APUTURE x CREW STUDIO INDUSTRY
shape their vision. Educators leave with a clear sense of how the technology is evolving and students pick up on that energy straight away. It’s about creating a ripple effect where knowledge and innovation keep flowing forward.” The partnership’s influence is clear in the work of emerging filmmakers like Noah Hecht, a recent Arts University Bournemouth graduate. After training with Crew Studio, Hecht stepped in as a cinematographer for the indie short All That’s Left . Through the Filmmaker Hub, his team accessed a full suite of Aputure LED fixtures, which enhanced the film’s production values, gave the crew confidence and elevated the project far beyond a typical student production. “Having access to Aputure gear massively increased our efficiency on-set,” says Hecht. “There were a lot of handheld shots, so it was important for the intimate scenes to have both a free-moving camera and flexibility to shape the lighting around the actors. Aputure’s fixtures gave us the freedom to experiment and achieve the cinematic look we envisioned, turning this indie film into a calling card for our future careers.” The experience paid off quickly. With polished reel in hand, Noah stepped
onto professional sets already fluent with the gear. The familiarity built up during production meant less time troubleshooting and more time creating, a vital advantage in a high-pressure industry. “These aren’t kids just testing equipment,” stresses Caselton. “They arrive with lighting diagrams, visual references and a clear creative vision. Our role is to supply them with the tools and support to bring that vision to life.” Perhaps the most transformative initiative to come from this collaboration is the Lighting Support programme, which ensures that access to industry- standard Aputure lighting is no longer a privilege reserved for big-budget productions. From indie shorts to large- scale creative experiments, filmmakers can apply for curated kits, including the STORM series, MC Pros and INFINIBARs, along with a range of softboxes, fresnels and shaping tools. “We wanted to create a support system where ambitious ideas aren’t limited by budget. It’s about saying yes to creativity and giving people the confidence to execute their vision,” comments Caselton. One DOP to take advantage of this is Rick Joaquim, SASC, who recently collaborated with Crew Studio to film a high-octane action sequence in a sprawling warehouse. He tapped into the power and versatility of the STORM 1200x and INFINIBARs to make his vision a reality. “When the technology disappears and you’re just focusing on the story – that’s when you know you have the right tools in your hands,” reflects Joaquim. “Working with professionals like Rick is an incredible opportunity to test and refine our support programmes, while
showing younger filmmakers what’s possible when creativity meets the right equipment,” adds Caselton. As well as serving a valuable educational purpose, this partnership is a two-way exchange that can drive genuine innovation. Emerging filmmakers can obtain hands-on experience with professional workflows, while Aputure also benefits from real-world insights gathered from their projects; feedback that informs development of the next generation of products, like the STORM 400x and Nova panels. “Young filmmakers aren’t bound by traditional workflows. They’re fearless, they experiment and they often come up with ideas that push the boundaries of what our tools can do,” muses Caselton. “That’s the kind of energy that keeps the industry moving forward.” Looking ahead, Crew Studio is expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of modern filmmakers. Plans include specialised workshops focusing on advanced colour science, commercial lighting techniques and other niche disciplines designed to meet the demands of today’s complex productions. “The industry changes fast, so we want to ensure the next generation of filmmakers is ready for whatever comes next,” concludes Caselton. “By combining technical training with creative exploration, we’re building a foundation for long-term success.” For Aputure, this partnership represents a natural extension of its mission to innovate and empower creators worldwide. By working closely with Crew Studio, Aputure continues to build an ecosystem where access, education and creativity all converge, shaping the future of visual storytelling.
TRAINING WHEELS Aputure and Crew Studio’s filmmaking courses (top left) are proving crucial to films like All That’s Left (above, left)
More about Crew Studio at crewstudio.co.uk
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