When it comes to creating a corporate film production, one of the most important steps is developing a storyboard. A storyboard is a visual representation of your video’s script, where you can plan out each shot and sequence before you start filming. This process helps you stay organized, ensures that your video flows smoothly, and can save you time and money in the long run.

Here are some tips for how to create a storyboard for your corporate film production:

1. Start with your script

Your script is the foundation of your corporate film production, so it’s essential to start there. Read through your script and visualize each scene in your mind. Think about how you want to convey the message, what shots you’ll need to capture, and any special effects or animations you might want to include.

2. Choose a storyboard template

Once you have a clear vision of your video in your mind, it’s time to choose a storyboard template. There are many templates available online, or you can create your own. Look for a template that matches your vision and includes sections for shot descriptions, camera angles, and notes.

3. Break your script down into scenes

Divide your script into scenes and start planning each shot. Determine the camera angles you want to use, the characters or objects in each shot, and any special effects or transitions you might need. Use your storyboard template to sketch out each shot and add notes about what you want to capture.

4. Add detail and color

As you sketch out each shot, think about the mood you want to convey and add detail and color to your drawings. Use different colors to distinguish between characters or objects, and add notes about lighting, sound, or music.

5. Review and revise

Once you’ve completed your storyboard, review it carefully and make revisions as needed. Make sure that each shot supports the message you’re trying to convey, and that the video flows smoothly from scene to scene.

Creating a storyboard for your corporate film production is an essential step that can help you save time and money in the long run. By planning out each shot in advance, you’ll have a clear vision of your video and be able to create a polished, professional final product.

LED Lights

LED lights have become increasingly popular in the world of filmmaking and photography due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and versatile lighting capabilities. Unlike traditional incandescent lights, LEDs emit very little heat and consume less energy, making them ideal for long shoots and remote locations. Moreover, they offer a variety of color temperatures, and their brightness is easily adjustable, allowing for a range of lighting setups and moods.

INP Media LED Lighting Kit Bag

At INP Media we use a combination of lights, but more and more now we are using almost exclusively LED lights. On most productions, these are the lights we tend to use:

Aputure LS 600d

Aputure LS 300d

LitePanels Astra LED 6x Bi-colour

Here are some ways in which LED lights can be used to enhance filming and photography:

1. Creating soft, diffused light: LED lights can be used with diffusers or softboxes to create soft and even lighting that mimics natural light. This is especially useful for portrait photography and interviews where the subject needs to be well-lit and the lighting needs to be flattering.
2. Accent lighting: LED lights can be used to highlight or accent certain parts of a scene or subject. For example, if filming a product, an LED light can be used to focus on the item’s unique features or bring out specific colors.
3. Setting the mood: LED lights can be used to create different moods and atmospheres, from warm and cozy to cool and edgy. By adjusting the color temperature and brightness, filmmakers and photographers can create the desired look and feel for their scene.
4. Controlling lighting in tricky locations: Filming in low light or difficult locations can be challenging, but with LED lights, it becomes easier to control the lighting. LED lights can be placed in tight spaces, such as cars or small rooms, and can be easily powered by batteries, making them a convenient option for on-location shoots.
5. Saving energy and money: LED lights are highly energy-efficient and consume less power than traditional lights. This can lead to significant savings in energy costs, which can be especially useful for productions with limited budgets.

You can have a look at a recent production we did for Mercedes-Benz with their Uhlenhaut Coupe that was shot in a studio in Germany.

Overall, LED lights offer a range of benefits to filmmakers and photographers, making them a versatile and practical option for lighting setups. Whether you are shooting a short film, music video, or taking photographs, LED lights can help you achieve the desired lighting effects and bring your vision to life.

Drones and INP Media

The use of drones (or UAV) for filming and photography has rapidly gained popularity over the past few years. With advances in technology, drones have become more affordable, easier to operate, and capable of capturing stunning aerial footage. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using drones for filming and photography and discuss some of the key considerations when using drones for this purpose.

