Welcome
THE CAMBERWELL STUDIOS BLOG
If you would like to write for Camberwell Studios we would be interested to hear from you. Email: studios@camberwellstudios.co.uk and put ‘writer’ in the subject line.
Get in touch on 020 7737 0007 email us on studio@camberwellstudios.co.uk
The Future is bright. The future is GREEN.
Greenscreen has been a critical tool in film and video productions, especially in the past two decades. Once a technology reserved for Hollywood blockbusters with big VFX budgets, the accessibility and improvement of chroma keying technology and innovations in both...
Remote Production for Filmmakers in the post-Covid era
By Jay Newby, July 21st 2020 Remote Production is one of the key innovations born out of the new Covid guidelines for filming. Being able to broadcast the live high-quality HD camera & audio signal to a client anywhere around the world as they work from home on...
Creative Productions in Studio 1
Here at Camberwell Studios, we are fortunate enough to provide space to many creative and exciting productions every week. It always amazes us how our clients use the same space in so many different ways. Directing duo ‘Bing Bong’ were kind enough to walk us through...
Studio 1 Improvements – June 2020
We recently completed a long-planned improvement to Studio 1 that will enable a wider variety of productions to get more value from their day of filming. These changes were made in response to demand from larger productions who need more space for the backroom teams...
Safe Filming Post-Lockdown at Camberwell Studios
** Update 4th January 2021. We remain open. In updated advice The Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden says on his Twitter Account "The situation is very serious & we must act ... For the arts/creative sectors this means ... You should work from home unless you can’t...
Live Streaming – What you need to know
With the world ever increasingly moving online, it is not out of the ordinary to enjoy a concert, partake in a conference or watch a talk live from the comfort of your own home or office. Live streams are much more ‘sticky’ in terms of viewer engagement. This makes...
Motion Control Case Study: Green Screen Studio 1
Green Screen & Motion Control – Everything you need to know Do you remember Michel Gondry’s video for Kylie Minogue where she walks around and around a busy street and by the end there are six Kylies walking around? Well, that was our introduction to the...
Case Study: Filming in Studio 2
In this amalgamated case-study, we describe how we work with agencies, eCommerce, training and other online-focused businesses to deliver some - or all - of the elements of the production they come to film at our green screen studios in London. Common Production...
An Essential Guide to Safeguarding your Videography/Film Business
The biggest issue for videographers, filmmakers and producers is unwittingly putting their production projects or businesses at risk by not having the right industry-specific cover. Some are not even aware of specific products like Producers Insurance or Media...
The Sony Venice Camera Review
The Sony Venice has been out for over a year now and, thanks to regular firmware updates, has matured into a camera that’s already gained a lot of headway into the world of drama and commercial shoots. The studio equipment hire company Shoot Blue have just acquired...
What Brexit means for Filmmakers
The British Film Industry in undoubtably linked very strongly with the European Union and significantly contributes to the UK economy as a whole, so what are going to be the implications of Brexit? Without meaning to fan the flames of a Brexit debate, we have done...
Removing Greenscreen Spill
Greenscreen spill is a common problem, but an easy one to solve. In this video tutorial you’ll learn a quick and easy method to remove green from objects and body parts that shouldn’t have green on it. Key Takeaway: You will become familiar with the process and...
Cropping Greenscreen
Another greenscreen basic tutorial for beginners. Here you’ll learn how about cropping images and create masks in order to remove unwanted equipment from greenscreen shots. Key Takeaway: You’ll be able to crop images or create bespoke masks that are also applicable...
Cleaning the Key
This short video talks you through the various settings in Ultra Key that can help adjust your key and how they work. We cover the settings in Matte Generation, Matte Cleanup, Spill Suppression and Colour Correction. Key Takeaway: An insight into what greenscreen...
Studio Life, Exhibitions, Stock Footage and Set Building
Although we are only a short way into 2019, it has been a busy year already. We’ve written up this short recap on what we have seen and learned so far. BSC v BVE – Which show is the right one for you? We recently attended two exhibitions – the British Society of...
