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Shooting a theatre trailer outside a traditional theatre environment gave us the chance to transform a real location to fit a theatrical brief - a challenge we relished.

We had fun producing the rehearsal trailer, where we used a mixture of steadicam, sticks and drone to capture the energy of the room.

We had fun producing the rehearsal trailer, where we used a mixture of steadicam, sticks and drone to capture the energy of the room.

From creative ad campaigns to touring theatre and behind-the-scenes artist stories, here’s an insight into what we’ve been up to this April...

Take a look at what Crosscut Media have been up to this month - It’s been a month full of creativity, collaboration, and celebration.

From comedy festivals to theatrical productions and corporate events, we've been capturing the essence of every story through our lenses. Here’s a look back at what we’ve been up to this month.

From filming headline acts and emerging comedians to producing archival content Crosscut Media celebrates 10 years working with the Leicester Comedy Festival!

As we step into the new year, we’re filled with excitement and anticipation for the opportunities and projects ahead.

We had fun producing the rehearsal trailer, where we used a mixture of steadicam, sticks and drone to capture the energy of the room.

We were really excited to be asked to work with the creative team from Simple 8 Theatre Productions on their subsidised musical production of Moby Dick!

At Crosscut, we’re used to working with theatres in a variety of roles. We quite often produce promotional material for the shows, and content for online.

We were commissioned by EMG to capture some behind the scene elements, specifically the process behind the show’s creative captioning!

We recently had the pleasure of working with Jamie Wilson Productions for the UK tour of ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’, at Alhambra Theatre in Bradford.

We volunteered our time and partnered with Curve Theatre to deliver a very special on demand version of their Christmas show for the children and families who use Rainbows Hospice.

Dewynters, in association with Sadlers Wells and Curve Theatre, commissioned us to produce various pieces of content to promote the tour of 42nd Street. 

We’ve recently finished working with Blink cat food on their new campaign, the launch of their new dry food - focusing on creating website content with a mix of stills and video. It’s always fun working with Blink, especially when we have cats on set!

Whether we’re filming educational content, theatrical archives, or shooting commercial products, we’re dedicated to delivering quality results for our clients.

Whether we’re filming educational content, theatrical archives, or shooting commercial products, we’re dedicated to delivering quality results for our clients.

Whether we’re filming educational content, theatrical archives, or shooting commercial products, we’re dedicated to delivering quality results for our clients.

This week we worked with Nottingham Playhouse, to capture an archival performance of ‘Punch’, by James Graham, based on the memoir by Jacob Dunne.

A behind the scenes look at the theatre EPK for 'An Officer and a Gentleman', produced by Jamie Wilson, and performed at Alhambra Theatre, Bradford.

We produce a wide array of content for theatres including content for electronic press kits (EPKs) such as production trailers, rehearsal trailers, cast interviews, voxpops and more.

At Crosscut, we have been working in the theatre sector for several years now, and produce a wide array of content such as production and rehearsal trailers.

Interested in aerial footage in your video content?At Crosscut, we have recently invested in the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone!

Whether you’d like explainer videos, character animations or short films, we’ve got it covered.

We have been working with Leicester Comedy Festival since 2016 - producing their photo and video content, archival content and general event coverage.

Meet the team with some fun facts from our Q&A!

Working with the design team from Curve, we shot the cast in front of a large green screen to create assets that are going to be used as part of the production. 

Working with Curve Theatre to produce a music video of Dorothy arriving in Leicester, ready to the perform the show.

Crosscut's charity fundraiser in support of Thera Trust.

We had the pleasure of working with Curve Leicester and Birmingham Hippodrome, producing the EPK for the UK tour of 'The Color Purple'.

When producing a video with us, as part of the pre-production process we’ll find out where the video is being used. This will affect the size of the end deliverable.

The clapperboard isn’t just a novelty item, it serves a very important purpose within video and film production.

Today’s video is all about thumbnails and their importance. As with most things in the realm of marketing, thumbnails are all about psychology.

You don’t need us to tell you that video is powerful. But what makes it so powerful?

Live streaming can be broken down into two stages - the video production side and the IT side. Today I’m going to be talking about the production side of live streaming. 

Today we’re delving into one of my favourite topics - the importance of music and sound design. You will not believe the difference a well selected music track can make to a piece of video content.

Over the past few months, we have been working closely with Inspirate to create a documentary that poses the question ‘Where is Home?’

Although you can sometimes be limited with options, there are usually ways to repurpose your content for a different platform - here are some examples. 

Today’s video is all about what can be live streamed. That’s probably the wrong way to phrase the question - it’s not about what ‘can’ be live streamed, it’s about what ‘should’ be live streamed.

Although it’s rare to find people animating by hand drawing frame by frame these days, animation is still a highly skilled and intricate process. In this video, I’m going to take you step by step through the animation process. 

