Zooming Through The Lens - BSOC Expo
WRITTEN BY WILL CLARKE
On the 15th of February, I was able to attend the British Society of Cinematographers Expo 2024, located in Battersea Park, London. The Expo held 146 Exhibits varying in scale, technology and companies showing both mass and niche market companies that made an appearance on the day such as ‘ARRI’, ‘CANON’ and ‘Accsoon Technology’. As a student filmmaker and who aspires to be a cinematographer, I found the expo useful as I gained hands on experience with some of the cameras around the exhibits, also with certain exhibits connecting to virtual production, I think is an intriguing, dynamic approach to student filmmakers wanting to understand new mediums and possibly adapt to them.
As said previously about virtual production, I looked to the ‘Accsoon Technology’ Exhibit which was located up on the mezzanine. They used Unreal Engine 5 as a template which allowed them to generate various objects through an iPad hooked up to the software which was plasted over a bluescreen almost like a canvas. The environment inside of Unreal can be altered or changed to the user’s liking.
This technology was fascinating and engaging as you were able to take the iPad, move around the space and see more than just what’s in front of you, which is all generated through Unreal Engine 5. From Accsoon Technology, I was able to use the ipad in action and walk around the mezzanine creating the generated warehouse where more cars were shown and the world itself was created through Unreal Engine to allow the user to walk around creating idyllic shots to their liking. Another favourite from the Expo was the Canon Exhibit which focused on virtual production and using video cameras to visually create the virtual background generated once again from Unreal Engine 5 which is taking over the industry at an accelerating rate. This demonstrates the use of both Flex Zoom Cine lenses as well as Cinema EOS range which together they can develop a high-quality virtual background which generated through Unreal Engine to add the 3D aesthetic. Also angling the camera through the virtual space to almost restructure the image turning it from 2D to 3D.
There was also a Lecture Theatre by the opposite side of the Expo which showed many different areas of Cinematography through both film and TV. The lectures took place on both the 15th and the 16th of February. From looking into Lens flares for creative use, hosted by Markus Forderer. To stepping into Virtual Production with Rosco and Lux Machina. With Professional speakers guiding guests into different areas of discussion for the specific module of interest for the seminars.