Why Filmmaker Joshua Martin uses a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro rigged with Wooden Camera gear on his productions.
Why Filmmaker Joshua Martin uses a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro rigged with Wooden Camera gear on his productions.
Whether he’s working alone or with a small crew, Joshua Martin has an eye for detail that allows him to capture amazing shots whether he’s working on a documentary, content for his Youtube channel or commercial work. With the versatility of his subject matter he needs a camera that can keep up with his work and accessories that match the pace. Enter the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro and the Wooden Camera accessories that take it to the next level.
We spoke with filmmaker and Sunny Sixteen Creator, Joshua Martin about his workflow and the gear he uses to rig his Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro to create filmmaking content, documentaries, and more.
Tell us about yourself. Can you give a brief description of your company/work and your role?
My name is Joshua Martin, and I am one of the creators of Sunny Sixteen, INC, a production team that focuses on online branded content. I love the marriage between technical skills and problem-solving on set. My goal from DP to 1st AC is to streamline the process while executing the shot.
What kind of shoots are you normally on? How does that affect how you build a rig/load out? What is your typical subject matter?
I typically work in the small documentary and commercial space. 2-3 person crews or solo on production. The subject matter I film is hero stories, product commercials, and some narrative films on the side. I've built my rig to be as efficient as possible and have few changes between projects. I only change up my BMPCC6K Pro cage when I use the A-Box for audio or need to build it out for larger lenses. Outside of that, the core components stay constant.
Why did you decide to go with the Wooden Camera for your accessories? How long have you been using Wooden Camera gear? What do you like about it?
I've been a Wooden Camera user for the last three years. In addition, the BMPCC6K Pro cage was unique compared to the market. The cage system gives space for true customization while providing a simple design with the baseplate. I like the top portion of the cage. It has lots of ¼-20s for endless rigging. I also really like the top handle.
What challenges or problems created a need for this solution (our gear)? What were you looking for in a solution? How did Wooden Camera gear solve these problems?
I push camera accessories to their limits. Brands like Smallrig and Tilta are good cheap options, but I've worn their accessories out over the years.
Describe your workflow and the ways you use our system.
As a DP and 1st AC, proper camera accessories are a must. A complete camera build for me consists of a camera cage, baseplate with 15mm rods, top and side handle, dovetail base, follow focus, battery plate, and lens support, which allows me to add supporting accessories like the Wooden Camera Ultra Arms, V-Mount lock plate, or EVF mount.
I like to use a dual handle for the BMPCC 6K Pro rig; it gives me more versatility and stability. It also allows me to add a quick mount on the top handle for an easy rig.
How has our gear helped while traveling and shooting on location?
Traveling has been relatively easy with my BMPCC 6K Pro cage system. The quick nato releases for base plate and rod make for a fast tear down. It all packs nicely in my Tenba roadie 21-inch backpack.
Has your new workflow meaningfully changed your day-to-day operations, if so, how?
It becomes a no brainer. Everything just works well together. All of the safety features ease my stress.
From traveling around the globe to shoot his next doc, to creating reviews of must-have filmmaking gear, Joshua Martin knows what he needs to get the job done. If versatility and reliability are boxes you want to check when building your BMPCC6K Pro rig, then take a note from Joshua’s book and reach for Wooden Camera kits and accessories.
Learn more about Joshua Martin’s full BMPCC 6K Pro rig in his Ultimate BMPCC 6K PRO Documentary Setup & BMPCC 6k G2 video:
Ultimate BMPCC 6K PRO
Documentary Setup & BMPCC 6K G2
For more from Joshua Martin, follow him on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube. For more ways to build out the Ultimate BMPCC 6K Pro or BMPCC 6K G2 Rig, check out our Top 10 Essential Accessories blog!
Have you picked up a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro or G2 yet? What projects do you shoot with yours?
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