Common Green Screen Mistakes
Most filmmakers, camera operators and DOPs know the basic principles of a green screen shoot - light for an even green background and avoid shadows. Here are a few common issues to think about that can help your production look even better. Camera distance and...
Getting Started in the Film, TV and Video Industry
Here at Camberwell Studios, we always try our best to help others, giving them the foremost and best advice possible. We receive a lot of enquiries from new starters, often individuals eager to make their first break into the industry but not knowing where to start....
SONY A7S Camera Review
Canon’s introduction of the 5D MarkII, with the possibility to shoot HD footage, was a game changer for video makers. It changed again with the launch of the Sony A7s, its full-frame mirrorless camera heavily orientated towards video filming. Now, as Canon announces...
#MerkyAirways: A Full-Service Production Case Study
There is rarely a dull day at Camberwell Studios. Mainly, we provide a combination of dry hire studios, professional lighting and camera equipment, crew and technical support to our clients. Sometimes we get involved in the creative. Here’s how we helped Stormzy and...
Keying Greenscreen Tutorial
We’ve put together this short article and video that shows the editing process for extracting - or keying - greenscreen. It isn’t intended to be an in-depth tutorial, but to show the layman how straightforward this task can be and why they can consider filming on...
Studio Life and New Website – March 2018
We write these ‘Studio Life’ articles to showcase the work filmed here and provide examples to others about what is possible in our two greenscreen studios. With that in mind, the first place we’d like to take you in this article is to the "behind-the-scenes"...
Planning to Shoot on Greenscreen
When shooting scenes in a greenscreen studio, there are a few things to consider beforehand. Keeping these in mind will ensure you get the best possible results, a happy editor and a satisfied client.
Lighting Greenscreen Studio Space
If you’re filming in a greenscreen studio space, lighting it will be your first point of call and it’s important to get it right. Here, we give you everything you need to consider.
When and Why to Film on Greenscreen
Greenscreen filming promises the possibility to create almost any type of scene in a studio environment. A lot of film and video production is problem solving, whether that is balancing a budget, figuring out how to light a difficult position or bringing an ambitious...
Studio Life: October
The late summer was a busy time here in the studios with some interesting projects coming through the doors. Read more about the weird and wonderful productions we have hosted over the last few weeks.
Perfume Advert: Concept to Creation
Camberwell Studios put together a production team in order to create a spec commercial to show off the functionality and creativity of the studio and its team. Here are a few words from the director of the shoot… The Finished Production Tom Watts (Director of...
Studio Life: July
Our London-based studios have been inundated with weird and wonderful productions over the last few weeks. Find out more about some of them, here.
Camera Review: Canon C300 Mark II
Our DOP Tom used the ever popular Canon C300 Mark II on two completely different shoots and reviewed it. Here’s what he has to say…
Using Continuous Lighting for Photography
Our DOP Tom Watts came down to the studios to test out our brand new lighting equipment for both video and photography shoots.
Using Video Content to Sell Fashion
Video is making a massive impact on the fashion industry with many brands taking full advantage of this medium in their marketing strategies. Find out why and how Camberwell Studios is suited for fashion shoots.
Camberwell Studios at The Media Production Show 2017
We went exhibiting again and mingled with the production world. Find out how we got on at this year’s Media Production Show right here.
Five Production Tips – as chosen by the team at Camberwell Studios
The subject for this article came out of a conversation we were having with a client about the general subject of getting productions running on time.
Recording Sound In Studio 1
We have worked hard to improve the quality of sound recording in our large studio space, and this article describes what you need to know about recording sound when filming in there. Have a read!
Independent Filming at Camberwell Studios
We like to delve into different aspects of production to get different perspectives. This article gives you a theatre designer’s first foray into the dizzyingly surreal world of independent film. Have a read!
How Studio Client Requirements have changed over the years
When we opened our film studios in 2008, it was in the belief that there would be an inevitable demand for online videos. This has only really become true in the last 12-18 months with the advent of job titles like ‘Content Producer’ becoming more common, and an...
The Recce – Why it is worth it?
