Shooting a Blockbuster With the Sony FX3: A Rare Inside Look by The Creator’s DITs
By Jennifer P
In this article by YM Cinema, we take a detailed look into the technical preparations of the Sony FX3 for ‘The Creator’ shoot. Teevarit Pirompapachoke, the DIT and data wrangler of the Thailand unit, shares exclusive photos and insights about the challenges they faced. Discover how the FX3 was harnessed as the primary setup on this high-budget project.
They’ve crafted numerous articles revolving around ‘The Creator,’ a high-budget sci-fi action spectacle remarkably filmed with the Sony FX3, a prosumer camera. While the concept of action narratives shot on accessible consumer cameras isn’t entirely new (recall the unforgettable ‘Act of Valor,’ captured on the Canon 5D Mark II by the legendary Shane Hurlbut ASC, even gracing IMAX screens), it remains incredibly intriguing to delve into the ‘how’ of it all.
The advantages of employing compact and straightforward cameras are widely acknowledged. Nonetheless, these cameras typically lack the design nuances essential for large-scale cinematic productions necessitating sizable crews. Even though the FX3 is touted as a ‘cinema camera’ and proudly represents Sony’s Cinema Line, it grapples with its own constraints, which evolve into substantial challenges when deployed in substantial big-screen endeavors.
Thus, we sought the expertise of Teevarit Pirompapachoke, a proficient DIT and data wrangler within the Thailand unit of ‘The Creator.’ Teevarit graciously enlightens us on the technical obstacles and methodologies that the Thailand team encountered throughout ‘The Creator’ production, playfully code-named ‘TRUE LOVE’ by their talented crew.
Behind the scenes of The Creator – The Thailand team with DP Oren Soffer. Picture: Teevarit Pirompapachoke from WEDITIT
“Since Atomos isn’t compatible with a 2.76:1 frame line and no customizable software like ARRI, we had to come up with a Frame Chart to see the frame we were going to use. Although it took us days to complete, we used tapes to section off Atomos into our desired frame, and we could customize other SmallHD monitors. After that, we manually set up (x7) Sony FX3s and (x8) Atomos to be identical for the main and backup cams, along with countless GoPros and Drones that went through all the tests together with the FX3”.
Pairing the Sony FX3 with an Atomos Ninja recorder can greatly enhance your filmmaking experience. The Atomos Ninja recorders are renowned for their high-quality external recording capabilities, providing a range of advantages for your creative projects. Firstly, they enable higher-quality recording, often offering higher bitrates and less compressed formats than internal camera recording. This results in improved image quality and greater flexibility during post-production. Additionally, external recorders like the Atomos Ninja offer a broader array of recording options, including ProRes and DNx codecs, which can be invaluable for various post-production workflows. Furthermore, they come with larger storage capacity, allowing for longer recording times, reducing the need to frequently change storage media. Moreover, Atomos recorders provide advanced monitoring features such as focus peaking and waveform monitoring, contributing to achieving the best possible image quality. While there are additional costs and considerations to manage, the benefits of using an Atomos Ninja with your Sony FX3 are substantial, offering filmmakers the opportunity to elevate their content creation to new heights.
Read the full article from YM Cinema HERE
Learn more about Atomos Ninja HERE
Learn more about Atomos HERE