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Seminar

Blackmagic Design presents

Shooting Feature Films with the URSA Cine 12K LF

Friday, June 5th | 5:15 PM - 6:05 PM

Steven Spielberg Theater

How do you make a low budget thriller look cinematic, ambitious, and expensive — on an impossible schedule? Cinematographer John Sweeney takes audiences behind the scenes of a Lifetime feature shot in just 12 days using the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF. The film tested the camera system in almost every way from car mounts to fish tanks. Sweeney breaks down his visual approach to building tension and scale on a tight budget, the realities of shooting feature films at speed, and why Blackmagic Design’s flagship cinema camera proved itself as a complete, dependable production system from prep through post.

Panelists

John Sweeney

Cinematographer

Gabriel Mays

AbelCine Director of Rental
As Director of Rental, Gabriel Mays oversees growth of Rental by nurturing business relationships and unifying the customer experience nationwide. In his previous role as the LA Rental Manager, Gabriel worked with producers, cinematographers, and assistant camera operators to provide the highest level of customer service possible. He also ensured that all their equipment needs are met on budget. Before coming to AbelCine in 2015, Gabriel previously worked as a Communications Instructor and Electronic Media Engineer at a private university. He taught various courses in electronic media, including film, broadcasting, and digital arts. Gabriel is an award-winning cinematographer, director, producer, and editor known for his innovative research and implementation of new film techniques. He was also one of the first to implement HDSLR cameras into filmmaking. He has been the cinematographer on dozens of independent films, documentaries, and music videos.