Camberwell Film Studios

Winners Blog!

2012-02-13T03:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Camberwell Blog Readers,

We have announced the winner of our Studio Day Give-Away Prize:

Congratulation Sarah Peace!

Here is the winners Bio:

'Sarah Peace is avisual artist and filmmaker based in Southwark. Her work, whichtakes often favours a vivid dynamic use of colours and often evoking

reactions fromaudiences through use of borderline bawdy humour.

Her Chicksphotographic series in which foodstuff is presented in abizarre sexually objectified form garnered her anoutstanding exhibition award from
the New Milton fine artsociety in 2011.

Having recentlyrelocated from Dorset to South London, she is immersing herself inthe local scene and produced a collage artwork exhibited at thePeckham Space art gallery in November.

The piece was aninfusion of the various cultures, ethnicities and lifestylepredominant
in Peckham, dynamically embedded onto a surrealunderwater seascape.'

(An arrangement of spaghetti,linguini and peppercorns)

(No it’s not a glamour model. It’schicken breast fillet)

Sarah was delighted to be the recipient ofthe first ever Camberwell Studios prize draw.

“I had noted the studio as one ofthe great resources in the area and was pleasantly
surprised to be given theprize. It’s a great opportunity for any young artist to have this
kind of spaceto work in. I’m putting plans together to collaborate with keen artists and
performers on an exciting film project. I’m excited about the vastpossibilities the studio
offers the production.”

Her portfolio is available at www.sarahpeace.co.uk

We will continue to promote and help our prize winners in anyway we can.

Please continue to enter the prize draw and send us your ideas as to what you would make with the Prize draw worth upto £1000!

ENTER FOR FREE HERE: http://www.camberwellstudios.co.uk/prize-draw

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.

http://www.camberwellstudios.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios
http://twitter.com/#!/FilmStudiosUK

Until next week....

Sam P. - Studio Manager - Sam.parkinson@camberwellstudios.co.uk

New Years Blog

2012-01-24T06:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Loyal Readers,

Happy New Year! Can we still say that? Is there a limit? Febis surely the cut off?

Nice to put pen to paper again as this writer hasbeen gathering his thoughts, racking his brain for any amusing anecdotes toimpart. Think it took a few weeks to build up on a story worth reading.

Xmas > Ate + Boxing Day > Drunk + New Years <Slept = Stomach bug

Above is as much a diary entry as it is a scientific equationof events that led to poorly times over the Xmas period.

Its nice to be back and we start the new years blog. I may aswell use this new found Blog writing rhythm and transfer it to writing a speechfor Camberwell Studios at Phink TV's Music Video Forum.

The show comprises of music video producers and otherindustry professionals discussing the intricate logistical, financial andcreative headaches that producing a Music video can conjure up.

(shot in Studio 2)

We are there to offer advice based on our previous experiencegathered at the Studios. How many people involved? What aspects are to beincluded? Where, when, how will the video be used? It raises many questions tothe style, the approach, the demographic, the elements included and the mostimportant. Budget.

Please come and see us offer some creative nuggets of wisdom based on our experiences at the studio.

See a selection of the Studios best work from the links below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMsWWNgH--I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoCcZiNdRjs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBa7FfEY-gw&feature=fvst

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=linZOaQx5hE

http://www.vanessawhyte.com/#2029558/Totally-Enormous-Extinct-Dinosaurs-Garden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp9yXZoVCdg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmXZuv5BaHg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv2iOUQqCks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=ik_XUcSwNwA

http://vimeo.com/25936099

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElHuFdi7b04

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91ETYrCzPVA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3Zrn-eEnGg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR_8X6jSL8I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIe2-QKNh0k&list=UU9W4Sn5ycTtfc84afpuZ0Yw&index=14&feature=plcp

http://vimeo.com/33900496

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Dk61qgXsU&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhHAa9nXUUg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJg8RoJzXcs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol9LxyrXqr4

This presentation will be a good opportunity to show ourprevious work and to inform people of our up-coming Music Video Productioncompany emerging from The Studios: EPIK.

Epik offer Music Video Production – Editing – performance ledvideos – EPK's and more!.

Stay in touch for more details or see theTwitter and Youtube sections.

(Epik Music Videos is in its early stages of social networking

please stay in touch and we'll keep you posted for more updates)

Entries have been coming in for our Studio Day Prize Draw worth up-to £1000. All you need do is click the link, leave your email andyou'll be entered into our free prize draw.

We have been asking for peoples ideas as to what they wouldmake with the Studio day. Lots of entrants would love to do their own musicvideo, tell their stories in showreels, make a short film, build theirportfolio, and take stills.

