Teamwork and Tools

As a filmmaker, there are two elements that are not only the foundation of your projects, but determine how far you will go in the long run. When it comes down to it, your tools and your team are all that you have at your disposal. Find tools that augment your style and fit within your shooting plan. Build a team that supports your vision with integrity, but also challenges you to look beyond your vision and grow.

This blog post features images from a project we completed for DRM Motorworx. Our subject was a modded BMW M5 and we needed to decide how we were going to shoot the driving shots — vehicle mounted cameras, from the back window of another car, etc. In the end, we decided to go a step further. One of our favorite tools is the Kesslercrane Pocket Jib, so we set it up on the back of a Ford F150. This was a two man job — Sameer operated the crane as Sahid analyzed footage (framing, exposure, focus, etc).

It was raining and there was — due to going highway speeds — a brutally cold wind chill. The resistance from the wind also posed a danger. Under such circumstances, you need a team that flows well and tools that are built to perform.

The resulting imagery speaks for itself…

Coming from a photography background, I was used to handling the creative process from start to finish. However, the first thing I learned about filmmaking was that it takes a village. You have to be able to share ideas, take critique, and adapt to other styles. Often times, your team will have insights to framing, lighting design, and creative direction on set — things that may not have been thought of during pre-production. It’s best to have an open mind and incorporate great “on the spot” ideas if time permits. Strong communication leads to the development of wonderfully crafted work. Below, Sameer and I work together on creating a lighting look for the “glamour shots” of the film.

The fruits of good teamwork…