Prime TV UK

17/09/2022

Live News positions done right.

25/01/2017

As minicam experts we have always had a love hate relationship with GoPro cameras. We have always had them but not always used them, primarily due to the lack of a common interface that would allow us to record multiple cameras on one screen and the all too common syncing issues. Having someone running around with a Digislate is now a thing of the past with our new SyncBack mounted GoPro Hero 4 cameras allowing us to record timecode generated at source, producing video files with synchronized timecode embedded in the same way as our professional minicams and traditional professional shoulder mount cameras and audio equipment. Our GoPro camera kits come with long range RF time code transmitter and longer lasting batteries to that the GoPros can be left in record for over 6 hours of record, making them a much more useful Minicam tool.

25/01/2017

We filmed a number of great commercials last year but the new Suzuki adverts with Ant & Dec are always a pleasure to work on. We are already regular providers of minicam technology and camera hides for Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and had filmed the previous commercials for Suzuki, so it was an easy fit to provide the services for this new batch of Suzuki commercials. To get the best quality available we used our Sony a7sii and Toshiba HD5 cameras to capture the majority of the in-car footage but as much of the filming was with unsuspecting punters these cameras had to be hidden. We spent two days at Suzuki hiding ten cameras in two cars, with a Sony a7sii and two Toshiba HD5's hidden in each of the cars SatNav consoles. Here is one of the new adverts, yet to be released on TV.

25/01/2017

Our expertise in filming and lighting using the invisible infra red spectrum 940nm, was put to the test again recently in a promo for Sky's second series of 'Fortitude'. Blindeye Films director Jack Lightfoot wanted to ramp up the fear factor for the new series in filming in a pitch-black room. The Prime Television team lit the event space with both conventional lighting as well as various levels of infrared lighting. The difficulty in shooting in the higher light wavelength is the higher the wavelength, the lower the light intensity, so we used over twenty different infra red lights in this production. To capture the infrared filming we used a combination of our Panasonic UE-70 remote control cameras and our Canon XF105 cameras, which captured all the menacing actors from the series scaring the punters from Peckham perfectly.

29/02/2016

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06zw32h

In October last year we were approached by the BBC to supply a number of specialist remote control cameras for a new BBC 2 Current Affairs Documentary, ‘World War Three - Inside the War Rooms’. The Director wanted small high quality units that gave him a quality film look with a shallow depth of field to match the Sony F5 cameras and Canon C300 Cameras that we supplied and hid behind the walls. These cameras would not only be required to pan and tilt but also slide and be hidden inside the length of a large table. We built two remote slider rigs with remote heads, one for each side of the table and mounted full sensor, mirrorless Sony a7SII cameras. The look was just what was needed and the slide/pan/tilt gave the director some wonderful shots of both sides of the table. We used a total of six Sony a7SII Cameras in this production.

A committee debates a hypothetical 'hot war' in eastern Europe.

29/02/2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdyHsneEv_E

Prime have shot many pop videos but there are not many that required PTZ cameras as the main cameras, and the PTZ and minicams are used for the whole of the video. The resulting video from our shoot in November was a very pleasant surprise. It wasn’t just that the music and song - Wildfire by ‘Seafret’ - was a great tune, easy to listen to and the whole video idea was very novel too. The idea for the video came from an experiment by psychologist Arthur Aron in 1997 when he wanted to see if strangers could fall in love. The director wanted to recreate that experiment and we think it works very well, the discreet filming with the PTZ cameras allowed the couples to relax and be themselves. The results are clear to see in the video and a great advert for the new Panasonic AW-UE70 PTZ Cameras. Hope you enjoy the video as much as we do and as much as we enjoyed shooting it.

29/02/2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKiMowMT_yU

Prime filmed a hidden minicam viral for Carlsberg at London City Airport recently. The bragging point in this story is the very quick turnaround, in and out time. We were given just 5 hours in total to get in and out and get the job done, including going through airport security. It took the Prime team just one hour and 20 minutes to get the first pictures up and had all eight PTZ and mini cameras up and rolling within two hours and 15 minutes. The successful shoot lasted just two hours (with three takes) and we de-rigged, packed and out in 45 minutes later. Not many (if any) minicam companies can do that!

26/03/2015

Filming a new commercial for a charity that is close to our hearts was a pleasure.

Ignoring a growing lump because you are busy is the message and is something that many people do. Cancer Research Uk wanted to highlight the risks of this in their new TV commercial that showed people ignoring an ever growing lump in the street.

Due to the fast turnaround, limited filming time and a wide variety of shots we needed to this shoot this from many angles using multiple cameras. Being observational in style we chose two Arri Alexa Cameras with long zooms lenses linked via vision link to our purpose built production gallery. We also provided four Canon C300 Cameras paired with Sound Devices PIX240i recorders allowing longer record durations and a better record format than recording in camera.

We positioned the C300 Cameras, unmanned, in positions that were difficult to access by our camera operators so we controlled them via Wifi from our production gallery. Using our Wifi System we can check on the status of each of the cameras as well as all key functions such as focus, white balance, ISO and record.

