Narrative Setup – Mediazone

Narrative Setup

A short film or narrative setup replicates the workflow of professional filmmaking in a scaled-down environment suitable for students. This setup is designed for creative storytelling where image quality, mood, and atmosphere are as important as clear dialogue. The use of multiple cameras allows for master shots, coverage, and inserts, making editing smoother and more versatile. Support gear like sliders, dollies, and gimbals introduce motion and cinematic style, while lighting kits enable students to shape the look of a scene with precision. With careful audio capture using shotgun mics, blimps, and lavaliers, students can experiment with building a complete film language. This kind of setup teaches not only how to handle technical gear but also how to plan, block, and direct scenes effectively.

GETTING SET UP

Cameras/Tripods

Cameras

Use the Sony FS5 as the A-camera, you can also use the Panasonic GH7 and or the Sony PXW-z100 for multiple angles or as a substitute for the FS5.
Mount the cameras on a Manfrotto Large or Medium tripod for stability and to capture smooth pans and tilts, it’s also recommended to check out the slider or gimbal for more dynamic shots. If filming on a smooth surface, check out the Tripod Universal Dolly to move the tripod around easily.

SONY PXW-FS5

PANASONIC GH7

SONY PXW-Z100

Manfrotto Large Video Tripod

Manfrotto Medium Video Tripod

Universal Tripod Dolly

Zhiyun DSLR Gimbal Stabilizer

Manfrotto Manual Camera Slider

Microphones

Microphones

Capture dialogue with a Shotgun Microphone inside the Rode Blimp Kit, feeding audio into the Tascam DR-70D Field Recorder for professional sound and for independent audio channel capture. These can also be connected directly to any of the recommended cameras.
Use Sennheiser Wireless Lavalier for backup or discreet placement when mics need to stay hidden on actors.
Consider adding a Tascam or H2Next Sound Recorder in close proximity for secondary audio capture.

Tascam DR-70D Field Recorder

Shotgun/Directional Mic

Rode Blimp Kit

Seinnheiser Wireless Lavalier

Wired Lavalier To Minijack (3M)

Tascam Sound Recorder

Zoom H2Next Sound Recorder

Lighting

Lighting

Light the scene using the Ikan Milo 3-Light Kit for your main setup (key, fill, and back).
Add creative accents or color effects with the Aputure RGBWW light to match mood or tone.
Use a reflector to soften shadows or bounce light into darker areas when needed.
Ask for colour gels from the Studio Assistant during checkout!

Ikan Milo 3-Light Set

Aputure RGBWW Camera Light

Neewer 5 In 1 Reflector Kit

Accessories

Extras

M4/3 Prime Lens Kit
7.5mm for the wide shot.
25mm or 45mm for close-ups → more cinematic look.
Control brightness outdoors with Variable ND Filters to keep shots consistent.
Feelworld On-Camera Monitor
Best used on the wide shot for framing and focus clarity.
Cables
Ensure you have all necessary cables for seamless connectivity.
Health & Safety
Sandbag your setup and gaffer cables securely to prevent accidents.
Foldable Trolley
Extremely useful for transporting equipment efficiently.

M4/3 Lens Kit

Feelworld On-Camera Monitor

Variable ND Filters

Cables

Health and Safety

Foldable Trolley

Facilities

Facilities (Optional)

If convenient, the Mediazone TV Production Studio offers a versatile environment that can support a wide range of narrative productions, with:

A choice of black, white, or green screen backgrounds.
Flexible setup options, including table & chairs, director’s chairs, or sofa seating.

For projects that require voiceovers or ADR, the Audio Production Studio is also available, providing a controlled space for high-quality sound recording.

TV Production Studio

Audio Production Studio

Great productions are built on collaboration!

If your project needs more than one of the same piece of equipment, team up with your fellow students and collaborators — each person can book their own kit, and together you’ll have everything you need.

Great productions are built on collaboration! If your project needs more than one of the same piece of equipment, team up with your fellow students and collaborators — each person can book their own kit, and together you’ll have everything you need.