At Ferrum Films, we set out on a mission to never lose what makes us unique, no matter the project. We love using top-notch gear and the art of filmmaking to tell compelling stories. While the equipment and personnel may vary between local projects and larger shoots, the core fundamentals that make a project look and feel great remain consistent for us.
Whether we’re working on a national campaign for a major brand or a brand film for a local burger spot in our backyard, the fundamentals always come into play: lighting, audio, composition, and storytelling. I know what you’re thinking, as soon as someone says “local” or “small business”, we’re shooting it and editing on a phone. That’s not the case, we’re not shooting on our RED and bringing in the 3-ton grip truck, but we can still have fun. This is why having the right tools is crucial, so let me walk you through our process and the gear we used to create an outstanding video for our friends Dan & Day in Montclair, NJ.
Lighting for a Brand Film
Shooting in a tight, shiny, metal kitchen poses unique challenges, so we took a practical approach. During our tech scout the day before the shoot, we identified the best places to mount lights and realized that outside light would be an issue. To control it completely, we started by creating a 12×12 black solid to block out any competing light. We relied heavily on the LiteMat Spectrum and the Aputure Infini Bars.
These Infini Bars are sleek, bright, versatile, and feature strong magnets that allow us to mount them anywhere in the kitchen. This flexibility was crucial, making our fixtures blend seamlessly with the kitchen environment. We then dialed in the color and intensity to create a natural look, mimicking the lighting one would find in a commercial kitchen.
Later in the afternoon, we shot in the main dining area. When Dan, the owner, mentioned that “the sun doesn’t come through these windows,” we decided to bring our own sunlight. A pair of Aputure 1200Ds did the trick, angled from outside to create a perfect glow.
We also flipped the 12×12 T bar solid from black to white to add a nice fill light. This approach, using motivated lighting to mimic natural sunlight, is what separates professionals from rookies. Our goal was to make the lighting look so natural that anyone outside our industry would simply think, “Oh nice, the sun.”
Cameras Used
We chose the Sony FX6 for its excellent image quality and manageable post-production footprint. Paired with our favorite lenses, the Tokina Vista Primes, every shot looked special. We primarily used the 50mm lens throughout the day and had no regrets.
The FX6’s quick switch from normal to S&Q slow motion gave our DP, Chris Amadio, the flexibility to capture those captivating slow-motion shots, adding drama with speed ramps. For audio, we plugged our microphone directly into the Sony FX6, utilizing its solid preamps and the Schoeps CMC641 Set Colette Series Supercardioid Microphone. Our AC also served as the sound mixer, showcasing our versatility. #LocalBusiness
Story Behind the Brand Film
From my first conversation with Dan and Day, it was clear they were passionate about serving high-quality food. They wanted to provide the same quality food they enjoyed at home, believing in grass-fed beef and making people happy. Few restaurants in our town have a compelling story or brand film like the one we created for Dan & Day’s.
Our goal was to offer unmatched value with a brand film and present their story in a unique way, making them stand out as more than just another food place but an experience, an invitation to be blown away. Plus, our crew got to enjoy their delicious food all day and now crave Dan & Day’s on a regular basis!
Conclusion
I hope this article has inspired you to enhance your lighting techniques and make your scenes more dynamic. I also hope it provided useful tips for shooting in a restaurant environment. We love shooting food content, and we take pride in exceeding local clients’ expectations with the professional quality we deliver. None of this would be possible without my fantastic crew and the top-tier equipment I’ve accumulated over the years to elevate the quality of our work.
