Watch Out Television ~ Zacuto Films Wins an Emmy!

Jens Bogehegn, Steve Weiss and Scott Lynch at the 2010 Emmy Awards.

Last year I petitioned The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to create a category for web series. They still haven't done that but they did make a change this year in allowing web content to enter in any category, but knowing it has to compete with television. "FilmFellas" and "The Great Camera Shootout" were the only web shows nominated for Emmy's. But that glass ceiling is broken.

Watch the video above of the acceptance speech with Steve Weiss, Scott Lynch & Jens Bogehegn.

On November 6, 2010, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded Zacuto Films, creators of webisodic programming, an Emmy for "The Great Camera Shootout 2010" for Outstanding Achievement in a Program Series. Additionally, FilmFellas Cast 7: Masters of Non-Fiction, were among the 7 nominees.

Zacuto Films Web Series Producers Steve Weiss and Jens Bogehegn.

Steve Weiss and Lucy Wojtas.

Any one of us in the international indie film movement, can enter their work in the Emmy's so long as your programming format fits the category and competes with television programming head on. We all know that our community is doing ground breaking incredible work. Let's go kick television's ass and take their awards away! The moment we start doing this, television itself is going to come calling on the indie film movement. We can do this. Thank you for all your support and now it's going to get really exciting. ~ Steve

Come check out our Zacuto Films Original Programming:
Emmy Winning Web Series: The Great Camera Shootout"
Emmy Nominated Web Series: FilmFellas
[ critics ] with Dueling Co-hosts Steve Weiss + Philip Bloom

Coming Soon:
bts: a web series
The Great Camera Shootout 2011

3 Crazy Cool Gadgets Videos from Zacuto!

Cage Rage ~ Yes, the fabulous pimped out new DSLR Z-Cage is here!

Get the first peek at Zacuto's new DSLR Z-Cage. Steve Weiss, Jens Bogehegn and Photographer Andrew Wehde put together a pimp daddy of a rig with the top performing DSLR Canon 5D MKII. The Big Daddy rig is showcased with our new DSLR baseplate, which comes standard with every Z-cage and is fully expandable. In this video, nothing is left behind and yes, the Z-boys get a little crazy with the addition of the iPhone Grip and possible cup holder. For more information on Zacuto's Z-cage and our DLSR Z-Cage Photo Gallery, visit zacuto.com/dslr-z-cage

"The iPhone Will Never Be the Same"

A must have for iPhone Video Shooters ~ Zacuto's Z-grip iPhone Cinema Kit.

Steve Weiss and Jens Bogehegn introduce the next big thing for iPhone Video Shooters with the new Zacuto Z-grip iPhone Cinema Kit. Perfect for iPhone users shooting video, the new handgrip gives a stable point of contact and the articulating arm adds more adjustability. The Kit includes: Zacuto Z-grip iPhone Pro with Articulating Arm to hold the Z-Finder Pro viewfinder. (Note: Z-Finder Pro NOT included). Check it out here store.zacuto.com/Zgrip-iPhone-Cinema-Kit.html

DSLR Filmmaking Will Never be the Same!

New in Rentals ~ ZEISS Compact Prime CP2 Lenses

They have arrived! The much anticipated Zeiss Compact Prime CP2 Lenses are now available from Zacuto Rentals and can be shipped anywhere nationwide. Specifically targeting the HDSLR hybrid market, these cine-style lenses are designed for shooters who are accustomed to cinema style shooting and need extreme accuracy in focus and greater aperture control. Now available for rental: Zeiss CP2 Lenses in 21mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm. Contact Leo or Joe for current availability and pricing options at 312.863.3453 or email joe@zacuto.com. Go to http://www.zacuto.com/dslr-camera-rentals for more information. Step it up a notch ~ ZEISS Style.

Steve's Top Picks for 2009

"A Thousand Words" by Ted Chung

"Every day: so many opportunities to connect…What if you took just one?"~ Ted Chung. This could be one of the best narrative videos I’ve ever seen on the internet. So many things said in this four minute video, yet nothing was said. The cinematography, screen direction, lighting, sound design...all incredible. I'm completely enamored with all three of his projects, (check out "Mike's" and "On Time.") I think Ted is a real filmmaker who has an open door in Hollywood should he choose. He is also a winner of a Z-kudos award. Amazing work, my hat is off to you Ted Chung.


