DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING GE AR .
EYES DOWN Doug Anderson using a unique rig to get up close and personal on The Mating Game (right)
because it has far-ranging ISO technology that will enable us to shoot in low-light conditions, without losing detail in the shadows and highlights. We could also utilise the Panasonic S1H or GH5 cameras, because their Dual Native ISO technology is fantastic. Plus, they’ve got a wonderful dynamic range – one which gives us the latitude to cut and use the chroma colour data to match it with the Gemini.” Although Esteban argues that Red cameras are the crème de la crème for natural history “I shot red-crowned cranes at 4K 60fps and in glorious 10-bit, to emphasise their movements”
their beautiful, graceful movements. And then did a lot of time-lapses and hyper-lapses in Tokyo, to convey the juxtaposition between the natural world and the frenetic human lifestyle.” ANIMAL ETHICS At the turn of the century, the kit used to aid narrative in natural history filmmaking advanced tremendously. But television programming has levelled up since streamers arrived on the playing field, and is now having to compete with the likes of The Crown or The Queen’s Gambit in terms of scale and beauty. “We’re having to drive ourselves to the top through cutting-edge research and technology. We showcase amazing science in a way that engages people to empathise with, and care about, the natural world, using the latest visual storytelling tools,” explains Esteban.
filmmaking, the Panasonics are a firm favourite for her personal kitbag. “The GH5 is beautifully dynamic, compact, and does everything I need to get good shots. It shoots 4K at 60fps and has 4:2:2 10-bit – and I’m not hampered by the Micro Four Thirds sensor, because the 2x crop factor actually gives me more reach, which is nice for wildlife photography. I then pair that with Angelbird V90 cards and an Atomos Ninja V monitor/ recorder, which, when used with the S1H, means I can get 5.9K ProRes Raw.” Esteban recently shot with the S1H in Japan, working in temperatures as low as -17°C to show the contrasting relationship between its wildlife, which included red-crowned cranes and snow monkeys, and the metropolis that is Tokyo. She explains: “I shot the red-crowned cranes at 4K 60fps and in glorious 10-bit, to emphasise
45. DECEMBER 2021
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