Political Campaign Commercials: BTS
Behind the Scenes on local election commercials.
Every time an election season nears, our calendars fill up with plenty of campaign commercials. Sometimes it's someone campaigning for a local, "entry level" position, other times, someone is trying to move into the big-time in D.C. T.V. commercials are one of the most effective ways to get their message to voters. We turn a blind eye to our own political ideals, and do our best to create a commercial that will stand out.
Some commercials are simple, with just the candidate delivering a message to the camera. Other commercials may be much more elaborate with multiple locations, talent, and a huge crew. A great commercial requires all aspects to work together to tell the message. The right location, lighting, music, and pacing, are just as important as the script. Where it might seem like too much, we love bringing sliders, jibs, extra lighting, and cinema lenses. This can really help to create an amazing t.v. commercial, and wow the client.
If your Southern California or Las Vegas campaign needs a great commercial, look no further! We're a one-stop-shop for all your video production needs.
New Canon 5D Mark IV!
Canon 5D Mark IV.
The Canon 5D Mark IV line of DSLRs from Canon is one of their finest product lines. The newest edition is the 5D Mark IV, and it definitely doesn't disappoint. Our 5D Mark II was a great camera, and we definitely had some amazing times together, like that one-time lapse we did, or that time we took a bunch of great still images. Alas, the gods didn't see fit for us to be together forever- as it was stolen away by a thief in the night.
We found the courage to put the broken pieces of our hearts back together, and upgrade to a 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, with a DIGIC 6+ image processor. Our fingertips have found warmth on the 3.2" touchscreen LCD monitor with 1.62m-Dot resolution. We have found renewed purpose knowing that the Mark IV records DCI 4K video at 30fps, and provides 8.8MP still grabs.
The Mark II definitely left a hole in our hearts, but, with time, the Mark IV can perhaps fill that void with its awesomeness. It's already on its way to film in the beautiful and mysterious state of Michigan, childhood home of Dumb and Dumber co-star Jeff Daniels. We hope we can be a part of your next Las Vegas video production and Long Beach video production soon.
New shoulder rigs coming soon!
Every once and a while, you get that spark of imagination, the creative juices begin to flow... and suddenly, you have created something totally righteous. That's just what we're doing here at FiveSix Productions. We realize that to expand and improve upon what we can offer to our clients, and to continue to push the limits of what FiveSix Productions is capable of, well, we need to never stop expanding on our gear and skill sets. That's why we're building a pair of sleek, dynamic, and versatile shoulder-rigs that will allow us to push beyond what we've been able to do with our older shoulder rigs.
Now, don't get too excited, we didn't opt for the edition with the sparklers and mini-fridges, but we are pretty sure these will work just as well. Coupled with our new Tilta Nucleus-M follow focus system, and our upgraded power-distribution solution, anything from our Canon C300 Mark II's to our RED Epic Dragon will be set free. We are excited to announce that our new DJI Ronin 2 will also benefit from our Nucleus-M follow focus system, and between that and our shoulder rigs, series of sliders, jibs, and tripods, we've completely set our photography free.
Make sure to ask about our new shoulder rigs and DJI Ronin 2 when booking your next Las Vegas or Long Beach video production project with us.
Do this before filming in Long Beach!
Do you have a project, big or small, that you're planning on filming in Long Beach, CA? The very first stop you should make... after Starbucks... so, the very second stop you should make before you advance one frame of celluloid, is with the Office of Special Events and Filming, within the Long Beach City Manager's Department. Here, you'll find a staff of friendly, knowledgable, and hard working folks who know everything there is to know, regarding filming your project in the city. From permits and fees, insurance requirements and city-services like blocking traffic, public, and all the like, they're the folks who can make it happen. Absolutely every aspect of your project will be covered, whether you're a freshman at CSLB or perhaps you're a fella' named J.J. Abrams. Save yourself a headache, and possible tickets/life-imprisonment by going here: the official website of the Office of Special Events and Filming. If you have any other questions about shooting in the LBC, or heck, even need crew and gear to shoot your epic tale of the early life of Snoop Dogg, reach out to us, FiveSix Productions, your favorite Long Beach video production company.
