We filmed BASEMENT using a Sony VENICE Digital Cinema Camera. We shot handheld, steady cam, on slider and sticks. When fully configured the VENICE has a relatively large footprint for a digital camera. While probably the best camera we could have chosen (and don’t ask me how we got this set up on our budget, because I’m still not sure) there could have been size issues considering 99 percent of the film was shot in a 16 by 70 foot basement with a seven foot ceiling height.
To deal with some tight squeezes, our amazing cinematographer also arranged for us to have at our disposal the Sony VENICE Extension System, Rialto, which allows you to separate the sensor block from the camera body and operate it remotely via a tether back to the body itself. Yeah, I know, I copied that from the Sony site. For us non-techies, it's a block you mount the lens to, that allows you to film independent of the camera body. (Still confused? See the pictures below.)
This system allowed us to put the “camera” in places we would not be able to fit the camera. It also facilitated another construct of the film and script. In telling the story, Hannah, the young girl whose basement we are in, uses her tablet as a sort of diary, both recording herself and some of the action as it happens. To simulate the tablet camera, we used the Rialto system with a spherical lens, as opposed to the Kowa anamorphic lens set used on for the rest of the film. Our young actress was even able to hold the unit as she filmed herself talking into the tablet. (See below.) The effect is visually, well, just what I imagined. You can decide when the film comes out if it was effective.
Of course the best equipment in the world is worthless without an experienced and talented crew that knows how to use it. Thank you Leland Krane, for securing such a premiere system and along with your crew, delivering such a beautiful film. And thank you Sony for your support and your marvelous tools.
Oh, and about that 1 percent that wasn't shot in the basement... See the last pictures at: https://www.facebook.com/BasementTheFilm/posts/696560040997286
Part 1: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing/Filming-BASEMENT-part-1-or-how-...
Part 3: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing/Filming-BASEMENT-part-3-or-Loca...
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