At INP Media we have been using drones for filming for over 10 years now. We were also one of the first people in the country to be certified by the CAA. On our shoots these are the drones that we tend to use most depending on location, production type and budget:

DJI Inspire 2

DJI Mavic 3 Cine

DJI Mini 3 Pro

If you’d like to take a look at some of our work, then head over to our aerials page where you can see some of our case studies such as the Case Project Tetra we filmed in the Carrara mountains in Italy

Benefits of Using Drones for Filming and Photography

1. Unique Perspectives: Drones offer a unique perspective that cannot be achieved by traditional filming and photography equipment. Drones can fly at high altitudes, capture footage from hard-to-reach locations, and provide a bird’s eye view of the subject matter. This unique perspective can add a new dimension to your films and photographs, making them stand out from the rest.
2. Flexibility: Drones are highly maneuverable, allowing you to capture footage from multiple angles and perspectives. With a drone, you can easily change the height, speed, and direction of the camera, providing you with more flexibility when filming or photographing.
3. Time-Saving: Drones can save you a lot of time when filming or photographing large areas. For example, if you are filming a landscape or a building, a drone can cover the area quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and resources required to capture the footage.
4. Cost-Effective: Drones are often more cost-effective than traditional filming and photography equipment. With a drone, you can capture high-quality footage without the need for expensive cranes, helicopters, or other specialized equipment.
5. Safety: Drones can be used to capture footage in hazardous or hard-to-reach locations, reducing the risk of injury to filmmakers and photographers.

Considerations When Using Drones for Filming and Photography

1. Regulations: Before using a drone for filming or photography, it is important to understand the regulations in your area. Depending on your location, you may need a permit to operate a drone, and there may be restrictions on where and when you can fly.
2. Weather Conditions: Weather conditions can greatly impact the ability to operate a drone safely and capture high-quality footage. High winds, rain, and other adverse weather conditions can make it difficult to control a drone and capture stable footage.
3. Battery Life: Drones are powered by batteries, which can limit the amount of time you can spend filming or photographing. It is important to monitor the battery life of your drone and plan your flights accordingly.
4. Safety: Safety is always a top priority when operating a drone. It is important to follow safety guidelines, keep your drone away from people and property, and maintain a safe distance from other aircraft.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drones are a valuable tool for filmmakers and photographers looking to capture unique perspectives and high-quality footage. With careful planning, attention to safety, and adherence to regulations, drones can provide a cost-effective and efficient way to capture stunning aerial footage.

Introduction

Depth of field is a fundamental concept in cinematography that can significantly impact the visual storytelling of a film. The term refers to the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a shot that appear acceptably sharp. In other words, it determines which parts of an image are in focus and which are out of focus. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of depth of field in cinematography, the factors that affect it, and how filmmakers can use it to enhance their storytelling.

Importance of Depth of Field

Depth of field plays a crucial role in the visual language of cinema. It can create a sense of realism, depth, and dimensionality, or it can be used as a creative tool to convey mood, emotion, and meaning. For instance, shallow depth of field can draw the viewer’s attention to a specific subject or object in the frame while blurring out the background. This technique is often used in close-up shots to isolate the subject and create a sense of intimacy or drama. On the other hand, deep depth of field can show the entire scene in focus, emphasizing the context and environment of the story.

Factors Affecting Depth of Field

There are several factors that affect the depth of field in cinematography, including the aperture size, focal length, distance to the subject, and sensor size. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:

Aperture Size: The aperture is the opening in the lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera. A larger aperture (lower f-stop number) will create a shallower depth of field, while a smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) will create a deeper depth of field.

Focal Length: The focal length of the lens determines the angle of view and magnification of the image. A longer focal length (telephoto lens) will create a shallower depth of field, while a shorter focal length (wide-angle lens) will create a deeper depth of field.

Distance to the Subject: The distance between the camera and the subject also affects the depth of field. The closer the subject is to the camera, the shallower the depth of field will be, while the farther away the subject is, the deeper the depth of field will be.

Sensor Size: The size of the camera sensor also affects the depth of field. A larger sensor will create a shallower depth of field, while a smaller sensor will create a deeper depth of field.