I know our client is happy, so are we… What do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzJ1iB-k1DE&list=UUp2TGYRHVcqnTO-5bKvAFGg

31/10/2014

Our recent Halloween Pepsi Max viral was shot using our latest minicams and PTZ (Pan & Tilt) cameras but we didn't expect this sort of response. The viral has so far had over 72,000 Views. It's amazing what you can do with new technology. Happy Halloween everyone... and watch out you never know where a Prime minicam might be hiding! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GG2wKZw3wg

Here at Pepsi, we’re all about seeking out unbelievable experiences. Those moments that make you do a double take. Those moments that stop you in your tracks...

01/10/2014

It’s been a decade and a half since we started pre production on what was to become our first big rig show using minicams and remote controlled minicams (ptz cameras). We provided 20 cameras for Scariest Places on Earth, shooting the first series before they took the production to the US. The production was mostly shot using our new Pan&Tilt (ptz) camera system, configured to film in both coulour and infrared but we also supplied Toshiba minicams and well as the main unit cameras. Take a look at what was produced, we think it still looks good after all these years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rWIh4Xp73Q

01/10/2014

Minicams have come a long way since we shot minicam elements for the BBC Horizon programmes 15 years ago and PTZ cameras are a completely different proposition to the cameras we bought for the Scariest Places on Earth series in 2000. We are now shooting TV commercials using our top end HD minicams and miniature Pan & Tilt (PTZ) Cameras.

Although this Lidl advert is not the first TV commercial we have filmed using minicams, we’ve been filming commercial with minicams since the Wrigley’s series of commercials in 2001. I hope you can see why hidden minicams and remote heads worked so well in the production of this Lidl commercial.

Next time your thinking of using minicams on your next production, give us a call.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ubYPm0bPPw&list=UUp2TGYRHVcqnTO-5bKvAFGg&index=3

An advert for Lidl, shot by Prime Television

01/10/2014

A few months back we wrote about our minicam expertise being used in Dubai to shoot a viral for a Middle East drinks brand ‘Rani Float’. The production was produced by the legendary comedian, journalist and star of Trigger Happy TV, Dom Joly. We had a lot of fun working with Dom and thoroughly enjoyed the production. Take a look at the end product.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XcZ64YCA-A&list=UUp2TGYRHVcqnTO-5bKvAFGg

24/06/2014

In a recent news story we wrote about the great day we had putting 13 minicams on WW1 Triplanes. The minicam shoot we finished in May is now edited and available to watch on Prime’s website or on BBC iPlayer. Prime rigged the minicams on all the planes except for the first triplane, I hope you notice the difference!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd5ubG3HRi8&list=UUp2TGYRHVcqnTO-5bKvAFGg

WW1 fighter plane documentary with Dan Snow. Shot for Ballista Media by Prime Television

06/06/2014

A lot of fun was had in our latest viral production for Mobile 1 with Jenson Button. The viral was set in an Esso/Mobile 1 petrol station in East London, where unsuspecting drivers pulled up to receive a VIP car wash from the Mobil 1 F1 Pit Crew. We used our Bradley HDC-150 PTZ Cameras as well as a Sony P1 System Camera with a HJ22 Zoom Lens for the hidden remote head minicam element of the production; then three of our crews with Sony PDW-F800 cameras came in to picked up the reactions. This Mobil 1 Car Wash Stunt ad with Jenson Button has already had nearly 180,000 views, have a look at how we made it in The making of "Carwash", I hope you enjoy it as much as we did creating it.

06/06/2014

We used 16 cameras to produce a viral for fitness first; 13 miniature cameras, hidden bag cameras and one Sony PMW-F55 kit. Four of our PTZ cameras were used as the core reaction cameras and to follow Damian Walters around the gym, while we set up four of our (New) Toshiba HD2 Cameras to capture the best angles of the different stunts that Damian did in the gym. We also used one Panasonic and five GoPros to create the CCTV angle shots and two hidden HD bag cameras to move around and pick out individual gym members, while our F55 provided the interviews and establishing shots. With nearly 140,000 views already I hope you also enjoy ‘Damian Walters Brings Freestyle to Life' – Fitness First viral and Behind The scenes with Damian Walter – Fitness First

20/05/2014

As with all jobs some are better than others; we couldn’t have asked for a better job than this though! Working with Dan Snow for a documentary for the BBC, we were called in to rig 13 Minicameras to three WW1 Aeroplanes. The planes; a German Fokker Triplane, a Sopwith Triplane and BE2c twin seater Biplane. Dan Snow commentated from the front seat of the BE2c as the Fokker and Sopwith staged a dog fight around him. The day was perfect in every way, sunshine, blue skies with just the right number of clouds allowing us to record some truly wonderful video from all 13 minicams. A great job, well done.

20/05/2014

Prime sent crew and equipment to Dubai last week to film a hidden minicam viral for the Middle Eastern drinks company Rani. The three day shoot over two locations was filmed at the Dubai Zoo and on a public beach using Bradley PTZ cameras and Toshiba HD2 cameras. The producer was the great comedian, journalist and star of Trigger Happy TV - Dom Joly; and it was a pleasure working with him.

