London, United Kingdom (May 21, 2019) – Hawk-Woods, a global leader in innovative power solutions and accessories for the broadcast, film and pro-video industries, will showcase new products at Cine Gear Expo: Los Angeles 2019 on May 30- June 1, 2019, at booth 153A.

At Cine Gear, Hawk-Woods will showcase the following products:

· Mini V-Lok batteries – the smallest and lightest V-lok batteries in the world.

· MX8 Charger – An all-new 8-channel charger designed for Mini V-Lok batteries at about the same size as a competitor’s dual V-Lok charger. The MX8 simultaneously charges four batteries at any one time, which then moves onto the other four channels.

· Reel Power batteries – These Reel Power Lithium-Ion battery are designed specifically for running high voltage, high-speed film cameras. This includes the widely used Phantom series, Arri Alexa & Mini. It offers camera operators a portable alternative to using heavy floor standing block type batteries.

· 48V-RP Power Station - the new 48V-RP power station is a unique power solution which allows users to power ARRI Skypanels and other 48-volt (V) LED lighting anywhere when main power is not available. It’s one of the first power solutions which enable users to run high voltage LEDs at 100% light output via a DC input.

· X-boxx- The XB1-1000 is the latest release from Hawk-Woods in the X-BOXX range, This battery gives you all the advantages of a conventional battery box, but with considerably less size and weight. Four Lithium-Ion cell packs are fitted into this neat compact design. Designed to be carried over the shoulder, its almost half the weight of a battery box with similar specifications.

Suitable for powering professional cameras, it will also run most types of high capacity lighting, such as Tungsten or HMI lamps. Output socket variations are available, with this standard configuration being 2x XLR 4 pins.

Manios Digital is the exclusive US distributor for Hawk-Woods. For more information, visit us at Cine Gear Expo at booth 153A.

From filming NFL player Chris Long bringing clean water to east African countries to working with Hollywood’s the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation, Louisville, Kentucky-based film company Nadus Films has built a reputation for “making films that make a difference.” The global film company focuses on stories that make a cultural impact for good. They’ve done everything from shoot feature films, short films, as well as promotional material for mission-driven organizations while telling stories of war, famine, gang violence, and even religious persecution.

“Our goal is to impact those lives of whom we’ve told stories of. We’ve been fortunate enough to see many changes for better within homes of the people who are the focus of our films,” explains Nadus Films founder and director, Coury Deeb. “During production for one of our films we met Leidy, who was an active gangster in Guatemala throughout the production of BBoy for LIFE. We miraculously saw her transformation and have now witnessed her life that is sustained by worthwhile goals rather living an evil life. In the end, we entertain by telling worthy stories and also see lives changed for the better.”

Deeb founded Nadus Films 15 years ago after realizing that in order to tell deeper stories with the chance for a greater impact, he had to learn film. In addition to making films that make a difference, Nadus Films routinely gifts worthy non-profits with free videos. The result of these extremely high-end, cinematic films helps these non-profits grow donations anywhere from 50-100%.

Nadus Films has built an impressive portfolio of films and clients from NFL Films to the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation, whose mission is to bring needed resources to charitable organizations working with children and the arts. Another notable work by Nadus is the Emmy nominated TV Series Us Against the World with Comcast and NBC, which follows racial tensions of a rural town in Kentucky as a black coach turns a losing group of basketball kids into a winning team.

“Working for over 15 years has helped us build a pretty robust portfolio and an impressive Rolodex. Not everyone can do this for a living, and small businesses come and go. We’ve weathered the storm for 15 years, and we’ve built a lot of relationships. I think what people are drawn to is that we tell entertaining stories, use a cinematic approach with professional polish while also maintaining a gritty, risqué filmmaking for our captured content.”

Nadus’ work takes them to changing environments and requires frequent travel – from Africa to Japan. 

Because of that, Nadus Films choose Hawk-WoodsnewMini V-Lok batteries. The Mini V-Lok batteries are the smallest and lightest batteries in the world. About half the size of standard V-Lok batteries, the Mini V-Lok batteries make traveling and shooting both easy and convenient.

“We started to see the Mini V-Loks pop up on the sites that we frequent. We started using V-Loks more with our Sony FS-7 rig, and we were already using V-Loks for our RED camera and our director’s monitors. When you consider all of this gear, and you have to travel across the world to Asia or India, for example, it really takes up a lot of space. We are always trying to pack light, so the idea of Mini V-Lok batteries became appealing, especially because it allows us to pack light and still use the same tools,” said Nadus Films Cinematographer Drew Layman.

