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host of products across a wide range of categories, head to the GOTY section on the Pro Moviemaker website. Inspiring the next generation While used by a wide range of professional filmmakers, the qualities of the GH series of cameras and their affordability is such that both the original GH5 and the GH5S cameras have proved very popular with students on mixed media and dedicated photographic and filmmaking courses. Tapping into this, LUMIX G by Panasonic partnered with VICE to set up the VICE Film School, which specialises in teaching documentary filmmaking. The GH range of cameras has formed a key role in this. One year on and the relationship is flourishing. VICE has been delighted with how effective the tie-up has been. “This new channel from VICE has become a standalone platform for young, up-and- coming documentary filmmakers to learn their craft,” James Gettings, equipment manager at VICE Media revealed. “It’s filled with video lessons, editorial stories and physical masterclasses. It’s a warts- and-all, behind-the-scenes look at the way VICE creates content. “VICE launched the platform in partnership with Lumix through a shared vision of supporting young documentarians. It kicked off with a series of camera tutorial videos that were all shot on the Lumix GH5. Panasonic has also committed to providing state-of- the-art kit and access to technical experts throughout the partnership. “There’s also a talent programme element to the VICE Film School, born from its association with WonderVisions: The Alec Bracegirdle Memorial Film Fund, which was founded in 2016 to provide meaningful training opportunities to aspiring filmmakers.
“This talent initiative enabled amateur filmmakers to make their first film with VICE guidance and Lumix equipment. We put the call out for entries, from which five finalists were invited to workshop their ideas at VICE. Finally, we picked a winner, Jordy Walker, whose film Needles in Your Face is about some beautiful yet crazy northerners who enjoy surfing in extremely challenging conditions off the coast of Newcastle. It’s a positive story about bringing a community together and premiered at the Raindance Film Festival this year.” For several months, VICE has been using Lumix GH5 kit on almost every franchise in development. “The Lumix GH5’s have been very versatile in a number of areas of documentary filming. We have been using these as second cameras on most scenes,” says James.
ABOVE & BELOW The VICE Film School has included key involvement from pros, such as Jim Marks and Greg Taylor.
The VICE Studios team has also been using the Lumix GH5 as a main camera for filming low-key scenes that feature people who are sensitive to the idea of having a camera crew film them. “The cameras have been great for filming scenes where we don’t want to draw too much attention to ourselves, but still have that great quality.” Additionally, as the Lumix GH5 is so small and lightweight, the team has found the kit useful to use in fast-moving and tight situations, such as the recent Brexit protest marches, which were filmed for another documentary in development. The kit is also being used for beauty shots, such as general views and B-roll, to add texture and colour to documentaries that are in production. Overall, it’s been a productive and rewarding partnership, one that benefits both sides. By providing cameras, such as the GH series, that are capable of growing with the individual, Panasonic has a huge influence on the growing filmmaking market, while also encouraging a professional mindset for those starting out and providing the tools they need to develop into the next generation of professionals.
More information www.panasonic.com filmschool.vice.com
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WINTER 2018 PRO MOVIEMAKER
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