Music Video Project “Hotel Light”

1. Please simply introduce yourself as a Director and DP.


My name is Sam Cahill, I am a director, DP and editor based in Los Angeles, CA. I work for Machine Gun Kelly and have had the pleasure of being able to release 2 feature documentaries in the last year. (Life In Pink on Hulu & Disney+, and Mainstream Sellout: Live From Cleveland; Theatrical release coming to streamers soon) I come from an Ad Agency background where I worked when I was 19, to developing my own creative agency where I have built a phenomenal team of DP’s, Photographers, VFX Artists, Colorists, Sound mixers, Grips Gaffs and more! I work heavily in the documentary, music video and concert space. I edit every project that I direct and/or shoot, and I love it. I am constantly juggling 6 projects at a time at least and work in a very fast paced environment - I love to take the stress off of people by providing solutions the moment a problem arrises, keeping my sets very relaxed and allowing a safe & creative space for my team and talent.



2. How do you know DZOFILM Vespid Prime? How long you have owned the Vespid Prime lenses?


I’ve owned the Vespid Prime lenses for 10 months and have absolutely loved them! The light and compact build characteristics with a T2.1 t stop makes these things amazing. Focus pulling is smooth as butter with the build quality of these lenses. This is the first set of DZO lenses I have owned and it definitely is prompting me to buy more.



3. Which is your favourite focal length in the set to use? Why?


I’ve really fallen in love with the 35mm Vespid Prime. I can achieve many different looks with this single lens, it just makes the viewer feel like you are there. With the T2.1 speed this lens is great for low light and showing in broad daylight. The entire set is so lightweight and easy to bring with me on the road to have a variety of different focal lengths at my fingertips!



4. Which camera do you use in the shooting project “Hotel Light” and how do you feel using the Vespid Prime lenses on this camera?


Hotel Lights was shot entirely on my RED Raptor VV 8K + the DZO Vespid prime set. In my set I have the 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm , 100mm & 125mm. These lenses are so lightweight on my rig that it makes long shoot days much easier - lighter payload, fast swapping capability, and they are not bulky at all to interfere with anything else on my rig. The mechanics of each lens is so smooth, making focus pulling a breeze.



5. Based on your on-set experience, what innovative features would you like to see in DZOFILM's future products?


DZO Lenses have always been impressive and for an amazing price - I would love to see a fisheye lens for full frame Vista-Vision cameras. Or a lens system with internal ND’s that scroll on a wheel like