Wolfang Digital | Videographer Journals

31Aug/10Off

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

Tagged as: Canon EOS 7D, Cinema Field Kit, Corporate Videos, DSLR Film Making, Film Making, Glove Manufacturing, Green Prospect, High Definition, RedRock Micro, Videography, wolfang digital, YTY Group Comments Off

12Aug/10Off

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.

Tagged as: Canon EOS 7D, Cinema Field Kit, Corporate Videos, Documentary, DSLR, DSLR Film Making, Edius, Film Making, HD, High Definition, RedRock Micro, Video Editing, Videography, wolfang digital Comments Off

11Jul/10Off

Digital Film Making Course: Making 2 Films Each Week

All set for Kana's short film which the rest jokingly called 'Untitled'

Since the launch of our Digital Film Making Course in June, we have already covered the Scriptwriting, Cinematography and Film/Video Editing modules. Our Digital Film Making Course has become more popular that I've decided to add camaraderie by integrating WolFang Digital's Digital Film Making course with my students in Saito Collge.

Kana and Nasrulhaq team up as Film Director and Videographer in this week's Digital Film Making Course

In college where I teach part-time, I have noticed some of my more hardworking students take a keen interest in film making. They are pursuing Videography and Digital Video Production and as they wish to learn more than what is offered by their syllabus, I have given them the opportunity to be part of the WolFang Digital's Digital Film Making course.

'In this scene, this is how you should be feeling', Kana refers to his script and talks to Dhurga

This is the focus of our Digital Film Making course: to give our students the best possible film making training so they can easily transition from a student into a professional film maker when they graduate.

-Baron, Film Director & Lecturer-

Nasrulhaq makes the adjustments as Kana briefs him, 'I want the camera to track here'.

These hand-picked students will be undertaking some of the tougher assignments meant for WolFang Digital's students. How are students chosen to join WolFang Digital's course? They are picked by both merit and passion. Students who participate actively in class, who ask intelligent questions, students who take the initiative to make their own films.

Ravi slaps the Clapperboard as Dhurga and Ramavijay prepre for another take

My students are split into 2 groups. To maximise the learning experience, students must rotate their roles for each film produced. So, a film director for one film may become a cinematographer for the next production. Each group has to produce a short film. They are given only 3 hours to shoot their film.

Nasrulhaq as videographer readies the video camera while Ramavijay and Dhurga rehearse their lines

Once shooting is completed, every student must edit each others' film. Video Editing is done with Grass Valley's Edius. They then compare the different versions. Each editor has different interpretations of the original director's story. By watching these interpretations, their learning deepens as they understand how each person sees the same story.

Ravi's turn at being the Film Director while Kana rotates as Videographer

Courtesy of WolFang Digital, students get the chance to use our professional equipment for their assignments. They have at their disposal, video cameras, HD DSLRs, high-quality tripods, lights, audio recorders, shotgun/boom microphones, clapperboard, reflectors and even dollies.

Dhurga readies the clapperboard for Ravi's short film titled 'Stalkers'

This means they can feel right at home when they find work after they graduate. This is the focus of our Digital Film Making course: to give our students the best possible film making training so they can easily transition from a student into a professional film maker when they graduate.

Dzul becomes the real action hero. He rehearses with S Dinesh while director Ravi looks on.

Two films were shot this week, the first was Kana's unrequited for love drama affectionately called 'Untitled' by is coursemates. The story tells the story of protagonist played by Ramavijay who confesses his love to Dhurga but is rejected. She claims here studies are her focus and love will have to wait, an accurate reflection of real life.

The production team shooting the film from a higher angle

While Kana's story is a sit-down dialog driven piece, Ravi's film is a stark contrast by being an action film. Titled 'Stalkers', it tells the story of a cop looking for his suspect. The cop played by Dzul finds his man (played by S. Dinesh) in a busy library and a suspenseful fight scene ensues.

Down low. Kana goes down for a dramatic angle of the Stalker played by Dzul

Both short films are different in terms of pacing and dialog. My students will get to understand how to edit two very diverse genres. This challenge will help sharpen their storytelling skills while rotating their roles from Film Director to Videographer and Video Editor ensures that their comfort zones are constantly changing. Keep them on their toes, keep them sharp.

