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Digital Studio showcases the best kit stocked by Dubai-based Action Filmz, a rental house and studio owned by director of Photography Crispin Dominic.
Dominic, who started his career in still photography with Iranian photographer Faramarz Beheshti, whom he calls his mentor, says he learnt the ropes from him.
A decade or more later, Dominic, who worked in several different roles within production gradually moved up the ranks and today collaborates with several big media houses in Dubai as DoP. His most recent work was as DoP on a FIFA promo for Boomtown Productions and Jotun Paints with Alchemy Films.
Although he started working on 35mm, Dominic says he is well versed with many of the industry favourites for production including the Sony, Panasonic and Red cameras.
Four years ago, the DoP decided to venture into the rental business with just two lights.
“I used to watch what other rental houses did not have and used to take my gear with me to shoots and rent them out as well,” says Dominic.
Today, he owns a rental house with a range of solutions including lighting and grips, which are his specialty.
As an Indian, Dominic has also sourced several solutions from his home country including a dimmer rack.
”I have picked up a few things from the Indian market although the bulk of my kit is from Europe. In my opinion, we have a very well developed industry in India and I have been able to purchase some solutions that offer the same functionality and reliability as their European counterparts but for a fourth of the price,” explains Dominic.
Dominic, who often deals with the manufacturers directly is quick to add that the region sorely lacks good service centres.
“We do not have well equipped local centres to service our equipment if they break down. You will notice that if rental houses have broken their lamps, they usually just let them waste away as there’s no one to repair them. With more rental houses and production happening here, it is crucial that local suppliers and resellers are well equipped not just to sell systems but also provide good after-sales support,” he adds.
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Jimmy Jib
This is often used with a lot Indian productions and I’m glad I have this.
Kino Flo
We probably have the most Kino Flos of any rental house in Dubai. I have 38 different Kino Flos in my store.
Studio Floor
This studio floor has an infinity curve, which is great if you’re shooting chroma or filming cars. This studio can easily accommodate a car.
Arri Lights
I started off in lighting and am well known in the industry for this. I have everything from the LED LITE panels to the HMIs and the tungstens. I have almost every lamp that Arri has made as well.
Chimera
The Chimera accessories make a film set look great and the quality is of a very high standard.
GFM
The GFM grips can be used for about 30 to 40 years and they will still look brand new. I’m sure this will take over a lot of other grip brands. When I have the money, I plan to invest in one of their cranes as well. This is one company that is very passionate about what they are doing and it shows in the quality of their equipment.
New tracks
This dolly track is my newest GFM toy and I hope to use it more although I do have Movie Tech and other brands. I’m sure this track will serve me well.
Panther Dolly
These dollies are not so popular here because of the British influence of filmmaking here. But there is a market for Indian productions as they love the Panther Dolly. It’s a very sophisticated dolly and I can buy them unlike most others in its class that can only be leased from the manufacturer.
When I had to make a choice between owning one and leasing one, I chose the former. Leasing equipment brings with it a lot of challenges that I am not in a position to meet.
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