Our single biggest recommendation to people interested in using either of our greenscreen studios is to come and take a look. We encourage it and always do our best to accommodate a site visit. Read more here.
Studio Life: March
We often get asked what we can do in our studios and it’s rare that something comes up that we haven’t seen here in some form or another. Here’s what happened in March.
Filming in the Studio: A Checklist
Keep up to date with the productions in our London studios. From music videos to on-location shoots, February has been busy!
Studio Life: February
Keep up to date with the productions in our London studios. From music videos to on-location shoots, February has been busy!
Studio Life: January
It’s been a great start to 2017 for us, with many weird and wonderful productions in our London studios. Here’s a few of our favourites!
Two Thousand and Counting
We have had over 2000 different productions in our London film studios and we’ve been making some improvements to our larger studio space. Read more, here.
Interrotron
Famed by documentarian Errol Morris, the interrotron revolutionised how we film interviews. Find out more, here.
A Year at Camberwell Studios
Camberwell studios have been busy this year, and we’ve hosted a range of weird and wonderful TV and Film Productions. We definitely have a few stories to tell…
Future of Fashion Film
Fashion and film often go hand in hand. Here, we look at some examples of how ..
Autocue/Teleprompter: An Overview
Our resident autocue expert, Rob Harwood, gives you the lowdown on autocues: the kit, the software and what to consider when using it in your TV and Film productions.
360 Video Seminar: Full Video
We held a free seminar about 360 Video in partnership with FootPrint Scenery and Broadsword Production in our London studios. If you missed it, you can watch the full video right here.
360 videos and Shakespeare
Nothing’s new under the sun: why 360 degree video is as old as Shakespeare… with a few twists.With the dash towards 360 degree videos, super real experience, immersive headsets and videos, CGI and virtual and augmented reality it’s easy to imagine you’d never need to film…
Corporate Video Showreel from Client Productions and Agencies
This showreel just some of the 1500+ productions that have been filmed here. Since 2009 we have been working with some of the UK’s finest production companies creating exciting, varied, functional and effective video content from our studios in Camberwell.
360 Videos: What is it and what can it do for you?
Do you want to know more about 360 video technology and how it could revolutionise your web video production? We give you the lowdown on what it is, where it came from and we pick out our favourite examples.
360 Filming from a DOP’s Point of View
360 videos have been around for a while now, but are they a fad or here to stay? What do they mean for film-makers? We asked Tom Watts, Director of Photography, for his take on this complicated subject.
Trial By Fire – The Story of Terry Dunnage
Trial By Fire is the story of Terry Dunnage who was set alight by his uncle in 2007. Mellow9 was faced with the task of bringing his story to life in the form of a documentary film.
Video Production: Workshop Case Study
INK Global needed some professiopnal guidance on how to come up with and produce some great video content which would appeal to their wide audience. Here’s how it went…
Studio Talking Heads – Best Practices
This article will give you an overview of how to get the best out of your talking head shoot and look at some key things to think about when choosing your presenter, preparing your script, what actions to include to make…
Zheng He – Film Production Case Study
This article details the difficulties in dealing with 3rd part suppliers for a film shoot and how a weak link in a chain can affect an entire sequence of events…
Our Brand New Studio 1
Over Christmas we were busy refurbishing our Studio 1 space in time for a busy January period. We have completed several new additions to the space that will give all our clients more options, a greater range of movement and flexibility…
Case Study – Odd machine and The Bollywood Star
One week, on an ordinary Tuesday, I received a call from a Los Angles and Chicago based production company, Odd Machine, They wanted a production space where they could film a commercial for a mobile phone – a commercial featuring a big Bollywood star…
Kino Flo Celeb 200 DMX LED – Overview and Operation
This video kit review by Camberwell Studios regular and experienced DOP, Nick Daw, looks at the subject of kino flo type LED lighting.
How to Calibrate a Professional Monitor
Another video in our popular kit and equipment explainer series, this short and sweet video shows you how to correctly set up a professional TV Logic monitor.
The Cooke Mini S4 Lens-Set
This short article provides an overview of the lens choices for a large format camera such as the Red Epic Dragon, Sony F65 or Arri Alexa. It explains why the lens you use matters and takes look at the Cooke S4 Lenses.
