New Machine Films

16/11/2021

Some studio work with a few very talented doggos.

30/04/2021

Creating some Music Video Magic together with Brits Film Productions!

28/01/2021

A collection of some of our work.

29/09/2020

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝟵: 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Most people have heard the saying; “Location, location, location.” It can’t be truer and is perhaps one of the most crucial factors in creating a professional looking video. Apart from finding some magnificent spot, picking the right location for the production can literally make or break it. On a technical level, it has to adhere to certain specifications. First of all, access and permission to shoot on the specified location is important. Secondly, it has to be a practical location. A lot of guys will rock up with their camera and hope to point and shoot, creating cinematic magic. But let’s face it, standing in the middle of a crowded construction site, or being crammed up in a two-by-two meter office, or trying to get professional sounding audio next to a highway or airport, does present some challenges.

It is always best when locations can be scouted or at least be seen some time before the shoot. This can make for picking the best spots and have the team notice any limitations beforehand. It will streamline the process as a whole and make for a more professional end result. It doesn’t necessarily need a bigger chunk from the budget; frankly it might even save the productions from some unforeseen costs.

Apart from the practicalities, it is also important that the location is visually pleasing. The best equipment with the best crew can only do so much to polish a turd. This is also where clients need to give the benefit of the doubt to an experienced production company. Someone who has been around the block a few times will be able to anticipate and advise on the best way to deal with locations. They will be adaptable and even offer alternatives when the need arises. Rather put your production in the hands of a skillful and trusted company to deliver the results.

The next clip is poking some fun with the sound guy, but it nevertheless gives a glimpse as to the kind of location issues one might experience unexpectedly.

I don’t make the sound... I just record it... SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/2UYcjkF FOLLOW KEVIN: Instagram: http://bit.ly/2P4s1qm Facebook: http://bit.ly/39JxUkP...

15/09/2020

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝟴: 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁

When you walk into a store to buy a product, the price is usually readily displayed. If it is a reputable shop or company, there is rarely ever a dispute over the price of said item or service. But for some reason the budget is often the last factor to get attention in video production meetings. It is almost as if it is frowned upon to ask money for a professional service of this kind.

Proper video production work costs money and you often get what you pay for. Only monkeys get paid peanuts. That does not mean that you have to spend a fortune, but rather that you should partner with a reputable company to get the best bang for your buck. Professional production houses will charge you according to your specific needs and requests and will also then be able to advise and guide you on the best strategy to spend the budget wisely.

It is mostly even much easier and preferable to have a ballpark budget figure in mind, so that everyone can have a realistic and open approach to the project. It happens quite often that someone just wants to get a figure without even explaining the detail of the project. Asking merely how much a corporate video might cost, equates to asking how much is a car or how long is a piece of string. Have an amount in mind to spend, be ready to explain the plan and purpose of the project, and search for the best option. A professional company will listen to all aspects and then sets out a proper deal. Beware of the fly-by-night camera dudes willing to almost sign away their soul just to produce your magnificent video for exposure and to boost their portfolio. That will just end in tears and money down the drain.

Probably not in line with the budgets of most brand and corporate videos, but have a peek at some of these very costly movie bloopers.

If you're new, Subscribe! → http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Looper Movie bloopers are a lot of fun, plain and simple. Film fans love to watch actors flub. And con...

08/09/2020

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝟳: 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝘀

“My daughter is such a natural actress.”
“Let me know if you need someone for your next movie.”
“You can make a film about our life.”
“My uncle did a photo session with me and said I should be a real model.”
“People say I am funny”

How about; “no”. If I was getting paid for the number of times I heard these types of phrases, I could have been sipping shaken and not stirred Martinis on my own island resort.

I have yet to see the casting of family and friends come across on screen as being remotely professional. Just because someone acts funny or looks pretty, does not mean they will pull of a screen presence. Real actors and models do it as a career, just as real production companies make it their profession to deliver great content. There might be the rare occasion where a diamond in the rough is spotted, but rather play it safe and make use of professionals in your production. It might take a sizable chunk from the budget, but it is definitely worth it in the end.

It is remarkable what a well cast actor or model can do for your brand. The audience gets to focus on the core message, instead of being subconsciously distracted from a spell of bad acting. By using specialists in all departments, an improved work ethic is also established. A seasoned production company will have all the right contacts and experience to make the best casting decisions. It all boils down to what is seen on the screen in the end, so make it the best it can be.

Here are two examples, one of some exceptional acting during a casting session, and another of quite the opposite...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA5giyG8E7g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAdniWncWu4

Kareteci Kiz (English: "Karate Girl") is a 1973 Turkish film.Directed by Orhan Aksoy, the cast includes popular Turkish actress Filiz Akın, and actor Ediz Hu...

01/09/2020

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝟲: 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

If you’ve ever tried fixing something around your house or on your car, the realization quickly hits that you need to be appropriately equipped. Without the right tools, the job becomes difficult, mostly a mess and sometimes just simply impossible. The second part to this is, that when you eventually get your hands on the right tool, you still don’t really know what to do with it. In the video industry, this becomes evident when fly-by-night “production houses” try to up skill themselves, only to come crashing down with your treasured project.