When we draw the prize at the end of the month we will have aspecial edition of the Blog where we will provide lots of exposure for thewinner through pictures, links and publicity so this really is a greatopportunity to get yourself known or use the day to create something magical

Lastly, we have our lovely new Studio 2 cove update. Much smoother!This has been 1 of many updates that we have planned for this new year. Extra greenscreen all round. Better Chroma paint, updated Kit and Crew List which could save time and money. See our logistics support advice on our new FAQ section here.

2 Guls 1 blog

2011-12-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

Happy XmasReaders,

This blog will provide a round up of the year that has been.

See links to previous work from clients who booked with Camberwell Studios and of course. Some of our own productions.

The man the legend. Mr James May

Crew hard at work

Gul

Girl

This is your last blog until a small sign off for xmas and new year Someone called the other day asking if we were open xmas eve! Of course we would try and accommodate this request. I rather think we were the only aspect of said shoot which were happy to turn over on xmas eve.

(Xmas Data Wrangling anyone? No? Thought not!)

This issometimes the case with bookings. There are some many cogs in theproduction machine and sometimes a project is green or red lit on thesmallest of factors. For example, our Studio 2 booking called theStudio and asked..'Are seaguls allowed in your studio?!' As you canimagine, Not an all that common request. I checked ourinsurance... surprisingly there was no mention of sea birds,wildfowl, winged beasts, trips of Dotterels, Doles of Doves or even aMurder of Crows in any of the small print so we were happy to letthem in. Those birds just better watch out for James and May. (theStudio goldfishes – see previous blog)

This request wasimmediately followed by an off the cuff. 'Oh...Can we get a horse inStudio 2?

No! (I’m sure youcould but I wouldn’t want to try. We are a Greenscreen Studio, notan Arc!)

We had a greatresponse from our Xmas Video. Our silly singing and Benny Hill stylecomedy was in a vast contrast to the video Phink TV sent to us. Seeit here! Our effort starred the studio staff and it provides us witha good reminder of our lovely intern Lindsey who leaves us to go homefor Xmas. We wish her well in all her studies. In particular herGeordie accent development. Lindsey was fascinated by the dialectsused in that part of the world and offered a Californians angle onthe regional tongue. Lindsey now knows more about it than anyone herealthough she has still no idea what they are saying! Lindsey worked onsome very important tasks during her time here and has given us goodresearch material for us to help clients booking our GreenscreenStudios.

Your writer hasnow worked at Camberwell Studios 1 year...What have I learnt aboutproductions? There are so many ways to light for many differentsituations and everyone has different approaches to film-making. We have the 14hour promos which seem to 'almost be done' for about 4 hours, the short sharp shooters who took their time to get the one main shoot/set up they needed. We have had clients that have never operated a camera, clients and stars who have worked on the largest productions right through to complete digital video novices.

We had James May leave his fish to us as a Studio Pet, we made best friends with the hands that feed us at Brunchies.

Studio 2 had a complete re-vamp. People really were pleased with its flexible use and reliable set-up. During every production I aim to learn a little bit more about production as a whole. Learned about digital media and their uses and benefits for corporates and online business.

Our proactive approach to building on experiences and developing our skills across manner of production techniques, the do's and donts of greenscreen, camera codecs, compression rates and other technical aspects. I have seen some very very good green screen andunderstood the possibilities and the future of digital video. This has given us somevery good ideas, advice and approaches to our own work and for ourclients.

See some examplesbelow:

http://vimeo.com/20208463

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2JhQXCjTLY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GHRHuAYVFw

Check out our musicvideo back catalogue. Good luck to all the bands and artists in 2012:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMsWWNgH--I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoCcZiNdRjs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBa7FfEY-gw&feature=fvst

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=linZOaQx5hE

http://www.vanessawhyte.com/#2029558/Totally-Enormous-Extinct-Dinosaurs-Garden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp9yXZoVCdg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmXZuv5BaHg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv2iOUQqCks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=ik_XUcSwNwA

http://vimeo.com/25936099

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElHuFdi7b04

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91ETYrCzPVA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3Zrn-eEnGg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR_8X6jSL8I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIe2-QKNh0k&list=UU9W4Sn5ycTtfc84afpuZ0Yw&index=14&feature=plcp

http://vimeo.com/33900496

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Dk61qgXsU&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhHAa9nXUUg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJg8RoJzXcs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol9LxyrXqr4

We have worked witha few charitable causes this year too and we wish them all luck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSSZESIJ-Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4YytZLcrC8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7myaoEty7Ak