We’re very lucky at Crosscut to have a huge arsenal of ever improving video production kit. But having the best kit doesn’t mean that we can automatically make incredible video content.

Here at Crosscut we have developed the 6 month content plan which results in weekly, high quality, relevant content shared on your online channels. 

Look online and you’ll find an abundance of websites offering incredible, fully customisable animation created in your browser at the click of a button...

Made more popular by gamers, the terms refresh rate, resolution, 4k, UHD are casually thrown about into a confusing mash up of technical chaos. So really what is the difference?

The process behind creating the TV Advert for Beautiful - The Carole King Musical.

Our Advert for the play Private Peaceful, based on the book by Michael Morpurgo has gone live!

Video may be an incredibly engaging medium, but when it's live, it's on a whole new level.

It’s an age old question - how long is a piece of string? Or more relevant, how long should an animated video be?

Video content is known to be the most engaging way of reaching potential customers. But that doesn’t mean that you can simply make and video, put it online and watch the sales flood in.

Clearcast are an independent organisation who check adverts before they are aired on both broadcast channels and video on demand channels.

An exciting new project which saw us creating three music videos with the cast and creatives of the new Beautiful - The Carole King Musical.

Each platform has its own pros and cons depending on what you’re streaming and how much control you require. 

Brand new in 2021, we're really pleased to have opened our own photo and video studio.

Sometimes it may prove difficult to gain the photographic or video release of subjects for an interview. To work around this challenge we have used animation to characterise that person, ensuring that their anonymity is retained.

Depending on the type of production you could have 1 or 2 members of crew or literally hundreds! Here are a few roles which you may not know about…

They may be a little irritating, but ads on the likes of Youtube, All4, SkyGo are extremely effective for advertising campaigns.

Sometimes, whilst using live action video seems like the obvious choice, animation can be a better option that you've not even considered.

A list of the top 5 videos we have produced for Leicester Comedy Festival

Today we're talking about 6 of the most common types of video content we produce and why they're important.

Video isn’t exclusively for Youtube and TV anymore - you can get your brand into the eyes of shoppers and commuters by using digital billboards.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the term 'hybrid' became all the rage, from hybrid working through to hybrid events. But what exactly is a hybrid event and are they here to stay?

There are a couple of key points about the green screen itself you should know before using/booking/buying a green screen.

The use of animation makes it easier to explain and show complex processes or ideas in a simple and easy to digest way.

Here are our 5 steps to producing video from script to screen.

To get the most from your video content, it's best to devise a strategy.

Here are 5 of our top picks for live streaming in 2021.

Today’s video is all about the top 5 reasons shooting in a studio could be a good idea.

By using bespoke animation you can produce imagery your viewers can relate to such as recognisable buildings, websites and products.

Flashback to 1999. You type in "888" on Teletext and you’re magically presented with subtitles on your TV.

We were thrilled when Leicester International Music Festival returned to us this year to help them produce some additional concerts featuring young artists.

We worked with Cadent on a series of videos for the safety roadshow.

Magic Goes Wrong starts its UK Tour. Here's our tour trailer.

Crosscut Studio's Terms and Conditions for use.

Answers to the frequently asked questions regarding our photography and video studio.

Following a sell-out run in 2019, this thrilling new version of Sophie Ellerby’s LIT has been specially filmed for audiences to enjoy at home.

We recorded with Andrew Lloyd Webber for Curve theatre's reopening.

Live streamed event for Let's Dance International Frontiers for Leicester charity Serendipity.

So your video's finished, now what do you do with it? Let us give you a 5 step guide on the best way to post it.

All you need to know about what specifications your video needs to be for each social media platform.

Following on from the phenomenal success of Sunset Boulevard at Home live stream, Curve Theatre puts on a production of The Color Purple.

On the 27th and 28th of March, we live streamed 2021's Festival of the Artisan.

How we're staying covid-secure on set in 2021.

It was extremely exciting, when Curve Theatre in Leicester approached us about taking their production of Sunset Boulevard online.

In November 2020, we teamed up with Leicester City Council and Curve Theatre to help bring a virtual Christmas light switch on to the city of Leicester.

Key information about how we're making sure our sets are COVID safe for all of our clients and staff.

Midlands Movies Awards is another smash hit! Read more to find out who won.

After 19 days, 135,000 audience members and 53,400 minutes of comedy, Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 has finished!

Once again, we joined forces with The Wedding Academy and a large team of wedding professionals to produce the International Wedding Trend Report video for 2020.

We were approached by Holovis to create a brand new showreel that Holovis can show off at the IAAPA.

We had the pleasure of filming with for IOSH recently to advertise their health and safety courses to businesses.

We were approached to find a way of explaining in a simple but eye catching way SBS's level experience, their simple ordering process and their quantity of stock.

Here at Crosscut we’re very proud to launch our new creative arm, Fishbulb Films.

