Zach Hoover

Assistant Camera at Kinopicz American

[zachmhoover]

Schooley Caldwell - Hoster Brewery Redevelopment

Earlier this year we, at Kinopicz, produced a short documentary at a pitch for Schooley Caldwell to redevelop a historic section of the Brewery District in Columbus, Ohio. Schooley recently won that pitch, so we can now publicly share the film. My positions in the piece were as a gaffer/grip, on-set sound mixer, and B-Roll camera. I do not often work on either documentaries or sound mixing, so I am more than happy with the results.

[zachmhoover]

“Into Focus” - Teaser Trailer

I could not be more excited for my directorial debut. I directed, wrote, produced, and edited “Into Focus,” a film submission for Mid Ohio Filmmakers Association’s Three Weeks of Terror Film Festival. This is the most passionate I have ever been of a narrative film, and I cannot be more thrilled to see it on the big screen.

[zachmhoover]

Beartooth - Disease (Official Music Video)

My second music video this year was far bigger than the first. Beartooth visited our studio almost unannounced, as the project was pulled together almost entirely over a weekend. Not only was I acting as a studio/location manager nad painted an entire cyc black, but I was Best Boy Electric on the twelve-hour shoot. Obviously the video involved many practical effects, including sky panel strobes and foreground paint. My biggest contribution was continuously tilting one of the back-lights to the music’s beat.

[zachmhoover]

Portraits with Vintage Lenses

When you and your camera-friend both have vintage lenses, you take portraits of each other. One of the major advantages of mirrorless cameras is you can adapt literally any lens. The Helios 44-2 58mm and Takumar 50mm might be my favorite lenses ever. I love my Sony FE glass, but they simply lack the character of the screw mounts. The swirly bokeh and warm tint is so beautiful and interesting.

[zachmhoover]

Golden Retriever Puppy Photography

Got the new Tamron 28 - 75 f2.8 lens and tested it out on a friend’s new golden retriever puppy. The lens was pretty good, but not as cute as the pup.

[zachmhoover]

Donavan’s Story

As A Kid Again moves forward and expands outside Ohio, we at Kinopicz worked on a couple more story-focused videos. The opportunity provides further chances to test my A7 III’s slow motion capabilities for B Roll, as well as further gaffing experiences. The exterior interviews were especially challenging since the sun was rapidly moving overhead and causing some minor exposure issues. Both parents performed well on camera, and the video really captures the essence of A Kid Again.

[zachmhoover]

Capital University Graduation Photography

Some of my good friends graduated from Capital, so I had a wonderful time testing my new 35 and 85mm prime lenses. Group photos are still really difficult for me, and the weather was dreary, but everything turned out okay. I wish I focused more time on framing, and maybe even have used a flash. Time was short though, and the results are not terrible.

[zachmhoover]

2018 AHA Heart Walk Hype Video

Editing is hardly my forte, but it is an enjoyable process, and you only get better with time. I recently created a hype video for the local American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk. Most the time was spent searching for music and organizing the client’s assets. I am no expert in the post-production department, but I am starting to build a strong foundation.

[zachmhoover]

Downtown Columbus Rokinon 14mm

So not only did I upgrade my camera, but I have come upon some new glass as well. The weather is finally nice in the Midwest, so I took my new 14mm Rokinon for a spin. The focal length is crazy wide, and I am delighted with the outcome. I am usually partial to long lenses, but it feels great to get good results on a first attempt.

[zachmhoover]

New Camera

I have finally retired my Sony A7s for the newer A7 III. It seemed like the perfect balance between my photography and video workflow, and so far I am impressed. The dynamic range is superb, and the auto-focus is quick. Now if only the weather would cooperate...

[zachmhoover]

AHA Heart Ball 2018 Portraits

I always have trouble with group photos, so I celebrate if I can get something even moderately good. These images were taken after a survivor video shoot as part of the Central Ohio American Heart Association Heart Ball. I wish I had a lower aperture lens for a milkier background, but I made my 24 - 70 f4 work anyway. I don’t hate the lighting either, but I wish the sun hit the subjects less from the top.

[zachmhoover]

MAT Mobile

Another recent venture of mine was an internal promo video for Monster Energy. The project focuses on a new company phone app for its employees. Once more, I was a gaffer and assistance camera. Not only was I able to rent my favorite lights, a pair of kino flo divas, but I managed to rig the DP’s GH5 for a tabletop setup. ‘Twas a fun, laid-back shoot.

[zachmhoover]

The Sidekicks - “Don’t Feel Like Dancing”

I was asked to act as gaffer/assistant camera on a music video a few weeks ago, and am surprised to already be sharing the project. Most of my service comprised of staging the camera/lights, changing lenses, and holding bounces. I wish there was more time (and lighting/grip) for some of the scenes, but I feel comfortable with the outcome.

[zachmhoover]

Stairwell Self-Photography

I have not updated with any photography recently, and might not be able to soon. I sold my a7s for the new a7 iii, but Amazon is not providing a favorable delivery date. Anyway, here are some shameful selfies I got a while back after I first got my auto-focus Zeiss 24 - 70. The lighting and framing was pretty cool, and I was digging the new facial hair.

[zachmhoover]

Outbound 2018: Anthony Iannarino Voice of God

Anthony Iannarino is a pioneer in the modern sales world. Through Kinopicz, I pulled together a short edit summarizing Iannarino’s reputation and many triumphs. The video’s purpose is to introduce the sales leader before presentations, and get the audience hyped. Pulling together so many resources into a fast-cut promotional video can be stressful, especially in a tight amount of time. However, the edit turned out nicely, and clearly compels Iannarino’s stature and style.

[zachmhoover]

A Kid Again: Family Stories

A Kid Again is an Ohio company that gives handicapped/challenged children, and their families, moments of relief and fun. On a series of videos, I have behaved as a B Camera and grip. Ever since I got my recording monitor, my A7s has been able to keep pace with the Sony F5, the Kinopicz in-house camera. The external 4k prores is a far better codec than the camera’s internal xavc, and I even got the two cameras to match in Davinci Resolve. Adding movement to my camera, besides looking cool, also attached weight and feeling to the family’s dialogue.

[zachmhoover]

Esoteric Photography

Once again I am adding more Esoteric Auto Detailing photography to the portfolio. Hoping to upgrade my setup soon, and hopefully with a wider lens too.