The Three Best Cameras for Convention Coverage
Whether you find yourself in one of the expansive convention centers in Long Beach, Los Angeles, or Anaheim, or in one of the gargantuan convention spaces in Las Vegas, the right gear is crucial to getting the best end product. You'll most likely find yourself focusing on a few staples of convention/trade shows, depending on the client. So what are the three best cameras we would recommend for filming conventions?
If you're shooting with an exhibitor/vendor who has a booth and reps there, you'll most likely be filming their booth, showing off how amazing and unique it is, spotlighting any new products and cool demonstrations they have, filming any special guests, and helping to create online marketing content. You'll no doubt be interviewing sales associates, managers, and various other company employees; you'll also be trying to get man-on-the-street style interviews and soundbites with attendees. With this kind of shoot, you're more likely to be able to have a "base of operations", so you don't have to be so run-and-gun with your gear. Here, I'd recommend the Canon C300 Mark II, you have the ability to shoot all the way up to true-4K, for a really beautiful, functional image. While carrying multiple lenses can be cumbersome, the quality of glass, functionality, and variety will really expand your creativity and range. This is an exceptional camera that provides versatility, functionality, and world-class imagery.
Let's say you find yourself shooting for a client that may be exhibiting, or maybe they're from a trade publication of sorts, and your mission is to get general coverage of the show, and to interview and showcase other companies that may be friends and associates. The name of the game at that point is: RUN AND GUN! You need to be mobile, light weight, and all encompassing. If you've ever been to Times Square, Disneyland in the summer, or any Starbucks when I'm running late to work, you'll have an idea of what it's like at shows such as CES, SEMA, and NAB. Despite science, you have less space to exist in than the area your mass occupies. So, add a camera and hopefully tripod to that, and... well... godspeed. Here, I'd recommend the trusty Sony PMW300. As long as you don't need to shoot 4K, you'll get a great 1920x1080 image that'll look great online, and is easy to work with in post. The camera isn't heavy, it's menu is easy to navigate, and the best part, you have a zoom lens and servo. This camera does have a small plate that extends to give you a bit of a shoulder mount, but it's recommended to have a compact tripod or proper hand held rig.
Lastly: maybe you're a lone-wolf. Let's say you have a blog about something great, and Trade-Show X comes into town, and you just have to go check it out, and get some great video coverage. You don't want to lug around a big camera, you don't want to spend all your beer money on gear, and you really only need some highlights. Here, I have three, low-cost, light weight, compact options that'll do the trick. The Canon 5D Mark II or Sony a7S with a good zoom lens would do great for video and photos! You can also opt for the DJI Osmo which will give you a great, HD image, smooth moves, and won't get you chased out by grumpy exhibitors, because you'll look like every other attendee.
There you have it, the best of the best. If you have an upcoming shoot, reach out to the fellas over at f11 Rentals, and they'll get you set up with the perfect gear for your upcoming shoot. Or, if you'd prefer to have us take care of your Las Vegas video production or Long Beach video production, we're glad to help too!
Commercial Video Production
Our take on Commercial Video Production...
We've all been there, relaxing in our homes, watching the latest episode of Dancing With The... watching the latest episode of Trading Spaces... Chopped... Keeping Up With.... Damn. Okay. We've all been there, relaxing in our homes, watching football and feeding our pet bald eagle, George Washington Roosevelt Elway, and an advertisement comes on, and the blood begins to boil. How can some commercials look great, and some look like train wrecks!? I don't know about you, but one of my favorite activities when I'm in another town, is to watch local commercials, and totally rag on citizens of that town or city for how crappy their Chevy dealership spots are. You may think to yourself "Dang Jim, he's right; why does that crazy old guy from the car dealership/dentist/pawn shop keep making these horrible, commercials?" I'd rather spend 30-45 seconds having a snapping turtle go to town on my hamstring, than experience one more awful jingle being played over poorly lit, shot, and edited commercial about how "We're extending our Halloween Super Sale, and our prices on new and used Ford Pintos won't be beaten! Also, you can get a free root canal with every purchase, now through President's Day!"
