed for Production
Back to All News Superpower Comedy Series The WONDERfools' Confirmed for Production Entertainment 01 November 2024 GlobalSouth Korea Link copied to cl...
01/11/2024
The Holidays Start Now on Netflix
Back to All News The Holidays Start Now on Netflix Entertainment 01 November 2024 GlobalUnited States Link copied to clipboard Slam the door shut on spook...
01/11/2024
The Focusrite End of Year Sale is here!
The Focusrite End of Year Sale is here! Discover savings on a wide range of new and refurbished audio equipment in our end of year sale, starting today. Now ...
01/11/2024
Inter BEE 2024. Tokyo. 13-15 November 2024
13-15 November HALL 7. Booth No.7310 Restar Communications Visit us in Tokyo at Inter BEE 2024, where you will find us with our partner Restar Communications....
01/11/2024
2024-10-31
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter ended September 28, 2024. The Company posted quarterly revenue ...
01/11/2024
RT is Supporting 28 Arts and Cultural Events all over Ireland this November
This November, RT is delighted to support Cork International Film Festival, along with 27 other arts and cultural events nationwide, spanning theatre, film, ar...
31/10/2024
Revealing our finalists for the Young Journalist of the Year 2024
Three journalists whose stories give a voice to people who are oppressed or marginalised have been chosen as the finalists for the 2024 Young Journalist of the ...
31/10/2024
e.l.f. Cosmetics Uplifts Emerging Artists With a New Soundtrack to Your Beauty Routine
When it comes to self-expression, music and makeup are powerful tools that often...
31/10/2024
L3Harris Redefines Battlefield Intelligence with Autonomous Ground Vehicle Prototype
In modern ground warfare, U.S. Army Reconnaissance and Security (R&S) operations...
31/10/2024
Engaging Maritime Threats, Increasing Situational Awareness with EO/IR Solutions
Whether operating in a standalone capacity or as part of a networked system-of-systems approach, the WESCAM MX -10 MS and WESCAM MX -15 MS provide maritime oper...
31/10/2024
X Games To Launch FAST Channel With Streaming Partner Frequency
LOS ANGELES Action-sports property X Games has partnered with streaming channel creator and distributor Frequency on the launch of a new free ad-supported strea...
31/10/2024
Tegna, Fubo Strike Sports-Minded Multiyear Carriage Deal
TYSONS, Va. After securing the local broadcast rights for several NHL and NBA teams, Tegna has announced that it has reached a new multiyear agreement with Fubo...
31/10/2024
Sling TV Launches Max
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Sling TV has inked an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery that will allow the Dish Network-owned virtual pay TV provider to offer Max to its ...
31/10/2024
DirecTV To Beta Test Multiview Capabilities for Election Coverage
DirecTV is planning to launch a new Election HQ hub on Nov. 4 that will streamline access to election coverage and provide users of its Gemini and Gemini Air de...
31/10/2024
NewsON App Launches on Vizio Platform
SEATTLE In the run-up to the hotly contested 2024 elections, Sinclair's free local streaming news service NewsON said its app is now available on Vizio TVs....
31/10/2024
Court TV Taps Veritone To Manage, Monetize Its Digital Library
DENVER In a bid to improve the content management and revenue potential of its archives, Court TV has selected Veritone to manage and monetize its extensive di...
31/10/2024
BAD HOP's New Music Video Kawasaki Song Shot on Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K
BAD HOP's New Music Video Kawasaki Song Shot on Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Brie Clayton October 31, 2024 0 Comments Spikey John and Seiya Uehara ...
31/10/2024
VEGAS Creative Software Continues Ambitious New Feature Development Schedule with Another Update Release for VEGAS Pro 22
VEGAS Creative Software Continues Ambitious New Feature Development Schedule wit...
31/10/2024
Blockade Labs Launches Blendbox, Bringing Unmatched Control for 2D Generative AI Creations
Blockade Labs Launches Blendbox, Bringing Unmatched Control for 2D Generative AI...