"Moments" by Will Hoffman

"I love projects that move us. This piece has a very simple plot. Moments. But the way it was scripted, shot and edited makes you think about what is important to you in your life. With all of the stuff we get hung up on everyday these are the moments we will remember when we look back at our life."

Moments is a beautiful, effortless documentary/short film about the simple moments that make life extraordinary. Will shot his film in twelve days at multiple locations. Some of the moments he captured are so poignant and subtle. I admire his patience as a filmmaker; all the time he must have spent waiting for that perfect shot! This is a remarkable piece, and Will is an outstanding filmmaker. Will Hoffman has a body of work that distinguishes him from the pack, which is why I picked him as a Z-Kudos Award Winner for this project.

"Snow" by Kevin Shahinian

Kevin has set the bar so high that all of us are stunned and taken aback by this new genre of wedding filmmaking. This video is by far the most amazing wedding concept video I have ever seen. The actual couple who got married are the actors, reenacting how they meet and feel in love. This video was played at their wedding and I can’t even imagine how the guests reacted. How Kevin gets great performances from a wedding couple is beyond me. My review is one word, WOW! He is also a Z-Kudos Award Winner. Make sure to check one of his other concept films, including his amazing "Bollywood" at www.pacificpictures.net

"A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION" BY Carlos Lascano

Nobody can compare to Carlos Lascano's Stop Motion Animation. He has a body of work that has raised the bar to new levels. Beautiful and Magical, this piece will have you in tears. It 's amazing how Carlos conceived this love story and how creatively executed it truly is. "It is a true work of art."

"GAY=SIN" by Matthew Brown

From the first day I watched some of Matt's work, I was stunned by his innovative style and ability to take on challenging content for such a young filmmaker. I’ve written about this piece many times and I only wish I could find more terrific, thought provoking videos like this being made today. Here, Matthew takes on a subject with symbolism and carefully chosen words, all edited together in his own unique style. I love it.He is also a winner of our Z-kudos Award.

"Prague" by Philip Bloom

Everyone knows that Phil and I are the best of buds, but that has nothing to do with me listing his two films in my best of 2009. I don't think anyone would disagree with me in saying that Phil is one of the top, if not THE top DP showing his work on the internet. His cinematography is stunning and no one can deny that. Being one of the first adopters (thanks to his buddy Steve lending him one) of large sensor convergent cameras (HD DSLR), Phil has perfected the craft of using them. So much so, that he is now teaching Lucasfilm how to use them for their up coming film and television projects.

"Skywalker Ranch" by Philip Bloom

As far as Skywalker Ranch & Prague, I can't decide which one of these films I like more, so I am listing them both. Skywalker has gorgeous shots of the ranch with soft gentle tones and early morning dew, mixed with wonderful starry time lapse. The shots of snow falling in Prague are stunning. One of the moments he captures on time lapse with the snow falling on bricks, instantly reminds me of Dr. Zhivago. Phil showed us what a Director/DP is and set that bar as high as any Hollywood DP. We are all looking forward to what is in store in 2010 for Phil. Congratulation Bro. ~Steve

Philip Bloom + Lucasfilm Ltd + Zacuto

Philip Bloom, Independent DP and Rick McCallum, Producer of the Star Wars Prequels & TV shows at Lucasfilm.

My Bro Phil just had the most amazing week spent with George Lucas and his producer Rick McCallum, Quentin Tarantino and more. He stayed at the Lucasfilm Skywalker Ranch and showed them the power of HD DSLR. Naturally, we sold the Lucas boys a bunch of Zacuto gear. (shown above: (Phil: Zacuto DSLR Marksmen. Rick: Zacuto DSLR Tactical Shooter)

All of this will be used on the new Star Wars Television series coming in 2011, as well as, a feature in the final stages of production called "Red Tails" about the Tuskegee airmen. What an exciting week. Check out this amazing video that Phil made of his week on the ranch. Don't even think of not watching this video! ~ Steve

Make sure to visit Philip Bloom's website for the full story of "The tale of Lucasfilm Skywalker Ranch, Red Tails, Star Wars and Canon DSLRs on a 40 foot screen!" Watch his magical short film "Skywaker Ranch" below.