20/05/2014

People say shooting Corporates is boring but after a complex multi-minicam production series a simple US medical corporate is a wonderful job to do. Our five man crew included Producer, DOP, Sound Recordist, Auto Cue Operator and Camera Assistant. We started rigging at 8am and were done by midday. We used two Canon C300’s (one for the wide and one for a close up) tucked in to the Autocue for this shoot in a green screen studio. A great day’s work in half a day.

20/05/2014

This was the last day’s shooting in Liverpool for a new Channel 5 production due to air in the Spring. Prime provided all the production equipment for this production including up to five miniature cameras, three covert cameras and three main shooting cameras (Canon XF-305’s). The shoots were all over the country and provided the Prime team with some interesting covert minicam builds, including a wheelchair, a pram, a burqa and various bag and coat/jacket cameras.

20/05/2014

Early this month Prime launched it’s FREE Minicam Roadshow to all broadcasters and production companies that are interested, planning or working on a minicam production. When it comes to minicam facilitation we have seen it, done it, got the T-shirt, ironed out the problems and perfected the service. Prime is now keen to share that knowledge with production staff around the UK. For more information call Nick or Chris on 0208 969 6122.

09/01/2014

Maybe not the most exotic of locations or the ideal weather but this weeks multicamera shoot in Romford was great fun all the same. There are six cameras in this shot, the two you can see are two of Prime’s Canon 305’s but there are also hidden HD minicams in the pram (2), in the coat (1) and in the bag (1). In addition to these HD minicams there are also two HD minicams in the shop where the main element of the production will take place. Prime’s versatility and variety of cameras made for another successful days filming. Give us a call for your next minicam production and let us show you what we can do – or email [email protected]

15/10/2013

Prime has just built the worlds first body worn 1080@25P HD Minicameras for a new Channel 5 production. The first two Full HD cameras have already been used on the new production; one has been built into a jacket, giving a terrific POV shot from chest height; the other has been built in to a rucksack strap giving the wearer excellent pan & tilt adjustment (with the use of a thumb) for ideal secret filming capability. Using the HD-SDI output from the camera we are recording onto AJA KiPro Mini for the jacket camera and the new Sound Devices PIX-240i recorder for the rucksack camera. Both are recording in Avid DNxHD145 for this production but can also record in PRORES 422 or Avid DNxsHD at up to 220 mbs.

These 1/3'' HD 2 Megapixel CMOS cameras has many other great features that are more commonly found in cameras one hundred time the size; the quality has to be seen to be believed.

We will be building two more cameras in the next couple of weeks and will be writing to tell you all about them; in the meantime, if you would like further information please contact us at [email protected] or call 0208 969 6122.

15/10/2013

It was a pleasure meeting Scott Eastwood during a recent two-camera shoot about his new movie ‘Fury’. The son of the Hollywood legend, Clint Eastwood, is certainly a chip of the old block and a real nice guy too; before shooting started he went to Costa and bought the whole Prime crew coffees. Thanks Scott, if only every actor we filmed was as nice as you.

11/07/2013

As the leading minicam supplier in the UK, Prime is constantly upgrading it's inventory of minicams to supply the very best quality cameras for the various minicam requirements that broadcasters demand. Minicams are now being used far more frequently in high end drama production and for those productions Prime has updated it's top end Toshiba IK-HD1 Cameras for the new IK-HD2's. The new cameras were recently used on a high profile drama on ITV (you'll have to wait for that story) and they were far better than the HD1's.

Give us a call if you would like a demo.

11/07/2013

http://instagram.com/p/biuxhgnvPn/ Evening timelapse by the Thames

primetvuk's photo on Instagram

09/07/2013

Prime has also updated its Twitter page. Please have a look here: https://twitter.com/PrimeTVUK

The latest from PrimeTVUK (). Europe’s leading production facilities provider for the broadcast industry, new media and production community. London

09/07/2013

Check out Prime TV on instagram http://instagram.com/primetvuk

08/07/2013

Owen on the jib with a Canon C300 by Tower Bridge recently

16/05/2012

Prime had a busy week last week, with six large productions using a total of 20 Cameramen, 2 Sound Supervisors, 18 Sound Recordists, 10 Lighting/Sparks, 12 Assistants and 10 Riggers. The productions using a total of over 40 HD Camera Hires including 2 x Sony PDW-F800's, 8 x Sony PDW-700's, 18 x Sony EX-3's, 8 x Canon 305's and 2 x full Canon 5D Kits. The lighting rigs included a small studio lighting rig and a vast outside lighting rig at Arundel Castle. The lights included more than 80 HMI's from three lighting trucks using three generators; the small studio rig for the BBC included more than 16 Dedo Lights and Cromatte Green Screen.
Thanks to all our hardworking staff and freelancers, it is no surprise that every production worked like a dream, as this was just another week at Prime...

28/02/2012

Prime travelled to Lego Land in Billund, Denmark this week to do a corporate for the famous Danish toy company. Staying at the Lego Hotel and being handed little Lego men as business cards were two very different experiences on this job but the job was another great success. Prime has secured a new corporate client and the kids got the latest Lego sets and a whole bunch of little Lego men with names and numbers on them.