Career change – Getting into the Film and TV industry
Well done on following your heart. Getting into Film and TV can be very challenging but it constantly motivates you to learn more, be more invloved, take a few risks and gets you out of the 9-5 head state.
RED Epic Dragon 6K – Camera Review
In another of our occasional digital camera reviews we look at the new RED EPIC Dragon like to use? This short article provides as overview of the technical performance of the Dragon from a DOP and cameraman’s point of view.
The History of Green Screen
There are several terms used in Green Screen filming. Colour Keying, the less commonly used ‘colour separation overlay’ or for ease of use CSO. CSO is more commonly found in weather maps on the news
Camberwell Studios – Christmas Video 2014
We enjoy making the Xmas video – a chance to stretch our own creative muscles. Nothing too serious. Enjoy Tai Campbell and Sam Parkinson as they round up the years major news stories with a right old fun-packed fiesta of festive frivolity.
Sony PXW-FS7 Camera review
The Indie market could really do with a bit of friendly competition to the Canon C100/300 range so it was with great pleasure to visit Pinewood Studios for their recent product demonstration of the new Sony PXW-FS7 .
Greenscreen Production – Our Recommendations
The talking head to camera on greenscreen is one of the most common types of shoots in our soundproof studio 2 Also known as a ‘piece-to-camera’ these shoots should be one of the easiest filming days you can get in a studio.
Fashion Styling Tips from the Experts
In this guest blog, experienced fashion stylist Holly Barber talks us what is needed to succeed in this industry amid strong competition and rapidly changing trends.
Holly also offers some top tips about how best to get the most out of your fashion photo shoot or video.
How To Get Funding For Your First Feature Film.
Young Film maker Alice Carter has put together some key advice about entering into making a debut feature film. This blog will focus on the tricky task of getting funding and why a lot of young film makers have trouble in getting past the very first stage.
Costume Design: When wardrobe is more than just an ‘outfit’
In this series of production guides we invite some of our regular crew members to impart their wisdom on their areas of expertise. In this edition Astrid Schulz tells us how over looking costume design in Films and TV can have a large impact.
DSLR for Beginners
In this article we’ll go over the simple settings of your DSLR camera. They will give you an overall idea of the best settings to use in different situations
Green Screen vs Blue Screen: What’s the Difference?
What’s the difference between green screen vs a blue screen apart from the obvious answer of course. There are many good answers to that and reasons why you would need to use green over blue.
What is a Sci Fi Film these days?
Science fiction film making was usually reserved for big budget feature films,
very early work such as the ground breaking ‘A Trip to the Moon’ made in 1903 by director Georges Melies put audiences in a new type of world and introduced escapism never realised before
Choosing the Right Kit for Green Screen (A Beginners Guide)
This article will give you some overall guidance about what to use with Green Screen and how best to use the equipment you have. We focus on the DSLR and provide some comparisons with high-end camera’s.
Canon C300 Camera Review
Shooting couldn’t be much easier than on the Canon C300. In terms of ergonomics, design, and sheer image quality there really is nothing else comparable on the market at the minute.
Thinking of Shooting your own Video?
You don’t always have to have the fanciest kit. As long as you have a good idea, a great team, resourcefulness and flexibility in ideas and approaches then your project will impact just as much as a high end video production.
Camberwell Studios – Xmas Video 2013
This is our lovingly made Xmas video 2013. We hope you enjoy and you feel compelled to come down and meet us all.
Have a very merry Xmas and a happy new year
Love from – The Camberwell Studios Team x
Camberwell Studios and Raindance Film Festival Prize – Winners Blog
Last year Camberwell Studios teamed up with Raindance Film Festival and gave away a free studio day worth £1000 to the winner of the Shorts competition. There were some really amazing entries this year and many deserving winners but they final accolade went to Lauren Pouchly, Producer of the winning Film ”Irreversible’.
Filming in London – Production Guide
This article will give you some advice on planning your filming trip to London. If you are filming in London for the first time then this article will give you some key tips to getting the most out of your visit.
