Vary depth of field in film
Cinefade is a camera accessory that allows cinematographers to gradually transition between a deep and a shallow depth of field in one shot at constant exposure to accentuate a moment of extreme drama in film or to make a client's product stand out in commercials.
Our motorised variable ND filter can also be used in VariND mode to achieve interior to exterior transition shots without ‘riding the iris’ and to control reflections on automotive shoots with the remotely controlled RotaPola.
WATCH Introduction video
The in-camera Cinefade effect is a novel storytelling tool and the gradual transition between a sharp and a blurry background is a new way of immersing the audience in your story.
“I wanted a severe depth of field shift to accentuate Liam Neeson’s experience - something to isolate him from his surrounding world. Cinefade was exactly what we were looking for.”
“I liked the idea of taking bespoke moments in ‘Mank’ and isolating characters with a variable depth of field. David [Fincher] had asked for a way to do this and it became a huge part of the film. I love the product, it’s great.”
How Cinefade works
A cmotion lens control system slaves an iris motor to our new cmotion Cinefade VariND. The in-camera effect is remotely controlled with a cmotion cPRO lens control system via the hand unit.
The iris is operated to vary depth of field.
Our variable ND filter automatically keeps exposure constant.
Watch SETUP VIDEO
Variable ND filter
Our new cmotion Cinefade VariND consists of a Motorised Polariser and a Static Polariser. When inserted into a matte box together, they form a variable ND filter that works as a standalone VariND or as a remotely controlled, dynamically adjustable variable ND filter for professional filmmakers.
Watch INT to EXT shot
The Cinefade VariND can be remotely controlled and enables cinematographers to maintain a constant exposure and T-stop in changing light conditions, for example during an interior-to-exterior Steadicam transition shot.
Motorised RotaPola
The cmotion Cinefade VariND consists of a Motorised Polariser and a Static Polariser. Insert the Motorised Polariser into a matte box by itself and use it as a remotely controllable rotating polariser that requires minimal mounting and allows for maximum control with or without a cPRO lens control system.
Automotive productions often use a crane, Russian Arm, TechnoDolly or car rig to stabilise and move the camera, making the camera and its accessories inaccessible to the crew. Wireless control is therefore essential and the Cinefade Motorised Polariser enables filmmakers to remotely control a polariser via the cmotion cPro lens control system.
“I used the Cinefade RotaPola to make reflections less disturbing - not to let them draw attention and to keep the car looking its best. For example, when going from the windshield over to the side of the car, I would set two positions and operate the RotaPola to match the movement.”
Applications
The cmotion Cinefade VariND can be used with or without a cmotion lens control system combining five useful applications in one solution.
Variable depth of field effect
The Motorised Polariser together with the Static Polariser form a variable ND filter that is slaved to an iris motor and controlled remotely with the cmotion cPRO LCS, allowing cinematographers to vary depth of field in film.
Remote Variable ND
The Motorised Polariser together with the Static Polariser form a variable ND filter that can be remotely controlled with the cmotion cPRO LCS, allowing filmmakers to control the density of the light filter whenever the camera is inaccessible, for example enabling INT to EXT Steadicam shots without riding the iris (find out more).
Standalone Variable ND
The Motorised Polariser together with the Static Polariser form a variable ND filter that can be directly adjusted via two buttons on the motor block, without the need for a LCS, saving the AC time when adjusting ND values (find out more).
Remote Polariser
The Motorised Polariser can be remotely adjusted with a cmotion cPRO lens control system to control polarisation effects like reflections and blue skies and animate them over time (find out more).
Standalone Polariser
The Motorised Polariser can also be adjusted directly via two buttons on the motor block, without the need for a lens control system, enabling precise and repeatable adjustments of the polariser.
Hire and buy Cinefade
A complete system is available to hire worldwide directly through us and our rental partners. The Cinefade VariND is also now shipping to customers. Get in touch to use the system in your production or be amongst the first to own your own novel Cinefade system.
