HOUSE Season Finale TONIGHT- Shot entirely on Canon 5D MKII
Tonight marks a big night in HDDSLR and Canon 5D MKII history. The Fox Networks “House” series is one of the most successful on TV today – and they are airing their SEASON FINALE tonight – shot exclusively with the Canon 5D MKII!
I think this is perhaps one of the most important moments in the HDDSLR’s history to date – because it is in effect becoming a bonafide tool used in prime time television – for a major series.
DP Gale Tatersall and director Greg Yaitanes are in effect giving this camera a huge nod or approval. While many of us have been well aware of the Canon 5D MKII for close to 2 years now – understand that this is going to make a pretty big impact on a lot of people in Hollywood/film/television – who still have yet to “really” hear about this camera or still doubt that it is ready for major productions.
Yes – many of the DPs, Director and many producers out there have of course heard of this camera… but now you should expect a lot of Executive Producers, studios, actors and others to pay attention – when they realize it was used for a season finale on FOX.
Unfortunately, I’m going to have to record the series tonight – as I’m actually shooting a commercial gig in downtown LA on a RED (ironic isn’t it?!? The spot is very heavy on Special FX/CGI/Post and we could not use the Canon HDDSLR as originally planned… note to Canon we need RAW footage please!!!!) – but you can BET I’ll be watching this episode early tomorrow morning when I get back from the all night shoot. I hear that Gale used all Canon EF glass for this series – with his regular crew… mostly the 24~70mm 2.8 and 70~200mm 2.8… which is a very interesting choice.
Here’s a main and key point to take away from this as well: I hear that this episode took longer and cost more than a standard episode to produce… so while HDDSLR systems are cheaper and require small camera support – obviously: a lot of other things (crew/talent/permits etc.) still cost close to the same…. something I’ve been telling many producers over the past 1-2 years. This is especially true when you have an incredibly experienced crew – that is introduced to an entirely new camera system… it may take them a little extra time to get adjusted to the new system… another thing that I’ve been sharing w/ people – there is a learning curve (albeit a short one) with these cameras for even the most highly experienced union crews.
I have no idea where that extra time and money went – or if it was in any way related to the Canon HDDSLRs causing delays etc – as far as I know this could be a very complex episode of course and have nothing to do with the camera. That being said – I’d be surprised if they didn’t face some technical challenges along the way (and truth be told I have heard that they did in fact run into a few POST related hiccups – which is to be expected.)
The Episode airs on the FOX Channel tonight at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT – and should be available on iTunes thereafter… can’t wait to see it!
How long does it take an episode of house to show up on itunes these days?
The story was good and the look was great!
…and of course I meant to record it and checking your blog reminded me I didn’t! iTunes here I come! Can’t wait to check it out.
Well, now that was a great show! I have to admit, I waited for this episode with a bit of trepidation. Will it meet all the hype or will it fizzle and make countless dollars and hours invested in the use of HDSLRs moot? Nope, it was as expected. A great story shot with a pretty good camera. Not bad for something in its infancy.
Fantastic. I’m a House fan and really enjoy how the “look” of each episode is crafted slightly different, depending on the story of the week. All the previous season finale’s were excellent and this one didn’t disappoint. Unfortunately, I don’t get programming in HD. I can not wait to see this again in HD and can not wait to see where else HDDSLR’s show up in cinema!
No rolling shutter issues on fast pans (at the beginning of the episode). How come?
Unreal to think that has been filmed on a digital SLR.
I must admit I never thought that video on digital SLR’s would reach this far and this is only the beginning. Very soon I can see Hollywood Blockbusters being filmed by a bunch of 5D MKII’s and not just by the pro’s either.
Great stuff.
Thanks for sharing.
I will be curious to know if they recorded on the bilt in CF slot or if they recorded the Full HD signal by the HDMI output.
I heard that it’s possible keep the full HD no compress signal of the 5D by an external recorder. For that tips you must not record on the 5D but use an external recorder with no destructive signal codec.
That’s make a really big difference for the final quality of the picture. Even more for the all post-production workflow: FX effect, moiré (not the sensor one), color correction…
Do anyone have the answer ?
Living in France & looking on the web teaser or streaming doesn’t give the answer on the compression quality. May be US viewer can tell me more about it, even if any TV channel, at the head-end control room, cast with compression !
Hope that my question has a sense for Vincent Laforet readers.
Thanks to V.Laforet for your blog, tips and the last week training.
I get few tips and i am now also in process to improve my english ! As a TV engineer i learn a lot with it in terms of vocabulary and the way to communicate to be understood by the crew. That was a unique feature.
Thanks Vincent
After Dr House on TV Set is time for movie theater.
Yes a feature film is shown this week at the Cannes film festival. Most of the feature is shot with Canon 5D Mark II. Due to my french frog english, for more information here is below a link from the NYTime that say everything we need.
Enjoy it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/16/movies/16hellman.html
I hear that this episode took longer and cost more than a standard episode to produce …
Big set. Lots of extras.
I am very excited to watch the new episode of House. Thanks for the post. I had a question, I read the comment from another blog below. I will be buying new gear soon and I don’t want to regret my purchase in the next twelve months. Is there any truth to the post below? If so, I think I will just wait it out and buy a few nice lenses.
BLOG POST FROM:
5D Mark III & Other Tidbits
from Canon Rumors by Canon Rumors
5D Mark III in 2011
Vincent Laforet on a recent webcast alluded to the next incarnation of the 5D coming “next year”.
He also mentioned Canon is committed to improving the mini HDMI connector on the cameras.
It’s rare to hear any of the sponsored photographers mention future products.
I saw the episode last night, thought the picture quality was outstanding. How it performed in the virtually all low light, to no light situations was just a testament to the low light sensativity of these cameras.
As a previous poster said, the added cost was the fact that they had a HUGE set for the finale, along with a lot more extras than they usually do.
Too bad TV isn’t broadcast in 1080p, or it would have been just amazing.