"Zacuto at the Skywalker Ranch"

Rick McCallum with Zacuto's Z-finder.
Photo by Philip Bloom.

Rick McCallum with the Zacuto DSLR Marksmen.
Photo by Philip Bloom.

Mike Blanchard, Head of Post Production with the Zacuto DSLR Tactical Shooter
Photo by Philip Bloom.

Ben Burtt, Sound Designer, playing with his Zacuto iPhone Z-Grip Jr.
Photo by Philip Bloom.

Skywalker Ranch from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

How to Use the Z-finder with the Sony EX-1

We wanted to share this "How To" video by Martijn Schroevers. Here he explains in detail how to attach the Z-finder to the Sony EX-1 Camcorder and using Z-bands for security. Thus, now Sony EX-1 shooters can reap all the benefits the Z-finder has to offer: 3x focusable magnification, Schneider optics, a 40mm diameter lens and an adjustable (left or right) eye-cup preventing extraneous light leakage. Thanks Martijn! To learn more about the features and specs of the Z-finder + Z-bands, go to www.Zacuto.com

Zacuto Saves the Day: A Testimonial

[ photo by Wayne Granzin ]

After receiving this amazing email from Wayne Granzin, we wanted to share with you his testimonial on using the Zacuto Universal Baseplate and how the adjustability and adaptability of Zacuto gear saved the day during his recent shoot.

From Wayne:
Steve, just wanted to send you a note of thanks for your great products. I was on a shoot today and was using my Brevis 35mm adapter with my hpx170. Once I got my adapter on and tried to secure the mounts, I noticed that the cameras tripod mount is off-center off the lens, which left the whole rig about a half inch offset of the rails center - YIKES!

[ photos by Wayne Granzin ]

Zacuto Saves the Day ~ by Wayne Granzin
The infinite adjustability of my Zacuto Universal Baseplate saved the day! I simply loosened the 4 allen screws at the front and back of the plate and everything easily slid over to compensate for the offset. My trusty Baseplate and rails aint goin' anywhere - EVER! I will be visiting the Zacuto store soon and I'm glad I went with Zacuto over the other guys. Keep up the great work.

And...out of curiosity, did you guys design the lateral adjustabiliy into the baseplate, or is it just a happy accident of the build?



Steve Weiss response to Wayne:
No happy accident Wayne. In terms of product development of the Universal Base Plate, originally it was designed for exactly what you used it for. The XL2 or XLH1 has an offset screw and we needed right left adjustability to center the camera on the baseplate for matte boxes.

About Zacuto's Universal Baseplate: Works with all cameras, including Panasonic HVX200, DVX100a/b, Canon XL-H1, XL1, XL1s, XL2, GL2, XH-A1 Sony XDCAM EX1, SO-HVR-Z1U, VX1000, VX2000, PD-150, PD-170, JVC GY-HD100U,HD200U, HD250U, Silicon Imaging SI2K, RED ONE and any other cameras of this size. Please vistit our website www.Store.Zacuto.Com for additional specs, testimonial videos and the Zacuto line-up of accessories.

Memories of My ReFrame Shootout

Shot and Edited by Steve Weiss on October 21st at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco while attending the RE:FRAME Collective.

I shot this vintage (Super 8 film look) video using my new Digital Harinezumi Video Camera bought on-line at urban outfitters for $170. Using a prototype Zacuto Zgrip Point + Shoot (stabilizing hand-grip). All of the scenes of me, I shot holding the Z-grip and pointing the camera at myself. No post process was done to this video, just captured and edited.

Also seen in the video are some ReFrame presenters + crazy shooters: Philip Bloom, Joe Simon, Den Lennie, *kristen, Jon Conner + more...

{ music: "Memories" by Elvis Presley }