Black Magic Cinema Camera
This review comes from one of our oldest clients and he talks us through the much hyped Black Magic Cinema Camera 2.5k. With the 4k version working its way around the indie market Chris Corey takes a seasoned look and the Pro’s and Con’s.
Film Noir Lighting
Film Noir is about beautifully artistic lighting using the premise of light and dark and nothing in between. Using textures and locations to give hints of action and suspense as well as emptiness and optimism and other artistic cinematic devices.
A Running Commentary – The Diary of a Work Experience Runner
Phillip Pond, a recent graduate, was asked to create a diary of his experiences in gaining work experience in the Film and TV industry. Phillip, like others, has found it hard to get their foot in the door…
Safety in the Studio: 5 Accidents you can stop before they happen
Kieran Micallef. Camberwell Studios’s studio assistant has braved the most treacherous of production shoots involving earth, fire, wind and ice and survived…
Filming with Puppets
Puppets can be used for a manner of different purposes and goals. Puppets are not exclusively reserved for kids TV programmes. They can add a new approach and dimension to any corporate product.
Budget Indie Film-Making – A Beginners Guide
‘Genius is 1% invention and 99% perspiration*.’ Your first thoughts thoughts in film making is who, what, why, when and how…
Community Matters – ‘ Eritrea’s ‘Lost Guy’
Filming foreign cultures can be challenging, especially if you do not know of its origins and history…
The Importance of an Autocue and Operator
Excuse me, please listen on this Tannoy (public speaker system) I am asking you to hoover (vacuum) your astroturf (artificial turf) while sipping from your Thermos (insulated mug) before operating our Autocue (Teleprompter)
Our previous clients who are climbing the ladder of success.
This production article looks at some of our previous clients who are climbing the ladder of success.
The Importance of – The Soundman (Sound Engineer, Mixer, Recordist)
Listen carefully…Sound is used to create suspense and drama, emotion and reaction. Soundscapes play a role in virtually any moving image production.
The Importance of – The Runner
If you are in TV or Film production then some of the below info may be preaching to the converted.
Made at Camberwell Studios
This blog looks at our previous music video clients who have booked both our Studio 1 and Studio 2.
Shooting a car on Green Screen
Our handy guide will give you ideas on lighting set-ups, positioning and the logistics required to ensure…
A New Years Resolution
Ok. For those who have missed their smokie work colleagues at the bike sheds/ wheelie bins, fire escapes and covered awnings for a fag break. Your new years resolutions will not go un-noticed.
The Role of the Make-up Artist
Hair and make-up are key elements in the look and feel of most pieces of film and video. Consequently make-up artists are important crew members and work across many different types of project from fashion film/photography, music promos, commercials and films. They...
What to look for in a Film Studio Recce?
This article will focus on studio recce’s and the best approach to getting the most out of your studio time.
Stephen K Amos makes his presence felt at Camberwell Studios
Last night Camberwell Studios bore witness to an epic enchanting event as Stephen K Amos went about shooting a Pilot for his new show, ‘Guide to Life.’
Setting up 3-Point Lighting
The Three Point Lighting Technique is a standard method used in film, video, photography CGI and stop frame animation.
Filming with Animals: Tips and Tricks
When filming in a studio or film set It is essential to observe some key procedures and safety measures when working with animals.
Soundproofed Studio Shoots: A Best Practice Guide
In this article we will be offering some simple advice to getting the most out of your Soundproofed, Greenscreen Video Production project.
Filming with Children: What you need to know!
Ok. You have got this far. You have decided to have children in your video. Some will call you crazy, referring to the old WC Fields adage of ‘Dont work with children or animals’
Set Building for the London Film Academy
These past few weeks have really stretched the studios capabilities and this was highlighted and bought to the fore by the arrival of the London Film Academy. They had a huge prep session here and were we were able to offer some consultation for their large production.
Filming Against a Greenscreen: Key Steps
Filming against a green screen (also known as chromakey) is a major part of most feature film and TV production. The same approach can easily transform a corporate video too. In this article we describe the key steps you should plan for.