Ravi gets his hands dirty by showing Dzul and S. Dinesh how to finish the fight scene

Tagged as: Digital Film Making Course, Edius, event videography, Film Making, Saito College, Training, Video Editing, Video Gear, Video Production, Video Shooting Class, Videography, Videography Class, Videography Equipment, Videography Gear, wolfang digital Comments Off

27Jun/10Off

On The Spot for Redberry Launch

Enjoy Jonah Lomu's interview. We recorded him in a crowded hall with music blaring and guests chatting away! Jonah Lomu is the legendary New Zealand Classic All Blacks Rugby player

On location at the launch of Redberry, doing a stand-in for our videographers to check lighting and sound

Redberry Sdn Bhd (Redberry) has kicked-off the revamp of its news and entertainment properties by launching two new TV shows to be aired on recently-established partnership channel Bernama TV at a glitzy and glamorous party in Kuala Lumpur today for the crème de la crème of the media industry. The exclusive event was co-hosted with Redberry anchor client, Celcom, and sponsored by ABSOLUT. (Excerpt from Adoi Magazine)

Peggy our video editor prepares her laptop to edit the footage as soon as its been shot

We were 'Johnny-on-the-spot' when Redberry organised a competition for best reporting during their soft launch (this being a media company). Each participant had 30 seconds to do a 'mock' news report. The guideline was, 'report about anything within the last 7 days'. The grand prize was a Blackberry smart phone. The challenge for us was to record the reporting, edit the them on the spot AND hand them the finished master. Redberry will then broadcast the reporting for guests to view.

Mic-up! A participant gets to have a wireless microphone under his shirt

Considering that this is an ongoing event, our time window and margin for error was considerably short as we had to shoot, edit and transfer the mock reports into a DVD. Kassandra Kassim (Redberry's Chief Creative Officer) was the judge of honour who decided the winner. Before the best reporter received his/her reward, our DVD will be played for guests.

Nasrulhaq keeps pace (30 seconds each) as Baron directs while Sai Bee shoots the scene

Nevertheless, we pulled it off but not without some trepidation. Our cinematographer, Sai Bee expertly coordinated our videography team while I directed the participants. Sai Bee guided the lighting technician, our sound technician and communicated with our video editor.

Under Nasrulhaq's watchful eye (and stopwatch), another participant gets his 30 seconds of fame

For this setup, we used the Panasonic HVX 102b which has 2 XLR connections, ideal for our dual wireless microphones setup. Our audio setup comprised of 2 Sennheiser wireless mics with receivers. These were all connected via FireWire to a laptop running Avid Liquid. The interviews were simultaneously recorded into the camera's miniDV tape and a FireWire hard disk as the they were shot. They were then ingested and edited in Avid Liquid, using cuts and dissolves.

Celebrity Stephanie Chai does her bit to encourage more participants to take part in the contest

Our clients had the convenience of the Sony GVHD700E. The 8" screen on the HDV recorder/player let them view the interviews as it was unfolding. Lighting was provided by two 650W Film Gear tungsten lights and reflectors which were sufficient for key, fill and backlight.

He's probably the youngest, but he knows his stuff! This chap goes on about sports.

When all the mock reporting were completed, it was Peggy's turn to work her magic. I don't envy Peggy (our Video Editor) all so lonely at her laptop but with all eyes on her, waiting for her to compile that essential DVD. Peggy aced it, Avid Liquid did what it was supposed to do and the DVD made it for playback. All's well that ends well.

Stand-up. Harith Iskandar, Malaysia's leading comedian, had audience roaring with laughter. This bought us much needed video editing time!

That was our setup: I directed as Sai Bee filmed and the rest of our team did their thing. Nothing prepared us for our guest of honour: Jonah Lomu, the famed New Zealand Classic All Blacks Rugby player. The brawny frame of Mr. Lomu arrived at our set with Kassandra Kassim (Chief Creative Officer, Redberry). The interview was conducted and edited. Well, sort of edited... Kassandra wanted the interview to be 7 minutes long, apparently reflecting the 7 Days program that Redberry acquired.

MCU or CU? Baron and Sai Bee discuss some of the finer points of videography

Kassandra Kassim is well recognised in the media industry and we've worked together many years back. As I remember her, Kassandra is exacting in her work. Nevertheless, I was surprised and impressed with how she ended the interview with Mr. Lomu almost on the dot... All this unrehearsed and impromptu!

Kassandra Kassim interviews New Zealand All Black rugby legend, Jonah Lomu. She ends the interview exactly at 7 minutes, just the way she likes it!

Our work was finally broadcast to guests after Harith Iskandar's stand-up. Mostly due to the good quality microphones we used and our Sound Technician's skills, we received good reviews from key people, one of them being Richard Duckett (Kassandra's husband). He claimed the audio clarity was top notch. This is no mean feat since we could hardly hear ourselves speak and we recorded right in the middle of all this!

Background info:
Redberry Sdn Bhd (Redberry) has kicked-off the revamp of its news and entertainment properties by launching two new TV shows to be aired on recently-established partnership channel Bernama TV at a glitzy and glamorous party in Kuala Lumpur today for the crème de la crème of the media industry. The exclusive event was co-hosted with Redberry anchor client, Celcom, and sponsored by ABSOLUT. The event heralded a new era for Redberry as it launched two fabulous new programs: The Last Word and 7 Days (Adoi Magazine)