Deeb adds, “Especially with airline requirements; we have to pack smarter, more efficient and more light. The technology allowed us to do this.”

Despite only getting the Mini V-Loks a few months ago, the Nadus filmmakers have put the batteries to the test. They’ve already taken the batteries to shoots in Singapore and Malaysia.

“The weight and size of Hawk-Woods are what drew us. We’ve used them quite a bit and plan to add more. We’ve used the 98wH batteries and use the dual battery hot-swap plate when we use our RED Gemini,” says Layman.

He adds, “we try not to let gear get in the way we tell the story. Ultimately, its not the gear it’s the way you use the gear to tell your story. We’ve always been lean in the gear we use and employ a run and gun style in terms of our shooting while still providing as much creativity as we can. In filming this way, we give a lot of authenticity and convey emotion a little more.”

To learn more about Nadus Films, visit nadusfilms.com.

Manios Digital is the exclusive US distributor for Hawk-Woods batteries. 

For the last seven years, Emmy-award winning Director of Photography Danny Schmidt has established himself as a dynamic presence in the environmental film space – pairing in-depth stories with stunning visuals. From elephant poaching in Myanmar to climate change and changing ice levels, the Montana native has worked with some of the biggest names in the space including the Smithsonian, NASA, Netflix, PBS, National Geographic and many more.

Manios Digital sat down with Danny to find out how he got started and the gear he uses in the field.

Q: You’ve worked on some great videos from the elephant poaching in Myanmar to climate change in the ‘trial of the century,’ how do you approach each of these shoots? Is this more run and gun or do you have shots in mind for the way you tell the story?

DS: I approach every shoot with one thing in mind: what do I need to do to help tell the best and most honest story possible. This informs the type and style of coverage we get, how we approach the characters, the locations, etc. That said, I love verité, hand-held shooting. There's something about the interplay between the subjects and the cinematographer that creates the raw feeling of intimacy and access that the audience feels on the screen. However, I also love the opportunity in slower, more controlled situations to take the time to set up shots, experiment more with composition and lens choice, and create a frame that is meant to be studied by the audience.

Q: Your film, Running Wild, is shot beautifully! Can you talk about your style? Did you plan on using the wide shots, opening timelapse to highlight the isolation and beauty of the mountains?

DS: Thanks! I had a talented team working with me on this, a stunning location, and a unique story. A lot of elements came together! We knew we wanted to merge the exciting cinematography commonly seen in adventure/sports films with the pressing narrative of finding a critically endangered species. We had great, natural subjects in Craig and Sarah who, aside from already being involved in the science project, were badass and passionate runners. Wide shots were the only way to capture a landscape as big as the Uinta Mountains and to show how small people really are in a place that remote and wild. The night time-lapse seemed like a no-brainer to add to our shot list because that is the time when wolverines are out doing their wolverine thing!

Q: Can you talk about this last trip you went on? What projects was it for and can you talk about the different things you did?

DS: I've had a busy fall working on various projects all of which have different styles and aesthetics. From a purely verité doc series on income inequality in America, to a glossy doc about saltwater fly fishing in New York, to a wildlife film exploring conservation on military lands. So, sometimes I am standing behind a tripod in the early morning hours waiting for an animal and other times I am fully loaded with my Easy Rig following people around town.

Q: What is in your kit?

DS: For most doc stuff I use an FS7, a variety of Sigma and Canon primes, EasyRig, MoVI, a couple sets of wireless lavs, Cartoni Focus 22, a bunch of Hawk-Woods Mini V-Lok batteries, a few LED panels, and lots of other grip gear, monitors, and supports. For long lens wildlife stuff, I’m generally shooting on the RED for over cranking and increased resolution. It's a lot of stuff to haul around the airport.

Q: You took the Hawk-Woods Mini V-Lok batteries with you on this last trip. What did you think?

DS: The Hawk-Woods are a game changer. Seriously. I am the envy of my friends and colleagues on set. They are tiny, they last forever, and charge fast. What else could you ask for in a battery? They are the future.

Q: What did you think of the size of the batteries?