31/10/2024
Andr 3000 at Berklee: Respect Your Taste-Thats All You Got
Andr 3000 at Berklee: Respect Your Taste-Thats All You Got On tour for New Blue Sun, the iconic artist and his band sat down for a sprawling conversation on ...
31/10/2024
Comcast Beats Wall Street Estimates With Record Olympic Ad Revenues
Comcast reported healthy third-quarter revenues driven by an increase in ad sales during the Paris Summer Olympics, strong box-office receipts for its films and...
31/10/2024
Grammy Awards Will Move to ABC in 2027
Disney has signed a new deal with the Recording Academy to move the Grammy Awards from CBS to ABC starting in 2027....
31/10/2024
Hitachi Kokusai Appoints Bo Reames as East Coast Sales Manager
SOUTHWICK, Mass. Hitachi Kokusai has hired industry veteran Bo Reames as East Coast sales manager for North America. He reports to National Sales Manager Kennet...
31/10/2024
Pixel Power Adds 5 New Hires
Pixel Power, a Rohde & Schwarz company providing broadcast playout solutions, has announced five new hires:...
31/10/2024
ENVY Captures new recruits
According to the company, the increase in headcount means it can take on simultaneous projects as well as scale up its rigs and workflows By Jenny Priestley ...
31/10/2024
UK creative industry Autumn Budget response not only welcome, but essential to support sector'
Figures from across the industry have been broadly supportive of the Chancellors...
31/10/2024
NDI opens Portuguese innovation hub
The company said it expects to see an increase in its local workforce over the next few years to support growing demands By Jenny Priestley Published: Octobe...
31/10/2024
Steadicam Volt Honored with Academy of Television Arts an...
The Tiffen Company was honored with an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering, Science & Technology, for the development of the Steadicam Volt ....
31/10/2024
Cine Gear Film Series Competition is Now Open
Each year, thousands of filmmakers of all kinds gather at a major studio in Southern California for the flagship Cine Gear Expo event to see the latest technolo...
31/10/2024
Matrox Video Offerings at Inter BEE 2024 Support Evolving...
At Inter BEE, Nov. 13-15, in Makuhari Messe, Japan, technology innovator Matrox Video will partner with distributor Japan Material (booth 5404) and others to s...
31/10/2024
Dalet Competitive Upgrade Program Offers Attractive Path...
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, is expanding its Competitive Upgrade Program to include legacy news systems. Laun...
31/10/2024
MwareTV takes another major step forward with the appoint...
MwareTV, a leading cloud-based multi-tenant platform provider, has appointed Dr Neale Foster as its chief revenue officer. In his new role he will drive advance...
31/10/2024
ODK Media Partners With Amagi to Launch Amasian TV a Grou...
Amagi, the global leader in cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and connected TV (CTV), today announced that ODK Media has onboarded it to launch Amasian ...
31/10/2024
AGILE CONTENT ADVANCES GOOD RESULTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER...
Agile Content, an international technology company and leader in the development of technology and solutions for the provision of television services over the I...
31/10/2024
Learn Redshift For Cinema 4D In 40 Minutes
Learn Redshift For Cinema 4D In 40 Minutes Marc Potocnik October 31, 2024 0 Comments Cinema 4D Master Trainer Marc Potocnik guides you through the bas...
31/10/2024
WKRC-TV Cincinnati Deploys The Weather Co.'s Max Alert Live
CINCINNATI Sinclair-owned WKRC-TV here has upgraded its weather alerting platform to Max Alert Live from The Weather Co....
31/10/2024
Viant Licenses Comscore Data for AI Training
IRVINE, Calif. Viant Technology said it has expanded its integration with Comscore, enabling Viant to use the audience measurement firm's data to train Vian...
31/10/2024
WABC-TV New York Taps Mary Anne Fox as VP of Programming
NEW YORK WABC-TV New York said Mary Anne Fox will join the ABC-owned station Nov. 4 as vice president of programming....
31/10/2024
Pliant Adds RTSales as Manufacturer's Representative
ORLANDO, Fla. Wireless intercom provider Pliant Technologies said it has expanded its sales network, adding manufacturer's representative RTSales Inc. RTSal...