Gloves, millions of gloves!
Latex bounty. Our team gears up to film workers unloading a tanker ferrying raw material
The YTY Group commissioned us to produce its Corporate Video and for that, we went up north to the town of Sitiawan. Together with Chin, our photographer, we packed up and headed out. All excited to see and learn how gloves are made.
Baron directs staff of YTY Group. Some sequences need to be slowed down for the camera.
When we arrived, we set about our job by doing a recce of the two impressively huge glove producing factories. The reek of sulphur and ammonia hung in the air. Two items most prevalent at the plants: The ammonia fumes and gloves- millions of gloves, everywhere!
Wait for it... Pureen instructs factory workers to await her signal as she in turn waits for the camera to roll.
We found ourselves in the middle of a spacious glove manufacturing factory. Everywhere we looked, it seems machines were rolling out gloves by the millions.
Rows upon rows of formers (hand-shaped templates) take turn being immersed into Dipping Tanks holding chemicals essential for the manufacturing process.
Our uneventful trip up north paid off by giving us the opportunity to see glove manufacturing at one of the country's leading glove factory.
Who needs a hand? At this stage, the gloves are ripe for the picking off their formers.
The YTY Group is a multiple award-winning manufacturing company consisting of two subsidiaries: YTY Industry and the newer Green Prospect. It employs thousands of multinational staff from all over Asia to meet its customers' orders. Almost all their completed products are exported to international markets.
The harvest. Workers slip completed gloves off the formers. This is just one isolated row of the numerous production lines located around the factory.
The biggest challenge we faced here was the issue with our LCDVF. This is an attachment that clips on magnetically to our HDSLR's viewfinder. We can't depend on the viewfinder to do a focus check. The LCDVF magnifies the LCD view so we can determine if focus is sharp. An essential tool for HDSLR cinematography, all the way from Estonia.
Francis makes the call. At the Quality Assurance dept., Francis of YTY Group instructs workers to be on standby
The problem is this: The LCDVF doesn't fancy our hot weather. The adhesive that comes with the metal frames (which are attached to the viewfinder and are in turn clipped magnetically to the LCDVF) don't stand up well to heat. During our shoot outdoors, the LCDVF started to slide off!
If it leaks, get rid of it. The Water Leakage Test, where they make sure gloves are good to go.
I clamped it down onto the viewfinder but it won't stay there long. Lucky thing it came with a strap so I hung it from my neck when the LCDVF was not in use. Later when we got back, I found a way to handle this problem. I'll write another article to document this.
Cool ride. Chin, our Photographer, shares the cramped quarters with Film Director Baron.
To get a 'bird's eye view' of both factories, our client hired a sky lift (evidently the same one that ferried the crew up to paint the plants as there were still green paint drips on the bucket). I rode the sky lift up to about 100 feet for the shot. Going up and down was slow and at certain points, a little bumpy making it tough to shoot on the move- boom shots were hard to pull off.
How's the weather up there? The Sky Lift takes us way up yonder for the money shot- aerial view of the factory
There weren't any clouds and it was just one solid blue sky. I would rather there were lots of clouds. Less clouds means we had to frame more factory and less sky.
Training scene. It was no easy task getting the multinational staff to act out some basic scenes due to the language barrier.
Unexpectedly, filming the training scenes was not a bed of roses. The talents were actual workers from the factory floor. They were from Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand... so many nationalities in one room. They couldn't grasp the concept of repeating the same action for another camera angle. They missed their cues and some stared at the camera. It was tough but we managed. In the end, our team managed to shape them into a cohesive group.
Lab connection. Lab technicians listen as Pureen gives comments on their last acting performance
The lab was exciting. There we filmed researchers at work. We pulled a few cool camera moves using the Pocket Dolly. It was fun getting to compose and shoot scenes similar to the popular CSI TV series. It's not often one gets to shoot chemicals being thrown together by lab suited technicians in a lab.
Chin, our Photographer, snaps off a few shots of lab technicians in their element
We must thank YTY Group for its hospitality. They arranged our cosy and clean accommodations and took us to sample their local delicacies.
Wolf pack. Some of our Photography and Videography team pose for a shot. Francis is with the megaphone
Francis of YTY Group took good care of us. More than once he stopped entire production lines so we could set up our equipment to film great shots. If they didn't make their quota that month, we're not sorry because we captured scenes that make YTY Group look great. Francis was attentive to our needs and enthusiastic about the shoot.
Lakeside meal. This authentically malay restaurant serves excellent roti canai and nasi lemak. All races gather here for great food.
All photos are courtesy of Kanageswaran
TAJ International College: The green campus on film
Click on the 'Full Screen' icon to watch this film in all its HD glory.
WolFang Digital was commissioned by TAJ International College to produce its corporate film. TAJ is located up north in the serene town of Ipoh.
Affectionately known as the garden college, TAJ attracts international students to its green campus. Its well maintained amenities and highly qualified lecturers make TAJ a well established name in the education industry.