There is a solution to this madness. Hire a video production company that knows what they're doing. A company with accredited, experienced, award-winning crew members who can take your precious advertising budget, and deliver the best possible product. We here at FiveSix Productions know just how important it is to make sure that you have an effective, visually appealing commercial. One that represents the product you work so very hard to produce. From the inception of concept through the final edit, our team will work tirelessly to deliver way above your expectations, on time and on budget, whether you're a startup making a local spot, or a Fortune 500 needing a national commercial. Whether in Las Vegas, Long Beach, or a far away land, FiveSix Productions wants to be your commercial video production company.
Long Beach Convention Center Essentials
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is an incredible, 400,000 square foot, multi-function facility right on the water, here in sunny, Long Beach, California. We at FiveSix Productions would like to give you a few tips and facts we've learned from shooting at this venue.
Again, the Long Beach Convention Center is big, and it's diverse. There's 224,000 square feet of exhibition space, additional meeting rooms of varying size on multiple levels, two theaters, and even an arena. Tying all these spaces together are various patios, promenades, mezzanines, etc. that are great for m.o.s. interviews because of the great redesign that's been going on over the last couple of years.
The LBC&EC does have in-house A/V, so make sure to confirm with your client or the A/V department to make sure you have everything you need, so you're not left without lights and sound. We've only had good encounters with the fine folks there.
Parking is generally $15.00 per car, in any of the three garages or the ground level lot; however, it's important to note that the rates do change on occasion depending on the event/garage. Here is the site's page with convenient directions from various airports/sides of the city/county.
Adjacent to the Convention and Entertainment Center is the Hyatt Regency Long Beach that includes its own events and meeting space. Clients that utilize the Long Beach Convention Center may reserve one of the hotel's suites to have one of our videographers conduct C-Suite level interviews, taking advantage of the great interiors (gets you away from those green screens).
Most importantly, a bit discouraging, but real champions will make it happen... the only Starbucks that's close is across Pine on The Paseo... So, you know... gotta put in the extra effort sometimes.
So, there you have it, some generalities and a couple little tips on the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. Remember, when you need the best Long Beach video production company, look no further than FiveSix Productions.
It's so hot, we're on fire.
If you haven't noticed, it's been a little hot and flame-y out west lately. Our Long Beach office is bathing in a nice, thick cloud of smoke from all the fires in and around L.A.; and out in Vegas, well, there's a nice smokey haze blowing in from the coast, and it's probably 157° right now. That however, doesn't stop us from getting all dressed up, grabbing a C300, and walking up and down Las Vegas Blvd. for hour after hour of mid-day excitement. Now, one might think, "Why on Earth would you do that!?"; the answer: we love what we do, and we don't care about a little bit of heat stroke. We are expecting a little bit of a cool in Vegas, and are hoping our Southern California peeps get a little break from the fires soon; but, either way, we'll be cranking away at bringing you the best Las Vegas video production and best Long Beach video production we can.
Something to Make You Feel Microscopic
NASA, (Nebraska Association of Science Association- I think) isn't just fancy suits and zero-gravity pens, they're also in the picture takin' business, and cousin, business is a boomin'! This is a little late, but with all that government red tape, I'd actually say, this is right on time. Way back in 2015, before a single human set foot on the moon, NASA went and took their fancy ol' Hubble Telescope, and fired off 411 photos of our nearest, and dearest neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy. They then took all those photos, and stitched them together into a beautiful tapestry, and came out with a 1,500,000,000 pixel photograph- the largest ever. To get a sense of how large, I urge you to watch this video full-screen, on the largest screen you can find- air play this puppy right onto your television. As you pan across the hundreds of millions of stars, take a pause every once an a while, and experience the full spectrum of just how dang big this photo is, and just how gargantuan the universe is, and just how itty-bitty you are. So, when you think "Man, I wish Starbucks wasn't so far way...", it really isn't. Oh.... hire us for your next Las Vegas video production or Long Beach video production- we're the best at it.