2019 Highlights & 2020 Forecasts with theC47’s Jem Schofield

As we close out the year and we imagine what will be on the horizon for 2020, we took a little bit of time with founder of theC47 and LAPPG presenter Jem Schofield to discuss production gear, workflow practices and higher resolutions. Let’s see what Jem had to say.

Interview by Michael Valinsky

Los Angeles Post Production Group: Jem, as we wrap up 2019, a year with many innovations and products for video production & post, can you shine a light on some of your favorite new products this year?

Jem Schofield: For sure!

In the camera department I think the Canon C500 MKII and the Sony FX9 are both going to be very popular owner/operator and rental based camera systems. Each has their strengths but I have to say that the C500 MKII is a beast of a camera in terms of what it is capable of across many types of productions. I also like what I’m starting to see in terms of lower costs 4K HDR monitoring solutions. While not shipping yet (I’m guessing by NAB 2020), both SmallHD and ATOMOS are stepping up from 1080p monitoring solutions into 4K along with features that can compete with much higher cost solutions. We’ve been waiting for this for a long time as the cameras are way ahead of the monitors at this point.

LAPPG: Please reveal any Crystal Ball predictions for 2020.  What do you see happening in terms of Cameras, Lights & Lenses?

JS: That’s always a hard one but starting with lighting I would say we are going to see more in the way of “hard” LED solutions that can be modified in many ways to produce focusable or soft light. That and higher output. I think we will also see the continuation of 5.9/6K camera systems (mirrorless & digital cinema cameras), and in terms of lenses I think there’s lots of room for lower cost anamorphic lens solutions. 

LAPPG: Have there been any recent trends in Workflow Practices in 2019 that you see deepening in 2020?

JS: Just more and more Small To No Crew production. The tools that are available now are amazing but as mentioned above, I’m looking for the monitoring to get better for both production and post so we can actually see what the hell our cameras are capturing (or at least more than we are currently). The $20,000-50,000 monitors from Sony, Canon and Flanders Scientific are fantastic but we need some real solutions in that $3,500-10,000 range. Using these tools will inform decisions on lighting, exposure and how the final image is graded for targeted spaces (especially 709, P3 and 2020). 

LAPPG: Thoughts on the move for some from 4K to now 6K and 8K?  Also, HDR.  Tell us your thoughts on the evolution of higher resolutions.

JS: Well, it’s inevitable. I thought it would be a straight jump to 8K but it’s interesting to see the 6K trend (RED started that a loooong time ago). Higher than 4K resolution acquisition gives users more to work with in post when they are finishing in UHD 4K or DCI 4K. Not quite the approximately 200% that you get when working with 4K footage for 1080 delivery but you are able to reframe/crop and stabilize 5.9/6K footage more effectively (approximately 145-160% depending on the camera). 

LAPPG: For members of theC47 Community, what will you be covering and sharing content-wise in 2020.  Give us a Sneak Peek!

JS: Well, I’m building out the first of a few studio spaces so that will allow for expanded content on my YouTube channel. More lighting and set ups for sure and I think once I can get a more reliable internet connection up here on the hill that there will be more in-depth, realtime/streaming educational content.

I’m also working on a new format for my workshops which I’m very excited about. At NAB 2020 I will be doing my first two day workshop at the show (I believe it’s my 17th year teaching there). The new format will be more streamlined and even more focused on real world set ups than in the past. 

BIO

Jem Schofield is a producer, DP and educator and the founder of theC47 (a full-service production company that focuses on video production, filmmaking, consulting & education). He started this journey as a kid (barely double digits). His first camera was a used Pentax K-1000. It was a great start to his education in this field. He now spends most of his time producing content, educating others and otherwise being borderline obsessed with cameras, production and the craft of lighting.

For over 20 years Jem has produced projects and provided training for an ever-expanding client base. Current and past clients include AbelCine, Apple, Inc., ARRI, Canon, Corus Entertainment, LinkedIn Learning, MAC Group, MZED, NBCUniversal, NPR, PBS, Riverbed Technologies, Scottish Enterprise, Sony, TED, The Vitec Group, Walmart Films, Westcott, YouTube & Zeiss. Jem is also an equipment design consultant to many manufacturers in the film and television industry. He designed theC47 DP Kit & theC47 Book Light Kit (geared towards corporate, in-house and small to no crew productions), which is based on FJ Westcott’s Scrim Jim Cine system. 

His in-depth courses “Cinematic Video Lighting”, “Advanced Cinematic Video Lighting” and “Corporate Event Video: Producing Company Meetings and Presentations”, are currently available on Lynda.com

For more information about Jem & his whereabouts visit www.theC47.com or visit his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/thec47 where he posts ongoing educational content focused on the tech & craft of video production and filmmaking related to Small to No Crew production.

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/thec47

Instagram: jemschofield

Twitter: @thec47

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thec47

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jemschofield

Website: www.thec47.com 

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