Using GoPro cameras in movie productions
If you think of GoPros as sports cameras only you miss out some great opportunities. GoPro cameras are used in movie productions for quiet a while now and are getting more popular. Music videos, short movies, documentaries and even Hollywood productions are relying on GoPros for the whole production or in addition to A-roll cameras. For some reasons:
Get more creative
I like Shane Needs comment on Hurblog on how he used GoPro Hero 3 cameras for „Need for Speed“
„My philosophy is to shoot with whatever tool will help tell the story …“
This little camera with a wide array of mounts available enable filmmakers numerous of possibilities to enfold their creativity. Starting with unique images from impossible angles, which are hard or impossible to get even with small DSLR cameras. Underwater footage or shoots in a wet environment are easily done with GoPros inside a waterproof housing and can add some great value to your project. Time lapses and drone footage are other great new opportunities. Since not all drones have cameras attached adding a small lightweight camera to your drone can help you create great aerial videos. GoPro is as well launching a drone in the first half of next year.
Settings
Turn ProTune on! It enables more shooting modes and settings for resolutions and frame rates. If you are shooting with an A-roll camera match your settings. When setting your format, you can choose between narrow, medium and wide angle. With narrow or medium angle it is easier to seamlessly mix GoPro footage with other cameras footage.
When Stabylizr was tested for some scenes for the documentary „Hotel Sacher“ — a co-production from ORF, Arte and Geyrhalter Film, directed by Beate Thalberg, we used our GoPro Hero 4 set with 1920×1080 pixels and 50fps (european settings) with different angles.
Stabylizr is a small and lightweight GoPro Stabilizer. It helps you shoot smooth and steady footage instead of shaky videos. The aim of this shoot was to get some moving images for which you would normally need a big and heavy steadicam.
Set-up: GoPro Hero 4, Stabylizr, Pole