Using Depth of Field Creatively

As mentioned earlier, depth of field can be used creatively to enhance the storytelling of a film. Here are some examples of how filmmakers can use depth of field to convey mood, emotion, and meaning:

• Shallow depth of field can be used to isolate a character from the environment, creating a sense of intimacy, vulnerability, or tension. For example, a close-up shot of a character’s face with a blurred-out background can convey their emotional state or inner turmoil.
• Deep depth of field can be used to show the entire scene in focus, emphasizing the context and environment of the story. For example, a wide shot of a landscape with everything in focus can convey the vastness and beauty of the natural world.
• Changing the depth of field during a shot can also create a dynamic effect. For example, starting with a shallow depth of field to focus on a specific detail and then gradually shifting to a deep depth of field to reveal the entire scene can create a sense of discovery or surprise.

Conclusion

Depth of field is a powerful tool in cinematography that can enhance the visual storytelling of a film. By understanding the factors that affect depth of field and using it creatively, filmmakers can create compelling images that convey mood, emotion, and meaning.

CGI, or computer-generated imagery, has revolutionized the way movies are made and viewed. The use of CGI in cinema has made it possible to create visually stunning and immersive films that would have been impossible to produce just a few decades ago. From epic battle scenes in fantasy films to realistic depictions of space travel in science fiction movies, CGI has enabled filmmakers to bring their wildest imaginations to life on the big screen.

One of the earliest uses of CGI in cinema was in the 1982 film Tron, which featured a groundbreaking combination of live-action footage and computer-generated graphics. Since then, CGI has become an essential tool for filmmakers, allowing them to create breathtaking special effects and entire digital worlds.

One of the most significant benefits of CGI is its ability to create highly realistic and detailed visuals. With advances in technology, CGI has become so advanced that it’s often difficult to distinguish between what’s real and what’s computer-generated. For example, the 2019 film The Lion King used CGI to create photorealistic animals, making it look like they were actually filmed in the wild.

But CGI isn’t just used for creating realistic imagery. It’s also used to create fantastical and otherworldly scenes. The Lord of the Rings trilogy, for example, used CGI extensively to create the epic battles and creatures that populate Middle Earth. Similarly, the Marvel Cinematic Universe films use CGI to bring superheroes and their powers to life, making them appear as though they could actually exist.

Another benefit of CGI is its ability to create scenes and environments that would be dangerous, costly, or impossible to film in real life. For example, the 2013 film Gravity used CGI to create the realistic depiction of astronauts floating in space, something that would be impossible to film without the use of special effects. Similarly, the 2010 film Inception used CGI to create the iconic folding cityscape, a scene that would be too expensive and impractical to film in real life.

Introduction to budgets

Filming budgets are a crucial aspect of the filmmaking process. Whether you are producing a small corporate film or a big-budget commercial, understanding and managing your budget is essential to the success of your project.

In this blog, we will explore the different factors that go into determining a filming budget and provide some tips for managing your budget effectively.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the cost of making a film can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors such as:

1. Script: The script or story is the foundation of any film production, and it can have a significant impact on the budget. A script with lots of locations or scenes will be more expensive to produce than a simple, dialogue-driven story.
2. Crew: The size and experience of your crew will also impact your budget. Crew members with lots of experience will generally be more expensive than hiring a young start up film maker, but the knowledge and experience can often be invaluable. In some instances it is possible to have a single camera operator to film, the entire production, but more often than not there is more valuable in having additional crew members. Extra crew could include a director, sound recordist or an assistant on a shoot which will ensure you can get the most out of your production. You may also need more specialist crew depending on your production such as a drone pilot or a lighting technician which will all add to the costs.
3. Locations: The locations you choose to film at can also have a big impact on your budget. Renting a soundstage or building elaborate sets can be very expensive, while filming on location can be more cost-effective, although you will have to allow travel time into your considerations.
4. Equipment: Filmmaking requires a lot of specialized equipment, from cameras and lenses to lighting and sound equipment. The cost of hiring this equipment can add up quickly.
5. Post-Production: After filming is complete, there are still costs associated with the editing of the footage shot. These costs can be significant, especially for films with lots of cameras, graphics or a complex sound design.