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35FIP7bjbOA&feature=related

Good to work withthe major broadcasters too our soundproof Studio 2 proved great forlive and non-live programmes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q_EB-hemUo

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00pk6tc

CorporateProduction made fun!

https://www.webcargo.net/view-file/index/recipientId/2660599/dp/ssxX1XK9bQx4s1rXHj/fileId/1464855

http://www.webvideos.co.uk/

And finally weannounce our Production Base Prize. We have teamed up with the goodpeople at Production base to offer a full days booking in oneof our wonderful studios. The prize is worth up to a £1000 poundsand is a fantastic opportunity for young film-makers to make a film,short, music video, show-reel. The world is your oyster! We providethe studio, set-up, lights and even studio tech support to reallyhelp the winner get the most out of their prize. We wish all theentrants luck and if you want to enter yourself or for moreinformation then please see here.

Get thinkingProduction Basers. What would you make? What music Video would youcreate?

Thats all for this year. We thank you all for tweeting with us,facebooking us pictures and ideas.

Have a great xmas and we shall see you in the new year.

Many happy returns from all the Staff at Camberwell Studios.

I'm forever Blogging Bubbles

2011-11-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

Hi there all,

Serious note! Your blog writer here is getting married, in Portugal, when the flights are expensive over school holidays. Ok, Maybe I should leave this blog as a professional piece? Maybe I should concentrate on Production values, the hottest new tech to buy, discuss the industries serious professionals. Or maybe I should tell you about the drunken behaviour of some of TV industries top bods at Production Base’s Freelancer of the Year awards.

Presented by Matt Allright who has the unenviable task of presenting with Anne Robinson on BBC’s Watchdog. She is terrifying. She can look into the soul of any ‘weakest link’ contestant and melt their beating heart and make dam sure they never wear that floral blouse EVER again!

I digress. Matt led us through the categories, gave some industry insight and described the changing nature of TV and what the award nominees maybe doing in the future.

The winners can be seen here and we wish them all luck. I think I may have looked like the freelancer of the year as I was congratulated a few times on my award (which I was never even nominated for.) One gentleman was so insistent that I was Runner of the year, ‘Phil Wallis’ he couldn’t accept no for an answer. After a few more beers and banter I gladly accepted my accolade from anyone wishing it upon me. Phil, If your reading, Congratulations on being a terribly handsome fella.

Doppelgänger? You decide! (p.s Im not the Duck or Mouse!)

Also congratulations to Tai and his cast and crew of ‘The Unglamorous Life of These’Guys. Their new production ‘The Douche and the Happiness. See the video here. The cast is made of our production crew and cast from some previous productions.

Very, Very exciting news now followers. (Well, for Camberwell Studio staff it is!)

Our lovely fish, James and May (named after James May and his ‘Things you need to know series) have a lovely new tank. We all watched on as they were set free in their new, fluorescent world. Complete with heater, statues, gravel and alot more water. We wish them luck in their new home. Chances are they have forgotten their old bowl already!

A Word from our sponsor (well advocate anyway) A friend of Camberwell Studios, Louis Odenoye who runs Stormont Studios. He deals with alot of artists looking to make a music video. We also send him all of our clients looking to do voiceovers and dubbing in conjunction with their shoots.

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk
www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios
http://twitter.com/#!/FilmStudiosUK

Until next time...

Sam P. - Studio ManagerSam.parkinson@camberwellstudios.co.uk

Brave New Blog

2011-11-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

This week I have been racking my brains to offer you faithful readers a deeper glimpse of Studio life, the stresses and strains of 12 hour music promo days, tantrums, binges, badger balloons, green screen tech info and an exciting new prize soon to be announced. We welcome Lindsey to the Camberwell Studios team. An American Student working as an intern. Lindsey would love to make it in Hollywood and is looking to develop her skills in both production and marketing.

Our office staff have all been trying the American Accent to make her feel at home but at some point, our accents, lie between Scotland, Newcastle, Boston and Russia. Poor attempts all round. Her English accent is great though. Much better than all of ours put together. Our office consists of: A Russian, a Hungarian, Vietnamese, Danish-Hungarian gypsy Jew, a Jamaican and a cockney wide boy. We are definitely multi-cultural!

So.. I walk into our kitchen the other day, a rocking looking dude is there making a tea for himself, long hair, grunge beard. All in black, bit beardy. It may well be another roadie, dropping in kit for band shoot in Studio 1.

As usual, I started to ramble on about something. The weather probably....

‘’Where you based then mate? London? Don’t cycle in then do you?’’ ...’’yeah, I had a right nightmare coming through Elephant and Castle roundabout..........!’’

