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Video Production
Welcome to the world of fashion, where creativity knows no bounds and convention is forever challenged. As producers and production managers in marketing, advertising, and public relations, you understand the power of storytelling and the impact of captivating visuals. In this article, we delve into the intersection of fashion and storytelling, and the allure of Puerto Rico as a backdrop for your next creative endeavor.
One streaming service to rule them all. Netflix is the undisputed King of Video-on-Demand (VOD), the first to break ground on its own studios creation of IP and winning prestigious awards including dozens of Academy Awards as far back as 2014.
Although many competitor have risen since then (looking at you, Mr. Bezos) no one compares to Netflix in terms of original content and global impact. Thanks, in part to this, Netflix has a very specific and considered requirement for its camera technology needs that no producer can afford to ignore.
Netflix Originals - the flourish of sound, that instantly familiar ident which could be compared to the Windows 95 chime in terms of memorability and adoption, the prelude to in house productions of the streaming giant. However, just like members only clubs there is a strict "dress code” in respect of camera specifications that the platform will carry and award the title “Netflix approved”.
Let’s take a deep dive.
Image credit: Netflix
“Netflix approved” means that cameras have the minimum specs required to ensure the expected quality of a Netflix Original. While it shouldn’t be your only guide when purchasing a camera, seeing Netflix’s approval as a feature on a certain model might be something to consider, especially since many cinema cameras are a serious investment.
With a myriad of camera options out there it can be daunting to decide which unit to invest in. Fortunately, Netflix publishes the key specifications it requires for a camera to gain its approval. However, Netflix also states that just because a camera meets the minimum requirements doesn’t mean it will be approved (make your mind up, Netflix!).
In short, Netflix takes a more holistic look at each camera, examining aspects such as dynamic range, form factor, workflow, and more.
In any case, here are the minimum requirements for approval.
True UHD 4K sensor with a minimum of 3840 photosites across
High-quality capture format, such as raw or an intra-frame compressed codec
16-bit linear or 10-bit log processing
Capture transfer function (e.g., S-Log3, Canon Log 2)
Capture color science (e.g., S-Gamut3.cine, RED Wide Gamut RGB)
No looks or corrections baked into the original files
Files maintain all metadata (i.e., tape name, timecode, frame rate, ISO, etc.)
Netflix also makes some optional, operational requests for using the cameras. These include:
Daily black balancing of camera sensor
Avoiding spanned clips (i.e., single takes spread out on multiple cards) -
Extra resolution for anamorphic imaging
Use of aspect ratios less than or equal to 2:1
Again, these are just the baseline specs and I could easily find a dozen cameras that appear to meet them that don’t make the cut. Netflix also doesn’t seem to consider features unlocked through optional third-party accessories, such as raw via an external recorder. That is a solid list of requirements if you are shopping for your next cinema camera. Adhering to Netflix’s conditions ensures your camera is up to spec for contemporary productions.
Among the more obvious reasons is that Netflix serves as a third-party verification for a camera’s quality. If Netflix says it’s a good camera, it must be a good camera. This is supported by Netflix’s reputation for demanding high-quality original footage to create its own original content. And despite what you may think about any story, the movies and shows Netflix has created look good.
A second part of the equation is that many of these cameras are an investment for owners or operators. The last thing you want is to be close to snagging a job and then realize the equipment you use and are comfortable with isn’t going to cut it for a potential Netflix gig. If you are working with an independent production, Netflix approval helps futureproof the work so that if you are hoping for an acquisition, you are at least fulfilling the expectations of the distributor.
Finally, if you aren’t a super techie producer or cinematographer, having a basic list of solid cameras to choose from simplifies a part of the process. Instead of spending time researching all the different features of video cameras and codecs and sensors and aspect ratios, you can head over to Netflix and just select what makes sense for your production.
No. Netflix-approved is a good start, especially if you are a professional. However, there are tons of amazing cameras capable of producing images that are as good, if not better, than many on the list.