Once you have a sense of the factors that will impact your budget, you can start to plan and manage your expenses. Here are some tips for doing so effectively:

1. Create a Detailed Budget: To effectively manage your expenses, you need to create a detailed budget that outlines all of your expected costs. Make sure to include all of the factors listed above and leave some room for unexpected expenses.
2. Be Realistic: When creating your budget, be realistic about what you can afford. Don’t try to make a big-budget film on a shoestring budget, as this will only lead to problems down the line. Often less is more with filming, and trying to do too much in a single day will significantly impact the quality of your film.
3. Stay Organized: As you begin the film production, make sure to stay organized and keep track of all of your expenses. Use a spreadsheet or other tool to track your spending and make adjustments to your budget as needed.

In conclusion, filming budgets are a critical part of the filmmaking process. Using a production company such as ourselves means we can provide you with a detailed quote up front which covers all of the associated filming costs. With our in-depth knowledge and understanding of filming we are also able to provide you with our experience and ensure you have the right crew and kit for your production.

By understanding the factors that go into determining your budget and managing your expenses effectively, you can create a successful film that meets your creative vision while also staying within your budget.

At INP Media, the ARRI AMIRA is one of our favourite video cameras to use on productions, and one of the best all-rounders. In this blog post we’ll take a deeper look into this camera, and why 9 years after its release it’s still one of the best cameras on the market.

What is the ARRI AMIRA

The ARRI AMIRA is a professional digital camera designed for high-end video production. It’s a versatile camera that can be used for a range of projects, from narrative films to documentaries and commercials.

Design

First, let’s talk about the design of the camera. The AMIRA is designed to be compact and ergonomic, with a shoulder-mounted form factor that makes it easy to carry and operate for extended periods. It’s also built to withstand the rigors of professional use, with a rugged and durable construction that can handle tough shooting environments.

Sensor, Image Quality & Formats

One of the key features of the AMIRA is its image quality. The camera is equipped with a Super 35 sensor that delivers high-quality, cinematic images with excellent dynamic range and color reproduction. It also supports a wide range of codecs and recording formats, including ProRes, DNxHD, and ARRIRAW, giving you plenty of options for capturing and storing your footage.

Benefits

At INP Media, what we love most about the AMIRA is its versatility. The camera is designed to be used in a variety of shooting scenarios, with a range of built-in features that make it suitable for everything from handheld run-and-gun shooting to more controlled setups with a full crew. For example, the camera includes built-in ND filters, which can be quickly and easily adjusted to adapt to changing lighting conditions. It also has a range of monitoring options, including a high-resolution OLED viewfinder and an LCD monitor that can be positioned in a variety of ways to suit your shooting style.

In addition to its hardware features, the AMIRA also includes a range of software tools that can help streamline your workflow and make post-production easier. For example, the camera includes a built-in LUT (lookup table) system that allows you to preview your footage with different color grades applied in real time. It also supports a range of metadata formats, which can be useful for organizing and managing your footage during post-production.

Conclusion

Overall, the ARRI AMIRA is a powerful and versatile camera that’s well-suited to a wide range of video production scenarios. Whether you’re shooting a feature film, a documentary, or a television show, the AMIRA’s robust feature set and excellent image quality make it a reliable and effective tool for capturing your vision on camera.

Video cameras and camera sensors have come a long way since the early days of film and analog recording. Today, digital video cameras have revolutionized the industry with their high-quality image capture and ease of use. One key component that makes this possible is the video camera sensor.

Video camera sensors are responsible for capturing light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be recorded as digital video. There are several types of sensors used in video cameras, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at video camera sensors and how they work. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the sensor, the better the image quality.

At INP Media we use a range of different cameras depending on the needs and budget of each production. For example on a higher end production we would usually tend to shoot these on an ARRI AMIRA or an ARRI ALEXA Mini, both of which have excellent camera sensors. Examples of work shot on these cameras:

722 Last Blast which was shot on the AMIRA for Mercedes-Benz

Jaguar Land Rover Ice Driving, shot with an ARRI ALEXA Mini for Jaguar Land Rover

Types of Video Camera Sensors

There are three main types of video camera sensors: CCD (charge-coupled device), CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor), and MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor). Each of these sensors has its own unique features and characteristics that make them suitable for different types of video recording.

CCD Sensors

CCD sensors were the first type of sensor used in video cameras. They are known for their high-quality image capture and low noise levels. CCD sensors are also less prone to distortion and have better color accuracy than other types of sensors. However, they are more expensive to produce and consume more power than other sensors.