‘’Sam.. (said a voice behind me!)

I turned round.....

.....It was Mike Goodwin, our Studio 1 Rock Promo client.

‘’let me introduce you...This is Adrian Smith... from Iron Maiden’’ ...

Black adorned roadie extends his firm grip into my hand. I am aghast. He will not have cycled in, he would not have braved the rain. He does not need the tube. He definitely won’t be cycling on the Elephant and castle roundabout at 7am. He won’t be happy that I described his beard as grungy. Not only is this not an acceptable noun. It is not something he will ever have been associated with. (Grunge is American and is probably derived from Maidens great work!)

Iron Maiden have released 35 albums and sold more than 75 million worldwide.

Here Adrian is, with our resident editor who seems to have a knack for getting into celebrity pictures.

Pure and simple, Legend. Even more so to see a slightly soggy Adrian Smith, hood-up, coming back from our local shop near the end of the shooting day. We wish him, Mike Goodwin and the rest of the band the best of luck in their future projects.

Also this week saw a Dominic Littlewood checking our crevasses for shoddy workmanship or rip-off plumbers! (see previous work Cowboy Builders)

Luckily our lean-to is built to the highest standards and we didn’t get ripped off. Dominic was working with Flame TV for a new series exposing a range of benefit fraudsters. These individuals were claiming money for disabilities then being caught on CCTV skiing, wrestling on working out in the gym. Naughty Fraudsters!

There was a lot of pre-production that went into this green screen shoot. The Production Co was trying to establish what equipment to shoot on. The BBC have an approved camera list which applies to most other broadcasters. This was a great learning curve into what camera work for green screen.

From conversations and general research, including a testing session around the booking, they went for JVC's Pro HD camera which is best suited HDV chroma keying applications. Its native resolution chips combined with progressive instead of interlaced scanning were used with their chroma-keying in this instance. JVC's Pro HD range offers the ability to pull a 4:2:2 uncompressed signal live from the camera allowing you to key without having to go through HDV compression. We generally use progressive for our online webvideos but for broadcasting it is best to refer to the broadcasters requirements.

As a lighter and more colourful subject we welcome Back 2 Sides TV with their excellent and somewhat warped, Ballooniverse. A collection of Balloon animals and characters intricately made and composited into a luscious and fascinating world for a new Children’s TV series. Unfortunately we had to turn our heating down in case these balloons deflated. UK readers will understand why this is bad. My lonely follower in Dubai will not.

Also new this week we have been developing our new and exciting prize for the studios. Details are hush hush but it will be a great opportunity for aspiring film-makers. Stay tuned for more details!

See us at Production base Freelancer of the year awards where we will be talking to Freelancers and Professionals alike. Last time our Music Video producer here at the studios, Tai, made lots of friends and contacts, ended up in a bar with a whole host of freelancers and industry professionals, and generally provided a high level of Camberwell Studios customer service that night.

I, however, got tired and went home! I promise to serve as a better representative in the networking capacity this time around!

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk

www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios

http://twitter.com/#!/FilmStudiosUK

Until next time...

Sam P. - Studio Manager

Sam.parkinson@camberwellstudios.co.uk

Jingle Blogs

2011-11-09T04:58:00.001-08:00

Hi Guys,

Xmas is nearly upon us and our space heaters have beenworking overtime to keep artists and crew xamssy toasty in Studio 1. Thehardest working of the crew and the danciest dancers ensure they stay warm. So pull up your winter socks and get working! (or dancing, below!)

We have been all working on our Camberwell Studios XmasVideo this week. Reindeers, Angels ontrolleys, xmas carols, funny hats and the boss dressed up as Santa. (Thatreally was the highlight) Please stay tuned for more info and a chance to seethe whole Camberwell Studios team making silly fools of themselves. Don’tworry. Santa has a present for all of you. In the form of a very ,very generousspecial offer indeed. You’ll have towait until after Xmas to find out though. No peekingat your pressies!

Talking of pressies we have all been reading some very engrossing and thought provoking books left to us by Macmillan Publishers after their shoot. Remember the ‘Dear Zoo, children’s books by Rod Campbell? (see pic)

Gone are the pop up elements of old. Replaced now by digital animal noises that were created by the team at Macmillan. Great to hear the live versions from some of the crew. Most notably the monkey noise. Very, very convincing. A lovely team who still had that childish element at heart although very professional.

From animals in books to animals in beds. If our studio infinity coved walls could talk. What would they have seen? They would have been looking down upon a full ‘naughty' scene demonstrating the science of making love. Using high tech, ifra-red cameras the documentary was totally in the name of science and will be shown on Channel 4 (unsurprisingly) in the new year. Keep your eyes peeled or hidden (depending on your age!)

