Shot with the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF and the brand new Panasonic Lumix GH7, Tilta’s Hermit POV Helmet and Hydra Alien were instrumental in capturing the dynamic action of Ben Staley‘s latest short film, “The Cookie Jar.” Drawing inspiration from classic action and spy films, this short film masterfully blends stunt combat and high-octane action with a dash of humor, delivering an exhilarating viewing experience.
In “The Cookie Jar,” we follow a fast-paced storyline where precision and creativity in camera work were paramount. To achieve the film’s unique visual style, the team relied heavily on Tilta’s innovative camera rigs and stabilization systems. Director Ben Staley emphasized the importance of these tools: “I wanted these fights to be hard-hitting and immersive. I wanted the audience to really feel all these punches and kicks.”
Hermit POV Support System Helmet
For immersive and adrenaline-pumping POV (point-of-view) shots, the Hermit POV Support System helmet was the go-to choice. This helmet-mounted camera system enabled the audience to experience the action from the protagonist’s perspective, adding a layer of intensity and engagement to the film. The lightweight design and secure fit of the Hermit POV helmet made it ideal for capturing fast movements and intricate stunts without compromising on the quality of the footage.
Hydra Alien Car Mounting System
Tilta’s Hydra Alien Car Mounting System, a versatile and advanced camera stabilization system for vehicles, provided the filmmakers with the flexibility needed to capture intricate action scenes. The rig’s stability and ease of use allowed for seamless transitions and smooth, dynamic shots that brought the high-energy sequences to life. Used on vehicles for chase scenes, the Hydra Alien ensured every shot was steady and visually stunning. Additionally, Ben Staley utilized an e-bike for certain shots, demonstrating the rig’s adaptability beyond traditional car mounts.
Camera Cage Compatibility with the Panasonic GH7
Another significant piece of equipment used in “The Cookie Jar” was the Tilta Camera Cage for the Panasonic GH6, which has been confirmed to be fully compatible with the new Panasonic Lumix GH7. This compatibility helps filmmakers looking to upgrade their gear without the need for entirely new support systems. The Tilta camera cage provides robust protection and versatile mounting options, ensuring that the GH7 can be utilized to its fullest potential in a variety of shooting scenarios. This feature was particularly beneficial in the film’s production, allowing the team to seamlessly integrate the GH7 into their existing setup, use its numerous mounts with a variety of accessories, and maintain high standards of cinematography throughout the shoot.
Bringing the Action to Life
The combination of the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF’s exceptional image quality and the Panasonic Lumix GH7’s compact versatility allowed the production team to capture a wide range of scenes with precision. The robust support from Tilta’s equipment ensured that every angle, whether wide shots of expansive environments or close-ups during combat sequences, was captured with clarity and cinematic excellence.
The Panasonic GH7 camera body brings several new features and benefits that make it a powerhouse for professional filmmakers. The camera supports 4K video recording at higher frame rates, internal recording of Apple ProRes RAW video, ARRI LogC3 gamma to easily color match with ARRI digital cinema cameras, 32-bit float audio recording, realtime LUTs, Frame.io integration, unlimited video recording time, and much more. These advancements, combined with its compact and lightweight design, make the GH7 a compelling choice for dynamic and versatile filming needs.
Ben Staley’s directorial vision, coupled with Tilta’s cutting-edge technology, has created a short film that stands out in both storytelling and technical prowess. “The Cookie Jar” is a testament to what can be achieved when innovative filmmaking tools meet creative storytelling.
Go Behind the Scenes
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Check out behind the scenes footage on Instagram or above. Dive into the action, and experience firsthand the impact of Tilta’s camera gear on modern filmmaking. For more information about the director, visit Ben Staley’s website or Instagram.