CMOS Sensors

CMOS sensors are now the most common type of sensor used in video cameras. They are cheaper to produce and consume less power than CCD sensors, making them more affordable for consumer-level cameras. CMOS sensors also have faster readout times, which makes them better suited for high-speed video recording. However, they are more prone to noise and distortion, which can affect image quality.

MOS Sensors

MOS sensors are a newer type of sensor that combines the benefits of both CCD and CMOS sensors. They have better low-light performance than CMOS sensors and consume less power than CCD sensors. MOS sensors also have faster readout times than CCD sensors, making them suitable for high-speed video recording. However, they are more expensive to produce than CMOS sensors and have a lower color accuracy than CCD sensors.

How Video Camera Sensors Work

Video camera sensors work by capturing light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be recorded as digital video. The sensor is made up of millions of tiny light-sensitive cells called pixels. When light hits a pixel, it creates an electrical charge that is proportional to the intensity of the light.

The sensor then converts the electrical charge into a digital signal, which is recorded as a series of pixels that make up the digital video image. The number of pixels in the sensor determines the resolution of the video image. Higher resolution video cameras have more pixels in their sensors, which allows them to capture more detail in the image.

Conclusion

Video camera sensors are an essential component of modern video cameras. They are responsible for capturing light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be recorded as digital video. CCD, CMOS, and MOS sensors are the most common types of video camera sensors, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Understanding how these sensors work can help you choose the right video camera for your needs.

At INP Media we are big advocates of shooting everything we possibly can on prime lenses rather than zoom lenses. Of course this isn’t always possible, and depending on what you’re capturing sometimes you need the flexibility of a zoom lens, but in this article we’ll have a look at some of the reasons why we like shooting on prime lenses so much.

What are prime lenses?

Prime lenses, have a fixed focal length and cannot zoom in or out. They are designed to capture images at a specific focal length, such as 50mm or 85mm, without the ability to adjust the focal length. Prime lenses are available in a wide range of focal lengths and are typically preferred by filmmakers and photographers who want to achieve a specific look or effect in their films and photos.

Prime lenses have several benefits over zoom lenses:

1. Wider Aperture: Prime lenses generally have wider maximum apertures compared to zoom lenses, which allow for more light to enter the lens. This is particularly useful in low-light situations where you need to use faster shutter speeds.
2. Image Quality: Prime lenses are designed to produce sharper, clearer images than zoom lenses. This is because they have fewer moving parts and a simpler design.
3. Portability: Prime lenses are typically smaller and lighter than zoom lenses, making them easier to carry around and use for extended periods of time.
4. Bokeh: Prime lenses are great for creating a shallow depth of field, which can result in beautiful bokeh (the blur in the out-of-focus areas of the image). This effect can add depth and dimension to your images.
5. Consistency: Prime lenses are consistent in terms of image quality and aperture across the entire focal range, unlike zoom lenses which can have inconsistencies at different focal lengths.

Overall, prime lenses are a great choice for anyone who prioritize image quality, low light performance, and creative control.

At INP Media we are experts in creating films and videos for social media. Over the years we have become masters in optimising video for use across multiple platforms. Here are some examples of just some of our work we have done recently for social media for a range of clients including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Vitality and Dunhill Links which you can have a look at here 

The best length of a video for social media depends on the platform and the type of content you are creating. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Instagram: For Instagram Feed videos, it is recommended to keep the length between 30 seconds to 1 minute. For Instagram Stories, the ideal length is 15 seconds.
2. Facebook: The ideal length for Facebook videos is 1-2 minutes, but longer videos can also perform well if they are engaging.
3. YouTube: On YouTube, videos can be longer, with the ideal length being between 3 to 15 minutes. However, it is important to keep in mind that the attention span of viewers can be limited, so it’s best to keep the content engaging and informative.
4. Twitter: For Twitter, videos should be kept short and sweet, with a maximum length of 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

So what duration is best for social media?

Ultimately, the best length of a video for social media will depend on your target audience, the type of content you are creating, and the platform you are using. It’s important to experiment with different lengths and analyze the engagement metrics to determine what works best for your brand.