We at Camberwell Studios have been developing severalsections of our website:

FAQ’s seen here. The FAQs deal with the majority of requestsincluding kit and crew deliveries and logistics. Tech support and info and someof the more weird and wonderful requests we get. 'Is there room to feed ourreindeer?' Yes. There is!

We pride ourselves on making sureour clients are really well looked after and the right elements are in place tosupport the project. We take customer service very seriously and ourtestimonials show a varied group of clients and productions so please take thetime to see our testimonials page and check out their work. This blog, Twitterand Facebook are growing examples of the community we are building andconversations we start about tech updates, production news and after- bookingcare we provide. Testimonials seen here!

This week saw a test pilot for a gameshow created in Studio 1. A show in which theunknowing contestant is shown clips of their lives and asked question suppliedby friends and family. Details are hush hush and we wish them the best of luck in the future. The creative team behind this particular shoot were responsible for the new Nokia Lumia mobile phone release seen here. It looks amazing and took 6 months to plan. Using 20 cinema projects , The DJ DeadMau5,and a huge building to display a beautiful 3D projection.

If any potential clientswish to make a pilot we can ensure our Studio 1 is perfectly set-up forflexible positioning of lights, camera, projections etc. Our lights are easily riggedand on stands and our team here will be on hand to support all creativeelements. Please see our rates page for more details.

This particular shoot inStudio 1 was handled by some runners that we regularly use to assist in largeprojects. Tommy, who has now worked on 2x shoots has really excelled and pickedup can handle lots of production aspects from running, lighting set-up andclient liason. We ensure our runners have experience or a good head on theirshoulders.

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.
www.camberwellstudios.co.uk
www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios
http://twitter.com/#!/FilmStudiosUK

Until next time...

Sam P. - Studio Manager

Sam.parkinson@camberwellstudios.co.uk

Oh What a week in Blogsville!

2011-10-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin.

This week saw our biggest production EVER. So many gaffers, riggers, Set designers, technicians, actors. The poor cleaner/night time Studio technician/ parking attendant/ Studio Manager.

Using the whole facility the production team were all really great although quite demanding on our energy bill! What more do they want a moon on a stick???

Well yes, they got a moon on a stick. In the form of a 100,000 Watt bank of lights that illuminated our roof from a 100ft crane. The scene showed a huge fight sequence breaking out!

We take our collective hats off to all of you as this was a great piece of work and we look forward to the results of Rise of Kane. (details to follow!)

We also reached out to the film-making community this week. We always keep on top of productions and check up on films and shows in-development, pre-production, and those being currently produced.

One of which is a Studio made feature Starring Hollywood’s Ed Harris (Abyss, Truman Show) As an aging tightrope walked in Paris moving in for his Final tightrope walk, the feature will be set across the beautiful landscape of 1930’s Paris. We had a very similar themed shoot. (see below) and we hope that the production team see the possibilities and Mr Harris turns our humble facility into a Parisian vista soon!

NEWSFLASH. News just in. Tony Robinson AKA Baldric from Blackadder . The ‘Time Team’s’ long suffering (in the cold, bony filled mud!) presenter graced our Studios this week!

Tony Robinson loses it after one more 'cunning plan' joke!!

Mr Robinson was shooting a promo for a range of new history based children's books. Shot in our Studio 2 using our Production package 2.

More news on our Staff this week too. Myself and our studio assistant Anna went on a 1 day emergency 1^st aid training course with Carlton Training in Kings Cross. We learned how to keep casualties alive until Paramedics arrive. We learned CPR , the recovery position and lots of other vital 1^st aid training. Studio production can be hazardous and although Camberwell Studios go to great lengths to avoid any issues you can never be too prepared and it has given the staff and clients here great confidence that help could be on hand should we ever need it (touches wood!)

In the words of Mr Atkinson to his Blackadder co-star.

"Baldric, you have the intellectual capacity of a dirty potato."

Untill next week. Take care

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.
www.camberwellstudios.co.uk
www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios
http://twitter.com/#!/FilmStudiosUK

Until next time...

Sam Parkinson - Studio Manager

2011-10-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi to all South London readers (and others who have been reading worldwide too)

To Indian readers svāgata kī abhivyakti kā aṅgrējī śabda

To Ozzie readers, Good day!

To the Albanian reader! Tungjatjeta!

Welcome. The blog continues and is picking up pace and followers. I never thought people would want to read my thoughts and musings about our productions but considering the variation of films and people that grace our facility we are truly lucky to come into a different setting and atmosphere everyday.

