Finding the Tempo
Filming a high-energy freestyle football video in the vibrant streets of Sydney with the new Leica SL3-S camera is an exciting challenge that captures the city’s unique pulse and rhythm.
Go behind the scenes with acclaimed Director of Photography and Photographer, Simon Ozolins, as he laces up the boots to meet this challenge in his hometown.
For me, capturing the moment is everything and this camera hits the mark.
Simon Ozolins
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From busy urban streets to picturesque waterfronts, Sydney offers a diverse landscape that perfectly mirrors the versatility and quick responsiveness of the Leica SL3-S. This camera is built for dynamic shooting — whether it’s a player performing a trick play or a quick pass between teammates, the SL3-S captures every frame with precision.
Innovation
Making full use of Leica’s fastest and most precise autofocus system ever made, sharp images are maintained even when the action is unpredictable and fast. The camera’s ability to lock onto a player’s feet when weaving through a crowd or a through-ball in tight spaces means you can keep up the energy without fear of losing track of the subject.
Design
The versatility of the Leica SL3-S design with its compact form factor allows filmmakers to experiment with various shooting angles and perspectives. You can seamlessly transition from wide shots capturing the stunning Sydney skyline to intimate close-ups of players in the heat of the moment.
Performance
A key feature of the SL3-S that perfectly complements street football is its In Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS). When shooting up-tempo scenes such as those with acrobatic moves being performed, this technology ensures the video remains smooth and steady. The Leica SL3-S keeps the shots fluid and controlled, enabling filmmakers to focus on storytelling rather than the camera.
The ease with which you can switch between different lenses with the SL3-S offers unmatched flexibility. From a wide-angle lens to capture sweeping views of the city, to a fast prime lens for close-ups of players’ expressions, the camera can handle it all with its L-mount System.
This adaptability is essential when filming street football, where you often need to react quickly to spontaneous moments. Whether you're capturing a slow-motion shot of a perfectly timed goal or a quick pan of a player evading a defender, the Leica SL3-S allows you to quickly adjust and continue shooting, ensuring that no moment is missed.
About Simon Ozolins
Simon Ozolins is a highly regarded, multi award-winning Director of Photography with an extensive body of work across film, television, short films, documentary and commercials. He is an accredited member of The Australian Cinematographers Society.
His recent TV series work includes Amazon Prime’s dark, feminist crime drama, Deadloch, shot in Tasmania, and Netflix’s record-breaking HeartBreak High for which he was nominated for an ACCTA award for best cinematography.
All behind-the-scenes stills taken by Lachlan Starling.
©2024 Lachlan Starling.
