Shooting HD was not a major part of the repertoire of Tulsa, Okla.-based Cloud Nine Productions. The facility, which has an extensive background in film (both production and post) for commercial spots and corporate video, was commissioned to shoot a corporate project for Nokia highlighting a new line of mobile phones.
Cloud Nine originally bid the project on film. A sunny, seven-day shoot was to take place in Miami, but budget constraints meant that a more economic format would have to be used. The choice to shoot in 24p with Sony HDW-F900 cameras cut out $30,000 in film processing and transfer costs and allowed the shoot to come in on budget.
The camera used was number 35 of the 64 film-style Sony 24p cameras outfitted with Panavision lenses, and it wasn't easy to come by. “The camera was shipped from L.A. to the Orlando Panavision office, prepped, and delivered to Miami for the shoot,” says Cloud Nine director Johnny B. Graham. “They are in great demand and we were very fortunate that this one became available.” Previously, that camera had been in Tunisia with George Lucas shooting Star Wars: Episode II.
This was Cloud Nine's first taste of shooting in 24p. Having Panavision lenses meant that director of photography Phil Dillon could draw from his extensive collection of film filters in the Panavision matte box to create the proper filter and lighting combination for each scene. “This camera really blew me away,” says Dillon. “The Panavision lenses and HD-24p combo are incredible.”
As with most HD projects, the five-minute video will be downconverted before it reaches its final destination: plasma screens at a telecom trade show and at Nokia retail stores throughout North and South America.