Readers of the previous blog may notice an animal theme emerging in my writing. These great apes went absolutely totally bananas, positively ape s**t, as they had to work for peanuts etc etc!!! This ad, shot in our studio 1 was for an online car parts commercial and we wish them luck.

Continuing the animal theme the BBC were shooting stills for their 'Deadly Art' series. Studio 1's rigging managed to support a scorpion made from rubber tyres, a wooden bear, 2 wooden dolphins, skunks, badgers and all manner of artwork. See the results here.

Jane, our lovely accountant is in today. She makes sure we are paying our bills, our garden plants are watered, the white and green paint is bought for our Studio painting. She also keeps tends to keep me and my receipts in order too. Jane is a great member of the team and she really keeps the place and the finances running smoothly. Jane, as a glamorous 'child of the 70's' has been posing for Milan Fashion week for the mature set of models. She is a regular jet-setter and has been to many of the top fashion shows.

Jane and her partner work with set building and studio building too. Including our newly to be updated infinity cove and flooring planned for Studio 1 soon.

On a final note we have a few builders bums around the studio as the prop building team are making a corridors with weird angles for a Feature teaser and fight scene.

The teaser will use every bit of the Studio including the upstairs section for a fight scene (used in EPIK videos Mr Phillpotts Music Video) seen here.

Our roof terrace, storage bay, Studio 1 and 2 will be used to create many sections of the teaser. Once shot it will edited over the weekend and then flown to LA to meet and show to the financiers. All the best of luck with the shoot and the pitch.

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.
www.camberwellstudios.co.uk
www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios
http://twitter.com/#!/FilmStudiosUK

Until next time...

Sam Parkinson - Studio Manager

Blog Wan!?

2011-09-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hi loyal followers and readers of the ever growing Camberwell Studios Blog,

Your trusted writer has just returned from a fantastic trip to Jamaica (hence the wagwan title!)

During my trip I had the chance to speak to some local artists representing some Reggae, Dancehall, Ragga and Soul.

We recently welcomed Chrome to the Studios with his family. Chrome are big in Jamaica’s clubs and halls and regularly hold meets and dance events and heavily include the local community both in Jamaica and in the UK.

Check out Chrome Baby and his new single shot at Camberwell Studios on Channel U very soon!

We have had some great interest in our Production Packages. People have responded well to the prices and simplicity so we continue to develop this area. Luckily we have met lots of producers, directors, camera ops and production managers that have shown us some very key points to creating cost effective pieces to camera, on time and in budget.

To continue the theme of introducing the Camberwell Studios team, We have Aude, our lovely housekeeper who is in today. She cleans and locks up for all of you late Studio finishers getting your cutaways, noddys and last gasp shots. Aude is a great asset to the team and she has a good knowledge of the work and requirements in the Studio.

Today we have a dog charity shooting with lots of cute dogs running about on a green screen treadmill. This Jack Russell, 'Brazen' has a cheeky look in his eyes and he may well prove to be trouble! Think the Dogs are having some trouble keeping on the treadmill.

Talking of Animals running riot in Studios we welcome the Blue Peter Team to the Studios to film their brand new opening titles.

Older readers may remember the hilarious clip of the elephant causing havoc in the Blue Peter Studio. Lets hope Brazen doesn't cause the same mischief!

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.
www.camberwellstudios.co.uk
www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios
http://twitter.com/#!/FilmStudiosUK

Until next time...

Sam Parkinson - Studio Manager

Blog Off

2011-09-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Camberwell Studio regulars,

This week has been totally dominated by the Street Fit dancers for their new promo video. The shots look amazing. Using a selection of streak filters, jib shots, moving lights and lasers the team have created a gritty, colourful, powerful promotional video.

What’s the best way to make a pancake? Well it combines- Water, flour, and a snow machine! That was the state of our Studio floor after our director; Piers Verno Kell,had his creative way on the street Fit shoot. He achieve some great results using slow motion shots, lasers, baby oil, moody lighting and a snow blower to give some really unique footage. The studio and our staff really showed what is capable. We also managed to wrap on time and get ready for a whole new day of green and white screen shooting.

Street Fit is one of our major productions. Stay tuned for some fantastic backstage images, and look at their Facebook page for more info. Set design by Lorraine and her wonderfully artistry. Speakers were provided by Ligwa and made the set design look really cool. Many thanks to them for their support.

