Cameras: News and Updates

Independent Horror Film "Wake the Witch" Unleashes On-Screen Terrors with JVC Camcorder

By Staff
posted Oct 12, 2009, 13:47

Handheld shots were used to �amp up the energy� during some sequences, according to Chad Haufschild, producer, cinematographer, and lead editor for Wake the Witch.

Handheld shots were used to �amp up the energy� during some sequences, according to Chad Haufschild, producer, cinematographer, and lead editor for Wake the Witch.

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(Wayne, NJ) JVC Professional Products, division of JVC U.S.A., announces that Unfiltered Entertainment, Inc., used the JVC GY-HD250U camcorder for principal photography of Wake the Witch, an unrated, direct-to-DVD release that is expected to be distributed through Amazon.com and FilmBaby.com this month.

Principal photography for Wake the Witch, a new direct-to-DVD feature, was shot using the JVC GY-HD250U camcorder.
Principal photography for Wake the Witch, a new direct-to-DVD feature, was shot using the JVC GY-HD250U camcorder.

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Inspired by Japanese horror, the 90-minute feature tells the tale of three friends who unwittingly release the vengeful spirit of a witch from her resting place. Written and directed by Dorothy Booraem, the low-budget film was shot on location in Wilderness Park in Lincoln, Neb., and other locations in the surrounding area last fall. Post production was completed earlier this year using a PC-based Adobe Premiere Pro NLE system.

Handheld shots were used to �amp up the energy� during some sequences, according to Chad Haufschild, producer, cinematographer, and lead editor for Wake the Witch. He said the compact, shoulder-mount GY-HD250U was �fantastic� for the handheld shots because of its excellent balance. �Going handheld was easier compared to smaller cameras,� he explained.

Although the camcorder features a 1/3-inch bayonet mount and can accommodate a variety of lenses, Haufschild used the standard 16:1 Fujinon zoom lens that comes with the GY-HD250U to help keep the shoot on schedule. �It�s the perfect lens for this kind of project,� he said. �It gave us the depth of field we needed to pull off the composition we wanted � and helped keep the pace of the shoot fast.�

Haufschild appreciated the GY-HD250U�s built-in Focus Assist feature and color viewfinder during the shoot, and captured the action in 720p/24. �I was impressed with the image from the beginning,� he added. �When you see the image and it�s shot correctly, it is actually pretty fantastic.�

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Resources:
JVC:
www.pro.jvc.com
"Wake the Witch" (The Movie):
www.wakethewitchmovie.com



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