Creative filmmaking with Shogun

A non-profit film production company based in Montreal, Canada, Hydrangea recently celebrated its first anniversary in business. Co-founded by Chelsea Harada, who serves as one of the executive directors and main producers, the company takes immense pride in its dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusiveness within the film industry. “Our mission at Hydrangea Films is to produce films directed by women, BIPOC, and/or LGBTQIA2+ artists,” Harada explains. “We believe that every artist deserves the opportunity to create and express themselves through filmmaking.”

The company recently completed filming two projects; an experimental dance film named Shadows of Phantoms and a poignant fictional film called Absolved. “Shadows of Phantoms explores the themes of death, loss and renewal through abstract and contemporary dance. Whereas Absolved, which was funded by the Canada Arts Council, tells the story of generational trauma in an immigrant Filipino household in Montreal,” Harada described.

The projects were captured using Sony A7 IV and FX3 cameras paired with Nisi Athena Prime lenses to achieve high-quality cinematic footage. Mounted on a Steadicam, the FX3 was linked through an SDI cable and combined with the Accsoon Cineview Transmitter Receiver kit for efficient wireless video transmission.

To ensure precise focus control during complex shots, the team used a Tilta Nucleus-Nano wireless system. The Atomos Shogun was essential as a director’s monitor, providing sharp, high resolution visuals and ensuring the creative vision was accurately captured. “The Shogun is big enough to serve as a director’s monitor, but also small enough that it can be handled comfortably,” adds Harada.

Shooting in a compact, low-light studio presented several challenges for the team. The confined space made it difficult to set up equipment without affecting the aesthetics of the film. “Since the projects were very art-focused, it was crucial that both the image department and the art direction department had the space to work and could see the set correctly to make the necessary adjustments,” explains Harada.

“We had multiple devices connected to the Shogun, allowing each department its own space to review footage.”