Also at the studios this week we welcome back Stewart Buck and his documentary crew. Stewart and his colleague, Stephane are massive fans of the 1982 film ‘The Keep’, directed by Michael Mann and in very much the same way as Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’, the film was a massive controversial mess of a movie. With over-running, over budget, in-fighting and ground breaking special effects to boot. For this, and many other reasons, Stewart and his team have been on a quest to piece these production stories together, with the aim to produce a ‘making of’ section and inspire the Studios to release a director’s cut.

Stephane was inspired by the Monster creation in ‘The Keep’ and based his life on special effects work. Creating Monsters, Aliens and demons from all manner of films including, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, Alien, Predator among many others.

We wish them luck on interviewing cast and crew members and we hope they get the commission they deserve to bring this historic Movie back to life.

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk

www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios

http://twitter.com/#!/FilmStudiosUK

Until next time...

Sam Parkinson

Blog the Day Away

2011-09-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hi to all Camberwell Studio followers, both on Twitter and Facebook.

Also Hi to all Notting Hill Carnival attendees and artists representing many different cultures. I had a great time at the Carnival and had the chance to chat to few guys backstage about the music scene and future projects Camberwell Studios can collaborate on.

Our studio was represented at the carnival in the form of our resident Trinidadian, Lorraine (seen below with 'The Gadgets Show's, 'Jason Bradbury') our graphics designer, Studio technician and fabulous artist.

She designed and painted our lovely entrance sign ( further below) in the Trinidad Style. Lorraine’s also in a steel pans band so she has many talents including budget music video production seen here. This video was shot at the studio using our gritty urban surroundings, garden and warehouse sections which are perfect for urban/ industrial music videos.

Also this week the debate over the Canon 7D vs. 5D Mark II DSLR range. This argument was put to the test as we welcome a regular corporate client into the studios who had been previously using a Handicam to make his short pieces to camera to be used on his website. Recently demand for his work has pushed him into DSLR territories and his booking was a chance to test the ups and downs of DSLR’s including its audio downfalls (no gain control etc). This debate could make this blog go on forever so please see the best forum I found on-line for this argument and use the range of advice from these experts who see the 2 cameras differently. Me? I would go for the 5D mark ll.

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter where we will continue to update and delight with random and amusing tit-bits from Studio life.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk
www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios
http://twitter.com/#!/FilmStudiosUK

Until next time....

Sam Parkinson

A blog a day...

2011-08-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Loyal Camberwell Studio Blog readers,

I have had a lot of fun writing these blogs. It gives me a chance to look back on the past week and reflect about the people I’ve met and the things I have learnt regarding green-screen shoots, camera set-ups, lighting techniques. I have almost finished editing our second instalment of the handy production guide. I have since learnt more nuggets of knowledge which I will be passing on through the medium of video.

Last week has turned out to be a very corporate week. Lots of big name brands (Sony, Tele-visual Magazine Magazine, BBC, NUS) using our Sound-proof Studio 2. The Studio has been white (instead of green) all week so look out for some very angelic corporate pieces coming from the above sources very soon. (see pic below)

This sensible vibe was thrown totally in the air by the return of LUTI Media's crew and their music video producers. They bought the rhythm and the noise to a very understated week of bookings. LUTI Media have raised their profile so look out for their new projects

very soon.

A few weeks ago I wrote a small piece on one of our Studio Staff, Tai Campbell. This week we have our resident Editor/ PC/MAC genius Mr Edward Szekely. Ed has a range of skills but an allergy to wheat so we make sure we cater for his needs and he edits our clients some fantastic and varied peices. Ed and his friends have been working on a mini series, Behind the Bytes.

Ed has been getting some excellent viewing figures online. See the 1^st episode of Behind the Bytes here.

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk

www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios

Until next time....

Sam Parkinson

Blog away.

2011-08-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

Hi to all blog fans and new Film makers,

This week’s blog comes after the London riots that have affected us all in some way. Luckily we have avoided any trouble as we are away from all the hustle and bustle and noise of the main streets.

Although our recent client from Brighton seemed to have missed the memo about this and brought her own peaceful demonstration to be filmed at the Studios. The piece was a charity film about corporations and their hold on the public eye. Takes of the below shot were kept to a minimum as we didn’t want the friendly locals to hear the (albeit friendly) shouting, coming from the Studios opened roller door (perfect drive in access by the way!)

Also at the studios we welcomed Joseph Chaganiza. His day job is being a chef for the Queens guards, by night Joeseph produces his own tracks and has now released a full blown debut single. Joe (sounds like a British Jay Z) has written a 1930’s inspired love-rap with glorious floral blooms and animations being added to his green screen shoot. Joe was keen to edit the footage himself and with no prior experience this can be a perfect way to keep your costs down and work on it as a labour of love.

