The release of video-enabled cameras such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has pushed photographers to experiment with filmmaking. Edmond Terakopian is one of them. One year ago, he produced Muse, shot on Canon’s popular camera. Now, Terakopian is at it again. On 03 March, he released Homage. However, this time, he has used Olympus’ Pen E-P2 camera, a compact Micro FourThirds model, which offers 720p HD video. BJP talks to Terakopian about his experience with the E-P2.

Homage from Edmond Terakopian on Vimeo.

BJP: Why choose the Olympus E-P2 camera?
Terakopian: When I initially tested the E-P1 for BJP, I shot a few very quick test video clips and was impressed by the quality of the visuals. However without a microphone input, I didn't give it much attention. During my test of the E-P2 for the magazine, I was delighted to find an optional accessory (Olympus SEMA-1), which allows a microphone to be attached to the E-P2. This definitely had me interested in wanting to experiment shooting a film with it.

BJP: What were your first impressions of the camera in terms of its video capabilities?
Terakopian: The video is absolutely brilliant. Whilst it's not a Canon 5D Mark II or 1D Mark IV, it really is amazingly good. Although sound is automatic, you have full manual exposure control over the visuals. For my short film Homage, I shot mostly at above ISO1000 and the quality is rather good at 720p HD. Noise and colour were extremely well handled. What is a massive boost for this camera is the ability to be able to add various lenses to it. Although I shot the entire film using the Olympus 14-42mm kit lens and OM 50mm f1.4 and OM 85mm f2 lenses using an adapter, it opens up the possibility of using Leica M lenses and a whole assortment of weird and wonderful C-Mount lenses (with rather severe circular vignetting!).

BJP: How do you go about making such a film?
Terakopian: It's very important to have an idea and then a fuller script when making a project. My initial idea was relatively close to the finished product. The scripting aspect tightened things up. It's also good to have a script as the talent can get a copy ahead of time to get accustomed to what the idea is. Lastly, I'll say that it's also important to be free thinking and take things in from the location, talent and assistants. For example as it was snowing heavily on the day of the shoot, my whole opening sequence had to be scrapped. My assistant Antje came up with a great opening scene idea, which I ended up incorporating.

BJP: What accessories did you use?
Terakopian: One of the good things about the E-P2 is its size. As it's small and lightweight, photographic tripods work well in keeping things steady (as long as one doesn't need to pan). I used two Manfrotto carbon fibre tripods to keep the two E-P2s steady. I also used a Hoodman focusing loupe designed for DSLRs to aid with manual focusing. Lastly, audio was taken care of using the excellent Rode VideoMic, which I mounted on a side flash bracket.

For editing, I imported all the video files into Aperture 3. This allowed me to flick through all the clips and make my initial edit. I then made notes of good scenes within each clip, which I wrote in their respective metadata fields. After I had my rough cut done in my head, all the files were exported into a folder. These were then converted to Apple ProRes 422 using Compressor (to aid editing without having to constantly render). The film was then edited in Final Cut Pro and some of the sound was edited in Soundtrack Pro. However my initial plan to edit over two days expanded into almost five as there was a very complex multicam scene, which is extremely important to the story. Although I had to filter all the audio (very simple five minute job) to get rid of the subtle auto gain hiss, I was pleased that the auto gain isn't as aggressive as other systems I've tried.

BJP: What is your opinion of the E-P2 capabilities, especially in light of the other DSLRs you've used to shoot films?
Terakopian: As I mentioned, I wouldn't rate it as highly as my Canon 5D Mark II. However, it's much smaller, lighter and cheaper as is now part of my working kit. Up to ISO1600 and as long as I don't need 1080p HD, I'm more than happy using the E-P2 for 720p HD. Whilst I have my favourite Canon lenses (35mm f1.4L and the 85mm f1.2L II) the ability to be able to use my Leica optics on the E-P2 is a very attractive option. There is a new American company that is about to release a 50mm f0.95mm lens for the Micro 4/3 mount which also adds to the excitement of this system.

BJP: What’s next for you?
Terakopian: I have a script idea for my next film. But, I'm not telling, so watch this space.

Homage premiered on 03 March at the Brick House in London during Olympus' Pen event.

Image © Edmond Terakopian.