The industry is changing, perhaps most notably from a technological standpoint, starting with cameras. Filmmakers such as Sturla Brandth Grøvlen are pushing the state-of-the-art. Using devices such as the DJI Ronin 4D camera, they’re developing remarkable innovative storytelling techniques. Tim Palmer, a renowned photographer and writer, refers to the effect of these new cameras as “phenomenal.” He focuses on their ability to uplift film stories.
The new DJI Ronin 4D camera, with its built-in stabilizer, has already proven a game changer for filmmakers. Powered by its unique array of built-in sensors that track human movement with extreme precision, it can achieve long single takes — often known in the industry as “oners.” These long take sequences lend a cinematic quality to the immersive nature of urgency of stories told in first person, engaging viewers further into the narrative. Cinematographer Brandth Grøvlen shot long, fluid master shots in one go with this camera. He can’t overstate the importance of keeping it lightweight by using only the most essential accessories. This intentional decision allows for more dynamic shooting flexibility.
Personally, it’s not going to make me want to watch something because it’s shot in one take. I want to watch these things because they’re good, Palmer continued, pointing out that despite the amazing new technique, the strength of the storytelling is always going to be the most important thing. More and more filmmakers are opting for smaller, lighter cameras like those found in Canon’s Cinema EOS lineup. Beyond advanced optical technology, these cameras offer outstanding versatility in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
Long single takes have been the bread and butter of cinematic mastery for years. Though they may not be new, recent advances in technology have redefined how filmmakers create them. In 2014, Tim Palmer wrote and directed the hospital drama Critical, which featured some complicated, long takes down busy hospital corridors. One action-packed sequence that played out over three full minutes perfectly demonstrated the difficulty and layman’s joy of trying to film dynamic movement in real-time. The experience highlighted what a powerful role technology can play in supporting traditional art forms like filmmaking.
The new TV series Adolescence took this idea to another level, shooting each of its four episodes in a single take. Clocking in at just under an hour each episode, it’s a truly cinematic accomplishment. This breathtaking technical feat made it possible for the camera to follow characters in and out of frenetic scenes fluidly. The ability to switch from handheld to vehicle-mounted filming provided filmmakers with unprecedented freedom to explore different perspectives and movements.
“The camera often represents point of view,” said Booker T Mattison, emphasizing the narrative depth achieved through such innovative filming techniques. He further asserted that these advancements “absolutely, 100% allow you to tell better, more dynamic stories.” And there are so many filmmakers who just deeply resonate with that. They realize that high resolution cameras, drone technology, and light weight designs can revolutionize what stories can be told on screen.
Filmmaker Sturla Brandth Grøvlen’s use of the new DJI Ronin 4D camera reflects this change in filmmaking process perfectly. As he stressed, “There’s no artifice or trimming the fat,” creating an intimate, almost voyeuristic experience that has viewers glued to their seats. The spontaneity of long takes creates a feeling of being “very much in the moment,” allowing viewers to become more invested in the unfolding drama.
As the industry pushes the boundaries of developing technologies, filmmakers are finding new modalities to tell stories that engage and inspire viewers. The combination of these cutting-edge cameras creates a potential for creativity and spontaneity that wasn’t possible before. The flexibility to change grips on the camera and movement into shooting action sequences helps prevent shakiness, creating a more visually dynamic experience.