The commercial below can be used as a reference for those who consider shooting an indie-style project with minimal resources and still get solid results. This project was shot on the RED Komodo paired with one lens which is the DZOFilm Pictor 20 to 55mm T2.8. All shot handheld and with natural light only. Check it out.
Utilizing RED Komodo on indie projects
The RED Komodo is a cinema camera that was developed to be utilized in controlled environments rather than in Run N’ Gun situations. Here we’ll try to cover projects that are considered ‘unfriendly’ for this type of camera. For instance, many weddings filmmakers do not recommend using RED (nor ARRI) cameras to shoot weddings, since in that circumstances the camera, as a device, needs to operate ultra-fast in terms of booting time, and be able to ‘intercept the moment’ immediately. For that, we’ll choose a camera that can be turned on instantly (in a few seconds) and without any need for other processes like blackshading and other adjustments.
What’s so special about Komodo?
Unlike other cinema cameras, the Komodo is pretty much affordable ($6,000), and thus is being purchased by a wide variety of filmmakers, including junior videographers. Many of them failed to utilize it correctly, which leads to poor results. Nevertheless, from time to time, we stumble upon stunning independent projects that were shot on this camera, like the presented commercial shot by production company CauseTraffic. The commercial was directed by Trevor Browning and shot by cinematographer Matt Kelly using one RED Komodo paired with DZOFilm 20-55mm Pictor Zoom Lens. One camera, one lens, and no lighting. Trevor used only natural lighting which was bounced naturally inside the room. The car scenes were shot at sunset. Furthermore, Trevor shot it completely handheld to deliver an ‘energetic feel’ to it. The editing and the color grading were performed in DaVinci Resolve.
Check it out below:
So there you go. One Komodo, one lens, natural lighting, and totally handheld. What do you think about the final result?
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- RED Digital Cinema Komodo 6K
- DZOFilm Pictor 20 to 55mm T2.8
