CineD is always searching for a way to connect creators and manufacturers – and, of course, to help filmmakers show their work. This is why we teamed up with FUJIFILM to show our filming community work that has been done with FUJIFILM cameras. Please meet Giulio Meliani, an LA-based photographer and filmmaker. “In the Spotlight” is proudly sponsored by FUJIFILM.
Today’s interview features Giulio Meliani, a hybrid storyteller – as he likes to describe himself – who has recently stepped into the world of fiction. Before you continue reading, please take some time to check out the trailer of Giulio’s latest short film, Aion, below.
Created using the recently-released FUJIFILM X-H2S camera, the film investigates the relationship between a father and his beloved son, while showing how our strongest memories can turn into powerful means for time traveling.
In the Spotlight With FUJIFILM – Giulio Meliani
Name: Giulio Meliani
Currently based in: Los Angeles, California
Language(s) spoken: English, Brazilian Portuguese
Occupation: Filmmaker & Photographer
Q: How did you get started in our industry?
G: After completing my photography education in 2010, I began pursuing my filmmaking career assisting in commercial productions in Los Angeles. In 2012 I started my own production company, Joy Per Second, where I focused mainly on commercials, music videos, and mini-documentaries as a creative director, director, and DOP.
Current assignments:
Aion (Short Film)
What types of productions do you mostly shoot?
I shoot and direct mostly commercials.
What is your dream assignment/job in our industry and what are you really passionate about?
I’m very passionate about telling stories. Although you can still achieve that through commercial work, I’d love to eventually fully focus on narrative stories, like my latest short film, Aion.
In the work that you are presenting us, now that it is done, what would you have done differently throughout the production?
Although I’m pretty satisfied with how Aion came to be, looking back I would love to have had one more production day. There were scenes and shots that we had to adapt or simply completely cut off from the shot list due to the limited production days.
With that being said, I believe every director would love to have more time to film their projects, at least that’s how I feel for most of my creative work.
What current camera, lenses and sound equipment do you use?
Currently, my main camera body is the brand new FUJIFILM X-H2S. For lenses, since I’m also a professional photographer, I can use most of my X-mount lenses for my filmmaking as well depending on the project with the ability to use the amazing and reliable autofocus available on the FUJIFILM bodies.
I also use the FUJINON MK 18-55mm T2.9, which is fantastic for most of my professional work. For audio, I’ve been using the RØDE VideoMic NTG for most of the run and gun projects, along with the RØDE Wireless Go II, and the “old but gold” Zoom H6.
You chose to shoot your project with the FUJIFILM X-H2S camera. Did you impose on yourself any limitations like not shooting with a tripod?
For my short film, I believe the biggest challenge was to shoot a compelling story at only one location, which, in this case, was a single-family house. I could have easily explored some different locations to help tell the story, but I chose not to. This was definitely the biggest creative limitation of the project.
What’s your favorite lighting equipment, and why did you choose that kit over other solutions?
For Aion short film we decided to go with some ARRI lights, but I strongly believe LED is the future and I’m a huge fan of Aputure fixtures. I have some, like the LS 300D and a few P60c in my lighting kit.
Do you use drones/gimbals in your productions? If so, what is the most effective way you’ve found of deploying them?
Although I’m a huge fan of drones and gimbals, we didn’t use them on set for Aion.
What editing systems do you use and are you satisfied working with them?
I started with Final Cut and later, migrated to Premiere Pro, since I already had the Adobe Creative Cloud for my photography needs (Photoshop & Lightroom), so it felt like the natural move to make. Although far from being perfect, Premiere Pro has been a fairly reliable tool for my editing needs.
How much of your work do you shoot in “flat picture profile” and what is your preferred way of color correcting?
I used to shoot a lot of log for most of my professional work, but lately, I find myself shooting a lot using FUJIFILM’s cinema film simulation Eterna. It still gives me a lot of dynamic range with a fairly “flat” look, but with a great starting point for color grading. The skin tones are gorgeous and it has a film look I really enjoy.
How frequently do you travel and do you have any tips when it comes to packing your gear?
For the last few years, I’ve been traveling a lot for shoots. Some big, some small gigs, but for any production size, I always carry with me my current main body, which in this case is the FUJIFILM X-H2S, a second body ( FUJIFILM X-T4), some FUJINON zoom lenses for versatility, a small gimbal, and a small audio kit, depending on the production.
A good tripod (never neglect that) and an external monitor ( Atomos Ninja V) along with my MacBook. Everything fits perfectly on my Vinta Type-II photography backpack. Lighting is normally rented for those situations.
Links: FUJIFILM Site | “Aion” Trailer and Behind the Scenes | Giulio Meliani’s website & Instagram
Full disclosure: This “In The Spotlight” series of interviews is sponsored by FUJIFILM.
