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The Revolution in Digital Filmmaking
In a significant technological leap for the film industry, Blackmagic Design recently announced its pivotal role in producing the full-length documentary “Common Ground.” The documentary was exclusively shot using Blackmagic Design digital film cameras and was further refined using DaVinci Resolve Studio for editing, grading, visual effects (VFX), and audio post-production. The entire process was hosted on Blackmagic Cloud, marking a new chapter in film post-production.
The Legacy of “Kiss the Ground” Continues
“Common Ground” is a sequel to the acclaimed “Kiss the Ground.” Continuing the narrative, it highlights the ancient yet innovative approach of “regenerative agriculture.” This method has demonstrated potential in sustainable farming and climate change mitigation, water conservation, and global food supply stabilization. With filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell at the helm, the documentary was recognized and celebrated at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, clinching the Human Nature Award. The film’s voice is strengthened by the narration provided by notable figures like Laura Dern, Jason Momoa, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, and Donald Glover.
Choosing Blackmagic Design
During “Kiss the Ground’s” production, the Tickells were introduced to Blackmagic Design cameras. Impressed by its adaptability and resilience, Josh Tickell stated, “We felt like the Blackmagic Design workflow was the answer.” Their toolkit for “Common Ground” incorporated two Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K digital film cameras and two Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6Ks. These instruments ensured high-quality interviews, effective fieldwork coverage, and even high-speed shots.
Hoping to give the documentary a cinematic touch, Josh emphasized their intent: “We wanted a bright sunny look, big, bold blues, greens, and nice skin tones.” The combination of Pictor zoom and prime lenses with Blackmagic cameras achieved this vision. Moreover, the decision to shoot in Blackmagic RAW with a constant bitrate of 12:1 ensured adaptability in post-production.
Seamless Post-Production Experience
Transitioning to DaVinci Resolve Studio, the Tickells found the process surprisingly smooth. “We pumped more than 300 hours of footage through Resolve using a 10 GB ecosystem, and we found that it was stronger in many ways than our previous NLE,” Josh revealed. Blackmagic Cloud played an instrumental role in streamlining post-production, offering an accessible platform for collaboration among artists.
One of the significant advantages of this system was its flexibility. After premiering at Tribeca, feedback from multiple screenings allowed the team to refine both the edit and the grade for different outputs, including the theatrical and streaming releases. Josh reiterated the advantages of the DaVinci Resolve system, highlighting its efficiency, especially in the world of documentaries.
About Blackmagic Design
Renowned for its world-class video editing products, digital film cameras, and more, Blackmagic Design has reshaped the domains of feature film, post-production, and television broadcast industries. Their innovations, from 6G-SDI to 12G-SDI products, 3D workflows, and the award-winning DaVinci color correction products, have set industry standards. Rooted in expertise, the company was founded by elite post-production editors and engineers. With its global presence, Blackmagic Design continues to inspire and innovate. For more insights, visit www.blackmagicdesign.com.
