2024.9.20
Introduce Yourself as a DP: Kōrero, I'm Edward Sampson, a Director, Producer, Editor, and Director of Photography for Devils on Horses. With over 30 years in the Film and Television industry, my journey began in post-production across Wellington and Sydney, before returning to New Zealand. Transitioning to producing, I gained valuable insights into workflows, editing projects like Crackheads, and co-producing The Story of Rugby.
(Director Sampson and Associate Producer Julian Anderson)
Your Impression of the DZOFILM Brand: I discovered DZOFilm while researching cinema lenses for reenactments. After hearing positive feedback from fellow filmmakers and noting their impressive image quality at accessible prices, I decided to try them out. The consistent praise for DZOFilm from local cinematographers convinced me to pursue this brand, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed.
Experience with DZOFILM Lenses: Using DZOFilm's Catta Ace lenses significantly enhanced our image quality. I appreciated the warm look and slight vintage flare that fit our historical setting. The flexibility of the 18-35mm, 35-80mm, and 70-135mm lenses minimized the need for constant changes, essential when working with unpredictable animals like horses.
Filming Details: We primarily shot in 4K DCI Pro Res Raw at 50p, occasionally switching to 6K for specific shots. The 35-80mm was our favorite, allowing for intimate close-ups that beautifully captured the bond between horses and humans. Filming took place in Canterbury and the lower North Island over several blocks, strategically timed for horse training and environmental conditions.
Project Experience with Lenses: For our project, we used both the Panasonic S1H and Blackmagic 6K cameras. Adapting DZOFilm EF mount lenses to L mount went seamlessly.
Why CATTA ACE Lenses? The documentary drama Devils on Horses focuses on the deep bond between soldiers and their horses during the First World War. The CATTA ACE lenses provided the versatility I needed for both interviews and on-location reenactments, allowing me to adapt quickly with a minimal crew.
Favorite Focal Length: The 35-80mm was our most used lens. However, I often adjusted focal lengths based on the subject, especially when capturing the horses.
Future Innovations for DZOFILM: I loved the Catta Ace VV lenses but would appreciate a lower T stop on the zoom lenses in future offerings. I'm excited to continue using DZOFilm products in upcoming projects.