Pro Moviemaker Winter 2018

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There’s no way that somebody could have mastered so many different technical skills a generation ago, because it was so difficult to get access to the information required, but now the answers are on a Google search, while the gear available has continued to evolve all the time in every area of the business. “My kitbag changes depending on the shoot I’m on as it seems that no camera has all the answers for a particular project. When it comes to shooting stills, I always come back to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, the only constant on every job, and I frequently use that camera in a filmmaking way to shoot second angles and gimbal shots, due to its excellent dual pixel autofocus (AF) options. I also work with dedicated video cameras, such as the Canon EOS C300 Mark II. “Coupled with this, I usually pack a full set of L-series Lenses for stills work but also to throw on a gimbal so I get that AF capability and then it’s Sigma Cine primes on the C300 Mark II. I also hire in specialist lenses, such as the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens, while other kit that I use on a regular basis ranges from a drone through to gimbals, action cameras, mirrorless compacts and all sorts of other accessories that sit in my bag, waiting for the right moment to shine.” Ability to travel It’s not just the range of filmmaking gear – everything from cameras and lenses to support accessories, audio add-ons and lighting – that’s become universally available and affordable over the past ten years, it’s also the compact nature of these products that has enabled so many possibilities for the modern all-rounder. “So many of my travel assignments are done solo,” says Ben, “and I couldn’t get the sort of shots I do with kit from

ABOVE Whether Ben is shooting wildlife or profiles and extreme sports, his camera needs to keep up with him.

me, studios and controlled environments don’t hold enough potential for adventure and excitement. I relish the hard places, because these are the ones that push me.” For pure filmmaking, the Canon EOS C300 Mark II is the camera that Ben uses the most and it’s the one he most enjoys shooting with. “For me, the colour science is its biggest advantage,” Ben says. “Straight out of the can, the image looks spectacular. There’s just something magical about the Canon cinema colour science that I can’t quite put my finger on, but I always walk away feeling satisfied that the landscapes and people I’m filming have been done justice by the technology I’ve been shooting with.” Looking to the future, there’s a gleam in Ben’s eye when the latest Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless model gets a mention. This is a camera that is aimed at the hybrid operator, combining the resolution and quality in stills that you’d expect from a 30.3MP sensor, together with 4K 10-bit video footage and 12-stops of dynamic range at ISO 400. “That video specification is something I’ve been desperate to see Canon launch,” Ben explains. “It’s a step forwards that I can’t wait to explore.” The life of the hybrid operator continues to be simplified as technology moves on and it’s a sign of where those who want to continue having a vibrant career need to be focusing.

ten years ago. Recently, an explorer and I trekked into the mountains in Kurdistan and I took two DSLRs, a gimbal, a drone, five lenses, tripods, an audio kit and enough batteries for three days. All of this was carried in a single backpack, meaning I walked away with cinematic footage but left a minimal footprint on the land and gained access to places that would have been impossible to reach with conventional production kit.” He adds: “The latest kit is robust and reliable, which is just as well since I’m drawn to challenging environments as they give me the best opportunity to test out my skills and develop new ones under pressure. Heading up into the mountains of Colorado to shoot a skiing piece in -15°C tested me to the full. By way of contrast, I faced a different situation while shooting for a charity in the heat of Somalia. I love the nature of problem solving and the chance you get to test yourself in the harshest of conditions. For

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WINTER 2018 PRO MOVIEMAKER

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