On 1 May 2024, AZ Studio and Jue Film came together to present Capture & Craft, a one-day workshop that brought the film community face-to-face with the newest innovations in cinematography and colour science. Designed as both a technical showcase and an educational platform, the event introduced the ARRI ALEXA 35 digital cinema camera and offered an in-depth look at modern colour pipelines, led by some of the industry’s most respected practitioners.

 

The day opened with an eagerly anticipated session led by Will Chao, Director of Photography, who conducted a side-by-side comparison between the ARRI ALEXA Mini and the brand-new ARRI ALEXA 35. His demonstration highlighted the ALEXA 35’s advanced dynamic range and colour reproduction, with particular emphasis on its ability to produce more accurate, vibrant colours when working with LED light sources.

 

Attendees witnessed the tangible leap in image quality, with the ALEXA 35 delivering cleaner detail, smoother highlight roll-off, and a more cinematic palette that clearly sets it apart from its predecessor.

 

The focus then shifted from capture to post-production, where Senior Colourist Hootan Haghshenas, CSI and Matteo Curcio, ASE led a comprehensive workshop on colour grading and workflow management.

Their session explored:

 

 

To bring theory into practice, Hootan and Matteo ran a live grading session using the material captured during the earlier camera tests. Each camera’s footage was pushed to its limits, allowing participants to see how noise, fine detail, and colour depth were handled under demanding conditions. The comparison provided a rare chance to understand how capture choices directly affect grading possibilities.

 

The workshop welcomed students from film schools, independent filmmakers, and photographers, creating a diverse and engaged audience. The interactive format encouraged dialogue, with participants asking detailed technical questions and gaining practical insights from the experts. The event doubled as both a training ground and a networking hub, bridging the gap between emerging talent and established industry figures.

 

Capture & Craft was more than just a technical showcase—it was a collaborative exchange of ideas, knowledge, and artistry. By combining the cutting-edge capabilities of the ARRI ALEXA 35 with expert-led discussions on colour science, the workshop provided a clear vision of how technology and creativity will shape the future of moving images.

 

AZ Studio and Jue Film’s partnership highlighted the value of community-driven events where filmmakers can test, question, and learn—an investment not only in technology but in the next generation of storytellers.