We wrote the script, which was read by Geoffrey Nicholson as the narrator. We lit the scenes and shot the film in a day. Scenes in this film were reenacted by students under WolFang Digital's direction. Over than 20 actors/actresses were involved in this corporate film. We shot the entire film on the Canon EOS 7D which was rigged up with accessories from RedRock Micro and Kessler Crane's Pocket Dolly.
3D Aimation was used to create the TAJ logo and give it the impact it deserves. Motion Graphics were used to enhance the message conveyed to the audience. The film was edited with Edius running on a MacPro in Windows mode.
That’s the way we roll: Absolut Vodka ‘Rock Edition’
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The iconic Swedish vodka launched its brand new 'Rock Edition' at Blackbox in KLMAP. The theme was rock & roll- leather jackets with studs, gothic makeovers and the rock star treatment. We were right in the middle of it all, filming the event in HD.
Dressed to rock! Excellent makeovers like this added a new level of authenticity to the party
Our HD DSLR, the EOS 7D rock and rolled with the rest of them, visiting the cool 'backstage' especially set up for this rock & roll themed adventure. We filmed in the cramped trailer-like entrance to the dark interiors of Blackbox where the gothic decor immediately brings to mind exciting images of a carefree rock band.
Filming the party in HD with Canon 7D supported by RedRock Micro's Cinema Field Kit
Absolut created a convincing experience as guests were treated to stellar performances by Naked Breed and Two Sides To A Story. Late in the evening, DJ Twilight Action Girl gave us even more rock inspired tracks.
The real deal: Rock & Roll band 'Two Sides To A Story' sing chart topping numbers
The HD footage was shot with Canon's excellent EOS 7D with RedRock Micro's microShoulderMont and attached FollowFocus. This setup made it compact enough for quick maneuvering across the crowded room and yet capture great looking shots.
Our Canon 7D HD DSLR setup allows for optimum mobility in crowded situations
The LitePanels LED video light gave us much respite from the extremely dark interior. It lit up the path yet provided soft light so that our subjects looked appealing.
Still, our setup overwhelmed some guests. As I poked my HD DSLR into a group, I remember someone blurting out, 'What the hell is that?'. For the more initiated, as I moved amongst some videographers (one of them with a XLH1), I overheard one of the mutter, 'Wow, it comes with a Follow Focus too!'.
Get the look. Professional make-up artists and fashion stylists transform guests into rock stars
The HD footage we shot exported easily into Edius 5. It was as usual, edited on our 17" MacBook Pro running Windows. I just love the Mac, Apple has truly created a computer that we can fall in love with. Of course, being able to install Windows means we can use the PC based Edius. The Mac and Edius, they work like a charm.
Our assistant videographer Kana with the XL1, providing Live Video Feed of the rock bands
Photos are courtesy of Kanageswaran (aka Kana)
HD film: Chivas 12 Hours feat. PITBULL
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Our latest HD film is out! Featuring american singer-rapper PITBULL (You Know You Want Me, Hotel Room Serivce) in the Chivas 12 Hours party. Includes dazzling performances by internationally acclaimed DJ Roger Shah, DJ Benny Benassi, DJ Lisa Lashes and DJs Blink & Xu. A staggering crowd of over 6,000 spent the night dancing away to the sensational tunes.
Read about how we shot the Chivas 12 Hours party 'Mixing it up with Pitbull'.
Pitbull performs to adoring fans in Malaysia for Chivas 12 Hours party
Commissioned by Pernod Ricard, this is a full HD event video filmed with Canon EOS 7D in synergy with Sony EX3 and edited on GrassValley Edius 5.5 on a 17" MacBook Pro.
The microShoulderMount in action supporting the HD DSLR
Mixing it up with Pitbull
Watch the HD video here: Chivas 12 Hours feat. Pitbull
I Know You Want Me... Pitbull gyrates to screaming fans
The party was Chivas 12 Hours. An eagerly anticipated event where 6 internationally acclaimed DJs performed for 12 hours to a crowd of more than 6,000 party goers. Guest entries were USD 59 and VIP entries were USD 82. Not only were the DJs of international stock, the crowd was a rich mixture of nationalities.
This night was significant to us because we shot it with two cameras: Canon EOS 7D and Sony EX3. This is a HD production with a dedicated video camera and a DSLR. This is an HD event video all the way!
The Cinematography team- Sai Bee with EX3, Baron with EOS 7D and Eddy our assistant
Our cinematographer Sai Bee shot with the Sony EX3 while Baron had his EOS 7D on the microShoulderMount. Both cameras were equipped with mobile video LED lights. This is a collaboration between two of the industry's most revered cameras. We were all eager to see how it turned out when the footage held up during film editing.
The neat thing about the EX3 was its compatibility with the Mac. The EX3 uses the Express 34 memory card as its recording media and our 17" MacBook Pro comes with the Express 34 built in. Perfect match.