Also this week. We saw the fruits of Lemonade Money’s labour on Channel 4 at 12.30am Friday nights.

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk

www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios

http://twitter.com/FilmStudiosUK

Until next time....

Sam Parkinson/ Studio Manager

Keep on Blogging...

2011-08-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Film-makers and studio users alike,

Its school holidays so there’s been a busy influx of kids Ad’s and programmes being shot at the studio. This also means a busy influx of Mums/agents/PA/drivers. All of whom seem to be the same person. I’m sure when these young performers grow up to be big stars they will pay the mothers back somehow. We wish them the best of luck in the future careers.

Also this week we welcomed Luti Media’s crew of many, for a blacked out music video shoot starring a former EastEnders actor. Details of which are being kept hush hush by the management team but stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter feeds to find out more later!

The shoot went well and our large studio 1 let alot of the heat escape so the artist was thankful her make-up didn’t run in this lovely weather.

Over the next few blogs we will introduce you to a member of our team. What their skills and interests are and how they make up the whole picture that is Camberwell Studios. They Bring knowledge in different fields and all have a range of skills to input to your project.

Tai Campbell. Our Music video specialist. Tai has a very creative eye and can build scenarios, images and shot lists to create some unique visuals. Tai has recently Directed Mr Phillpotts new music video, filmed Eliza Doolittle and The Streets and also spent some time on the set of a major feature film!

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk

www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios

Until next time...

Sam Parkinson/ Studio Manager

Blog On...

2011-08-01T01:28:00.001-07:00

Blog on....

Hi Camberwell Campers,

To continue our blog saga we have just finished tidying up after Ember Phoenix’s party/shoot in our Large Studio 1. Embers entourage finished a huge 2 day shoot by popping champagne and celebrating. Little did some of the crew know that they would have to hold the rap party until the edit was complete. Look out for Embers new mix tape viral campaign by tuning into our Facebook and Tweets.

AV Films get regular work with artists and will be back to use the Studios in all of its states. White, black, Green. AV Films are a perfect example of how the Space can be used and how much fun shoots can be. Apart from cleaning up the champagne that is!

To cap off a celebrity filled few weeks we welcomed Channel 4 and Miss Dynamite to the Studios.

Also at the Studios this week. We are editing the final pieces of our new edition to our Camberwell Studios Production guide. This will give you some simple tips on lighting for green screen. Starring our work experience girl who was a very good subject to work with. See our 1^st instalment of this series here.

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk

www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios

Until next time...

Sam Parkinson

A Blogs First Steps

2011-07-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

A Blogs first steps...

Hi lovely people,

We have had a good response from our first Blog and it has given us the chance to think about the amazing diversity of shoots we have had over this week.

Last week saw the Silver Medallist Olympic diver Leon Taylor presenting a piece to camera using tracking points.

The Studios are perfect for using tracking points and can be used to great affect with careful cropping and rota scoping. The space can be made much larger and more useable for big scenes.

In the coming months we will talk to the experts and explain how to get the most out of your green-screen studio shoot. From our experience with working with the UK’s top greenscreen video and filmmakers we have built an in-depth knowledge of the best green screen practices.

Please see our first instalment of Camberwell Studios Handy Production Guide. See it here now.

The Production Guide will list a range of topics helping potential clients to a smooth production. The hints, tips and tutorials will be created monthly so please stay tuned for further updates.

Please continue to join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and tweet with us on Twitter.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk

www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios

Until next time

Sam Parkinson

Studio Manager - Camberwell Studios

A Blog is Born

2011-07-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

This is it. This is the beginning.

Our first blog as Camberwell Studios and my first blog as Studio Manager.

So, where to start ……

Hello,

We intend this blog to become a useful resource for filmmakers of all types.

So we’ll be writing articles covering lighting for greenscreen, which is the best camera for a music video, the pro’s and cons of DSLRs v the more traditional film camera’s etc. We have a load of ideas waiting to be turned into entertaining prose for you.

We’ll be covering some of the projects that come into our studios and explaining why you would want to roast a couple of hogs at our studios.

We hope to start a dialogue with our customers and future customers.

Most of all we want to make your visit to our blog like a visit to our studios – friendly, relaxed and enjoyable.

First off the blocks for our blog will be a production guide to setting up 3 point lighting – with example videos showing you how.

Please join our mailing list, ‘like’ us on Facebook and listen to us on Twitter.

www.camberwellstudios.co.uk

www.facebook.com/camberwellstudios - "LIKE US"

www.twitter.com/filmstudiosuk

Until next time...

--
Sam Parkinson
Studio Manager
020 7737 0007 / 07411328724