Shorts: Edward Copestick and Adam Anthony's ‘The Maestro’

I’ve heard the BBC have been commissioning on the Canon 5D and 7D. Whether or not this is true, I don’t know. I’m not sure I even care, because I was always more interested in how the camera performed.

When the DSLR first hit the market, I spoke to a couple of DoPS. They didn’t seem keen; they thought it was a gimmick and, frankly, I agreed. The way I saw it was, if it looks like a stills camera; it is a stills camera. Seriously. It’s never going to be able to pan or go for big moves. It’s never going to give you the full film effect. But then I see something special and I think, wow, maybe I’m wrong; maybe the 5D isn’t so bad after all.

‘The Maestro’ was shot on the 5D by producer Edward Copestick and director Adam Anthony. They used a bunch of lenses (50mm, 24mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm) and have come up with something so slick, it could double as a promo for the camera – it’s that good, and this year it’s already won 3rd place for Tropfest ‘s for ‘Best Cinematography’. The whole thing will probably drum up a little business for Canon. In fact, given that you can pick a 5D up online for around a £1.5K, this short could have everyone and their dog giving filmmaking a go.

Promo: Solidarités International 'Dirty Water'

From BDDP Unlimited for Solidarités International, 'Dirty Water' was directed by Clement Beauvais, and produced by Nicolas Lhermitte and Arthur de Kersauson. It's both poignent and stunning and marks 'World Water Day'.

Product Placement: Nescafe and New Look

Product placement; it’s been a long time coming, and Lord knows indies et all have been screaming out for the revenue a bleach bottle or can of Coke could bring in. And now it’s arrived, we’re just wondering where the chips will fall.

Placement arrived earlier this year in the form of New Look featuring in a TwoFour catwalk program broadcasting on Channel 4’s T4. It’s alleged that there were up to eight parties involved in the deal, with players tapping into a market worth £100 million. Over in ‘This Morning’s’ studios things were lower key with a Nescafe coffee maker lurking in the background. The three month deal cost Nescafe £100,000 and, overall, has been fairly understated. In fact, as far as viewing goes, you hardly notice the white Dulce Gusto; as far as media coverage goes – well that’s a whole other story. It’s been huge.

Whatever the case, Nescafe and New Look are just the beginning of product placement in the UK. The two brands have marked a floodgate of questions concerning structure and allocation of cash between the broadcaster, brand, agency and indie. It's should be an interesting time for advertising and TV, and goes without saying; product placement will turn media into a different beast. And that isn't altogether a bad thing. Seriously. It's a damn shame we weren't able to tap into this revenue stream sooner.

Cameras: PSC Minis from Panasonic and Canon

Meet the Canon XF305. It looks like a mini Z1, has an HD sensor, with 50mbs for recording. It can probably be carried in a ladies' handbag. Now, possibly – and yes, call me twee and fickle – but for this very reason, I like the look of it.

Then there’s the new Panasonic DSLR - the AG-AF101. It too, could probably fit in a purse, but frankly I don't care because, it looks, well, a bit shit. Now, I admit, I don’t know what it’s like to shoot with. For all I know, it might be ground breaking. Whatever. I just can't seem to get past its exterior. Having said that, it’s only £4k, and with it's 35mm sensor, is said to have a 35mm feel. It's also the baby brother to the Panasonic P2, and that can’t be bad.