DS: The size is deceptive. They are small, but super powerful. I am so glad HW is leading the charge (pun intended) on shrinking the tech into smaller packages. Traditional v-mounts were really big and bulky. With TSA now requiring all batteries to go in your carry-on bags, it is crucial that you take the smallest, most powerful batteries you can find. Your camera will run all day and your back will thank you later.

Manios Digital is the exclusive US distributor Hawk-Woods, Cartoni tripods and Kinotehnik lights.

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Battery technology has vastly changed in the last few years. Although Lithium Ion power has been with us for a while, huge improvements in longevity, size, weight, display and recharge time make these new units nothing like the behemoths of the past. Core SWX has numerous batteries to suit your needs; I will be focusing on the HC7R V-Mount battery utilizing VoltBridge software for our university’s RED Scarlet Epic camera.

FEATURES

The Core SWX HC7R battery uses its Hypercore cell technology to create an extremely thin unit that mounts on your camera’s back. Available in Gold and V-mount, this 82-watt hour, 5.5-amp hour, 14.8v SLIM series battery weighs less than one and a half pounds and is merely 1.5 inches thin.

The four LED gauge display on the battery reveals the remaining charge capacity (and sends it to the viewfinder); it meets safety requirements for air travel (unlike some batteries) and is durably housed in a rubberized shell. The main concern with camera batteries is can they handle the punishment batteries must endure and sit for extended periods of time not being used and still hold somewhat of a charge?

According to Core SWX, every battery they offer contains an accelerometer to detect motion that determines how long the battery has not been used—a device that is also used in cellphones and other mobile devices. This Hypercore technology allows the battery to go into a hibernation mode when it has not been used after a two-day period. While other batteries slowly lose their charge over an extended time, Core SWX battery’s clock essentially stops until the unit is needed again. When the slightest movement or use is determined, the battery resumes where it left off; pretty amazing.

Fast Facts

Application: The future in camera battery technology. Like AC power, these batteries are there when you need them—without the long extension cord.
Key Features: Lightweight, thin, reasonably priced battery that waits to be used before losing its charge.
Price: Core SWX HC7R V-Mount Battery - $265.00
Contact: Core SWX
91 Commercial Street
Plainview, NY 11803
Tel: 516.595.7488
Email: www.coreswx.com

Lastly, the technology that went into the construction process means that there is under/over current, temperature and voltage protection that mean a cooler battery temperature and a 1000 charge/discharge service life. The battery is now intelligent enough to dictate its charge routine—lithium ion technology to the max.

The VoltBridge software was included in our V-Mount plate with a four pin XLR and two power taps. This powers the LED panel lights as well as using Bluetooth technology to transmit the data.

IN USE

One of the biggest drawbacks with our RED camera system at DeSales is DC power. The internal RED batteries are fine just for remembering your settings between battery changes but not much more. Because the camera is consistently on location with our students’ shoots, three of our external batteries are constantly on the charger and one is mounted on the camera.

As with any rental facility, the batteries lie dormant when not in use. When a student comes to collect the equipment, all batteries must be charged before he or she can even think about shooting. I was very anxious to try our V-mounted Core SWX units designed specifically for our model RED.

Our senior class shot a 15-minute project with a RED powered by Core SWX HC7R batteries. Relying on all of the equipment from our cage, including our vest mounted Glidecam, meant that we would be using DC power for the next eight weeks. During our down time, we were confident in the knowledge that the battery would “rest” when we weren’t using it and that the drain would cease. Students, on the other hand, did not want to rest, they wanted to stay awake and watch the battery to see it in its dormant mode.

The battery charge is most important when doing stabilizer work, where weight is a critical factor. One battery gave us an entire day of Glidecam work. After doing numerous takes with our Glidecam, our young operators were glad to have some down time. The VoltBridge software did its job allowing an accurate battery level to appear on the students mobile devices via the VoltBridge app. This allowed them to conveniently check when to change the battery pack instead of continually checking the actual battery itself while on the camera.

SUMMARY

The Core SWX V-Mount HC7R Battery with VoltBridge is the smartest battery we’ve used. Although nearly all batteries display the current state of change, the real difference is the ability for the battery to go to sleep when it is not in use for an extended period of time. The sleep mode means less time charging batteries that have been drained from sitting, ultimately allowing for more productive time on location.

Chuck Gloman is an associate professor and chair of the TV/Film Department at DeSales University. He may be reached chuck.gloman@desales.edu.