Ravi, our apprentice from Saito College goes on stage with DJ Roger Shah
It was a sensational night. We were entertained by DJ Blink and Xu, DJ Roger Shah, Grammy Award Winning Italian DJ Benny Benassi, Hard Dance Queen DJ Lisa Lashes and Mr. MIAMI himself, Pitbull.
Audio Acquisition
The Automatic Gain Control (AGC) of the EOS 7D made it impossible to capture consistent quality audio. Being in auto mode meant the camera would reduce audio peaking after it happens. We were filming almost always in close proximity to outdoor-sized audio speakers and the 7D couldn't stop the audio from breaking. Without an external audio recorder like the Zoom H4N, the 7D won't be doing a good job at large events like this.
The EX3 on the other hand, fared much better. It has an integrated mic with manual audio controls. As long as the cinematographer checks his audio levels and sets them accordingly, audio recording will be good.
Oye! Pitbull does another one of his numbers
Light Sensitivity
The 7D triumphs here.
Both cameras were deployed with a mobile LED video light attached to their hotshoe. The US made LitePanels worked as advertised, this is not our first shoot with them. Both cameras went out to capture footage of crowd dancing, drinking and having a good time.
Baron films a 'flaring' demonstration by the Chivas bartenders
Setting the Gain to 12db makes the noise really stand out so the EX3 filmed at 6db Gain, with LitePanels' dimmer set to maximum brightness. Footage was good although a touch grainy.
The highest ISO we set on the 7D was 1,000. Grain was hardly noticeable. LitePanels was rarely used if at all. The cinematographer simply positioned himself, pressed record and waited for the house lights to blink and pulsate to the DJ's song. The brilliant lighting display complemented the equally excellent audio performance by the artistes.
Sai Bee grabs some close-ups of a DJ working on his turntable
Footage quality
Again, praises go to the 7D. It's shallow depth of field made subjects stand out from the background, something the EX3 simply couldn't match. Even with its 1/3" sensor, the EX3 isn't able to throw backgrounds out of focus as beautifully as the 7D can. The 7D also made images and colours look richer and more 'solid' compared to the EX3.
Overheat. The annoyng big red thermometer icon. Time for a break!
Power Zoom. Film Directors and Cinematographers will be happy to note that the two cameras bear inherently unique features. The EX3 has lets the user do power zooms. It's zoom ring revolves with a smooth turn, allowing the user to change focal length (zoom) at the twist of the wrist. DSLRs are severely setback here. The lens gear isn't smooth to pull off a clean power zoom.
The EX3 also has an aperture ring which makes exposure control very convenient- the ring is located less than an inch away from the zoom ring. One doesn't have to press buttons and twist dials to get the proper iris setting- the hand that does the focusing also controls zooming and iris settings. On the 7D, the user rotates a dial located near his right thumb, convenient but I prefer the ergonomics of the EX3.
Where The Wild Things Are- Watching the crowd go wild, cheering their DJ
Rim Lighting. The clever positioning of backlight outlines the subject against a darker, contrasted background. Considered an advanced form of creative expression, Rim Lighting is the mark of a professional cinematographer.
Successful rim lighting doesn't depend solely on lighting. It depends also on the videography equipment. Here, the 7D performs exceptionally. Its sensor is large enough to capture the nuances of that thin light that outlines a subject. The EX3 needs more setup time from the cinematographer, something that isn't readily available during an event shoot.
Why we do what we do... DJ Benny Benazzi's entourage take a fancy to us 
Overheating. Unique only to HD DSLRs when filming in HD, overheating is an annoyance that plague DSLR cinematographers worldwide. I will write a separate entry about this. To overcome this, brief periods of rest (for the camera, not the user!) is recommended. When the overheat icon shows itself, let the camera rest for about 60 seconds. There's no such issue with video cameras, they can go on shooting till the cows come home.
The EX3 HD video camera- ergonomic, well designed and packed with features
The EX3 connects to the Mac via the Express34 card slot. The Sony Clip Browser transfers footage to the hard disk. The 7D hooks up via the provided USB cable (Mini-A). Footage is downloaded through Canon's EOS Utility. I'm very happy that EX3 footage plays back smoothly on the 17" MacBook Pro in Grass Valley's Edius 5.1 BUT the H.264 from the 7D conversion to CanopusHQ. The solution is to use ProCoder.
Sensational. The Chivas 12 Hours party- world class DJs performed all night
The 7D has some drawbacks, particularly in the overheating, audio and power zoom department but solutions exist to counter that. After tonight's experience, will we use the EOS 7D to cover events? Most Def! DSLRs, when properly accessorised become a cinematographer's dream, capturing film quality images even under light-challenged areas.
All's well that ends well. The party was great- the light show on stage was superb, fused with flame bursts and smoke effects. Pitbull's charismatic and energetic performance had the crowd gasping for more. It was non-stop dance music dance music accentuated by R&B, House, Trance and Electro. By the time we were done, it was 3am Sunday and we were almost stone deaf. It was worth it, thank you Chivas!
Photos are courtesy of Ravivarman Vicraman
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