A professional and experienced production company on the other hand, will take a pragmatic approach towards your project. They will be fully equipped and knowledgeable as to what is needed to get the job done. They are experts that can craft with their equipment. In a time where the latest technology is so readily accessible, some guys inadvertently try to impress clients with the latest and greatest gear. They always sound fully versed, yet never quite sure what all the tech lingo means, and then flaunt it at every possible opportunity. It is basically the same as a small dog trying to catch a car, not knowing what to do with it once caught.

The list of equipment can be vast, thus it is important to be able to plan and have a clear picture of what is required on a shoot. Being prepared saves time and money. Having backups and sometimes a backup plan is also imperative. Put your project in good hands from the start with a trusted production company that ticks all these boxes. The right equipment plays a major role in the success of your video, but only when handled by the right team.

Have a look at this bloke trying to be funny with some very expensive equipment. Don’t trust him on your shoot.

Jukin Media Verified (Original) * For licensing / permission to use: Contact - licensing(at)jukinmediadotcom

27/08/2020

Throwback Thursday: Every time I see this pic I can hear the voice of Paul Carrack from Mike and the Mechanics singing "looking back over my shoulder..."
TV Commercial, 2005.

18/08/2020

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝟱: 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱

If it sounds too good to be true, you know you have the right production company. Arguably one of the most neglect areas of film making for amateur productions has to be sound. This encompasses not just the use of the necessary technical equipment, but the correct approach towards your sound design as a whole. Everything from the sound recorded on set, to the sound effects and music choice, will have an influence on the success of your video.

It happens quite often that inexperienced filmmakers will rock up with their camera kit, hoping to capture the magic, only to realize that they need to do interviews next to and airstrip or busy road. Or nobody told them that there are renovations happening on that particular day in the building. Or that the call center will, for some strange reason, not be able to shut down for the next couple of hours. Even the weather can sometimes act up on set. The sound of excessive wind, rain on a tin roof, or continues thunder can hinder the production if the team is not prepared. This boils down to a lack of experience and foresight during the planning phase. And no, not everything can be fixed in post, especially not on a stringent budget.

Be prepared to plan ahead for music rights. You won’t be able to slap in your favourite 80’s tune and expect it to go viral. Online video software has become advanced in such a way that it will detect whether your audio is subject to copyright infringements. An established production company will be able to deal and advise on all these matters, making it one less thing to worry about. Put yourself in good hands. A good sounding product, is equally as important as a good looking one.

Below is a very basic example of the difference between capturing audio with the right equipment, experience and technique vs. how easily it can go wrong.

This video demonstrates not only the importance of have good audio equipment, but also the value in knowing how to use it. Here are 3 clips which each show o...

11/08/2020

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝟰: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿

Maybe not always the most creative person on the shoot, but as the title suggests, someone needs to manage the production. The production manager is a key role in coordinating your video production. Everything from the schedule, daily operations, contracts, bookings, permissions, budget etc. should be handled by a skilled and trustworthy person who takes ownership of their duties. This puts the business into show business. A sort of left brain guiding the team on a tightrope.

This is also one of those key positions that should never be underestimated for the success of your production. Sometimes a Director/Cameraman will try and assure you that he has everything under control, just to drop the ball at some crucial stage. It might seem like a good enough idea for your wedding video, but not in the real world of tailor-made corporate or brand films.

Someone needs to deal with all the necessary behind-the-scenes niggles, paperwork and communication. It is when a runner comes and asks the director where he must buy pizza for lunch, that you realize you should have maybe opted for that more distinguished production company. Don’t let your production get inhibited by incompetent newbies. Rather count on experience, it will give you peace of mind and the comfort that you are in good hands. A proper production manager will keep clients updated and assured, while also managing his/her team to a successful end result.

Here is a nutshell example from someone in the industry explaining her role as a production manager and also sharing some advice.

Joanna Vellacott is a production manager. Joanna talks to us at Open Doors Cardiff, an event for young people to connect with industry professionals and lear...

06/08/2020

Throwback Thursday: Shooting a music video in the middle of the Hartbeespoort dam. A jib on a party boat to film a catamaran sailing past.

04/08/2020

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝟯: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿

The creative visionary and captain of the team. This is not just the person shouting “Action” and “Cut”. A director will take the script and turn it into a reality. He is in control of all the artistic and dramatic elements. This does not by any measure mean that a cool guy with a great camera, can claim the title of director. It is reserved for a highly skilled, experienced and knowledgeable individual. A director needs to be able to confidently guide the technical crew while also intimately working with the actors.

Having an experienced director on set, ultimately means that your production is in good hands. He/she will be able to listen to your needs, interpret it correctly and convey the plan across the whole team. One soon realizes just how masterfully they hold all the ropes together. It will instill the trust and confidence any company or individual is looking for when embarking on the video production journey.

The videos below offer an interesting look at just how a director is able to take your vision and transform it into something remarkable. Some years ago the motor company BMW, decided to make a series of brand videos, aptly titled; “The Hire”. They utilized various famous directors to each make a short film according to their own individual style. The results were rather interesting. Browse through some of them in this link.

The Hire is a series of short films made by BMW together with some of the worlds best directors. Powderkeg - starring Clive Owen, Lois Smith, Stellan Skarsga...