A popular Filipino children’s travel and exploration show called “Mang Lalakbay” is being shot using the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro. The program, created by The Jumpcat Experiment, began airing on ABS-CBN Kapamilya Network in September 2022.
Production Challenges and Solutions
“Mang Lalakbay” faces unique challenges due to its format, which includes a human host alongside puppet characters. Director Froi Fabella and managing director Joan Lopez-Florez emphasized the importance of high-quality images in any lighting condition, ease of setup, and flexibility during shooting.
Fabella stated that “The main target market of the show is kids. So we wanted the colors to be vibrant, fresh and as natural as can be.” The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro delivers on these requirements with its color details, consistent white balance, and sharp image quality.
Equipment Utilization
The Jumpcat Experiment uses Blackmagic Video Assist 7” 3G monitors and recorders alongside the Pocket Cinema Cameras. A SmartView 4K broadcast monitor serves as the director’s viewfinder. Post-production work, including editing and color correction, is handled using DaVinci Resolve Studio.
The cameras are essential for managing multiple shots effectively, especially when working with a human host and puppets. Fabella elaborated on how the Pocket Cinema Cameras’ 4K or 6K formats help in cropping without compromising image quality.
Remote Shooting Capabilities
The show’s production team frequently travels to remote locations across the Philippines, where low-light conditions and natural lighting are common. The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro’s small size, light weight, and low-light performance have proven invaluable for capturing high-quality footage with minimal lighting.
Lopez-Florez concluded that “We at Jumpcat are so honored that because of the work completed with Blackmagic Design cameras, a show like Mang Lalakbay, which is the first of its kind on Philippine TV, is appreciated and has gained a following.” The team plans to continue using the same equipment for Season 2.