Netflix’s approval process assumes there will be some form of production happening and, therefore, demands certain capabilities that not everyone needs, like very specific metadata requirements. If you are working mostly for yourself or on small YouTube projects, you don’t need all those extras.
Image credit: Mario Anzouni/Reuters
Ok, here are a few popular units approved by Netflix and popular at time of publication (December 2022)
Canon EOS C70
Sony FX6
Sony FX9
Panasonic S1H
Sony FX3
Arri Alexa Mini LF
Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2
RED Komodo 6K
Another simple reason not to worry about Netflix approval is if you are looking for a B camera. Sometimes, this may need to be a crash cam or another sort of weird form factor. It can be hard to find something that hits the Netflix requirements and the needs of the shoot. GoPros aren’t approved, for example, but many films still use them for an odd take or two. Netflix even allows limited use of unapproved cameras in these circumstances.
CereProds hold a variety of camera types and within its local network has access to a wide array of digital and film units for production. Contact us today and let’s discuss your next project.
Puerto Rico is one of the most important and exciting filming destinations in the world. The island has hundreds of key members of crew, cutting edge equipment, and a film-friendly government and film office with generous tax incentives. The island has played in many feature films as herself and doubled for global destinations in a contemporary and historic setting.
Puerto Rico is known for its idyllic beaches, historic cities and dense, verdant rainforests. As a film making destination it is highly sought after thanks to its climate, location and natural and man-made assets. Let’s look at 5 reasons you should be shooting your next project in Puerto Rico:
Climate
Puerto Rico is a tropical filming destination with an average temperature around 80˚F (27˚C) year round; typically dry in lowland and humid in rainforest areas. The predictable nature of weather patterns makes planning and preproduction a little easier and allows for reliable scheduling around potential weather disparities. Once a huge rainforest, Puerto Rico now has a number of economic and residential centers, including capital San Juan to the north and historic capital Ponce to the south. In the rainforest areas of El Yunque and smaller forests further west, typical moderate showers occur regularly to keep the lush vegetation well fed and flowers blooming in a range of powerful colors.
Incentives
While most states offer some form of tax incentives, Puerto Rico's Act 27 enables a wide array of economic incentives that help reduce film and media production expenses, including a 40% tax credit on all payments to resident companies and individuals. Coupled with 20% incentive for non-resident entities, qualifying productions can mitigate part of their cost with some of the most attractive film tax incentives in the world today.
Location
Aside from the local topography of stunning beaches, rainforests, historic architecture and naturally occurring caves and rock formations, Puerto Rico is also situated a short flight from mainland USA. As part of the United States no passport is needed for US citizens traveling to work, no currency exchange and no cross-border hassle. Transporting equipment is possible on all commercial airlines, however we are endowed with a wide range of high quality broadcast standard production equipment on the island.
Contrast
Few films take place in a single location or setting, and producers are responsible for deciding the optimal strategy for capturing all required content in the most sensible and economically-minded way. The island of Puerto Rico is a land of stark contrast: from ancient rainforests with tropical plants and animals, waterways and valleys, beaches and deserts to towering modern high rise buildings, historic colonial-era towns and angular cityscapes. Contained within a 100x35 mile island and supplemented by some of the worlds most beautiful beaches in Culebra and Vieques, as well as main island beach-centric areas such as Rincon, Luquillo and Mayaguez. Puerto Rico has hosted countless films, fashion shoots, TV shows and documentaries.
Expertise
It takes a village of people to bring an idea to life and when it comes to film production these people must be highly trained and dedicated individuals that are qualified and able to execute on direction time and again. At any one time Puerto Rico has upwards of three full feature productions worth of professionals in every distinction from hair & makeup through key grip and cinematography. Supported by the ICG 600 out of New York and IATSE 494, Puerto Rico has Hollywood-tier, locally based crew bringing their expertise to each vital, moving part of a full production.
We aim to reduce the work flow of creatives when filming in Puerto Rico, freeing them to concentrate of the creative elements of their respective projects and leave the logistics to us. CereProds has a wide range of experience across different media channels in providing production services at every stage of development and production. Contact us today to discuss your next project.
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