Our series of videos for the My Mind Matters Campaign from VASL.

We were thrilled to be asked back to produce a video campaign for ‘#ProjectRobin’

Curve Theatre's next season has been announced! Read more about our impressive live stream of the event.

Circuit Breakers is a part of Leicester Comedy Festival's charity campaign to help up and coming comedians.

A live stream from the Departure Lounge Festival.

Bollywood Jane is showing at Curve Theatre between 2nd-11th of August, and we had the amazing opportunity to film it in rehearsal.

Bespoke for Pall-Ex we created an animation which showcases their 5 star services.

A series of DMU training films to help inform academics about the support services available to their students.

Here are some of the top tips when considering organising a drone shoot for your project.

A behind the scenes look at Curve Theatres latest musical The Color Purple.

A behind the scenes look at working with the Wedding Academy in France.

How, why and when should you caption your videos?

The awards are in... and the winner for best awards ceremony goes to... Midlands Movies 2019!

The inspiring story of Alice Hawkins' was brought to life on the 3rd of March with an incredible video projection mapped onto the Corn Exchange, Leicester.

After 19 days, 847 shows and 50,820 minutes of comedy, Leicester Comedy Festival 2019 has finished!

The nominations for the 3rd annual Midlands Movies Awards are in!

A behind the scenes look at ambitious short film The Nail That Sticks Out, directed by Jordan Dean.

Journeys Festival International is a festival that celebrates the creative talent of refugee and asylum seeker artists.

Crosscut's new office at The Innovation Centre

Leicester College in 4K!

Choose your adventure through De Montfort University with this interactive game!

"Hey, so how does this video production thing work". Let us walk you through it...

LOROS Twilight Walk 2018 was a roaring success! Read about how it went.

Crosscut welcomes Jordan Dean onto the team from the DMU Graduate Champions scheme.

Here we list our 5 top tips for traveling abroad for work. From how to pack your bags to protect equipment, to insurance to make sure you're covered.

The Leicester Comedy Festivals 25th year (which makes it the UK's longest running comedy festival) is over! Check out how we got on.

It's almost that time of year again! In the run up to the full Leicester Comedy Festival in February they host their Gala Preview Show at De Montfort Hall.

Jess Green reads her poem "Mountain of Parsnips", which focusses on the excessive amount of food waste that goes on around the world.

Crosscut's kit has moved to 4K!

Read through to find out how you can make your event look good on camera.

If you are planning on producing your own vlogs, make sure you follow our top tips to keep them looking professional!

Behind the Lens: Crafting a One-Shot Promo for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Recently, we had the chance to create a promo video for Curve Theatre’s production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and it was a real exercise in choreography, lighting, and cinematic problem-solving. The concept: a continuous, “one-shot” walkthrough of a 1960s-style house party, ending with the camera landing on Martha looking straight down the lens.

We shot on a Canon C70 using a Sirui 50mm 1.66 anamorphic lens mounted on a Thanos Pro Stabilisation system, giving the camera fluid movement as it navigated the space. The anamorphic lens brought a cinematic wide frame and unique flares. It was our first time using this lens so framing and focus pulling were an extra challenge. Having a dedicated focus puller made keeping the actors sharp as they moved through the frame much easier.

The shoot took place in an antique shop, full of props and textures that added depth to the scene. To control the natural light streaming through the large windows, we blocked them with tin foil, giving us a blank canvas and full control over lighting. We used a mixture of lighting fixtures including an LED light tube, LED mini spots, magnetic LED panels and an Atomos Sun Dragon light. The flexibility of the Atamos and the magnetic lights allowed us to rig lights inconspicuously, avoiding stands and maintaining the one-shot illusion. The lighting was then supplemented with practical lights within the space.

Before filming, we met with Cara, the director, to map out the camera’s path and the key moments it would capture. Once the extras arrived, we blocked the choreography, ran a few rehearsals, and then tackled a series of takes – each actor hitting precise marks to create the effect of a lively party.

Post-production was equally meticulous. Duncan graded the footage to preserve the warm glow of the practical lights, creating a cosy 1960s party atmosphere. Particular attention was given to the sofa from the actual set: to maintain colour accuracy, Duncan masked it carefully to ensure the RGB values matched the production design, rather than being altered by a generic LUT.

For the opening exterior shot of a period 1960s New England house, we promopted AI-generated video via Google’s VEO3 Pro model. It was a trial-and-error process: generating low-res iterations first, refining the prompts, and testing options before committing to a high-res output that matched the production team’s mood board.

Audio was a blend of on-set recordings from our sound recordist Angel, carefully mixed with foley and period-appropriate music to match the party vibe.

Shooting a theatre trailer outside a traditional theatre environment gave us the chance to transform a real location to fit a theatrical brief – a challenge we relished. The combination of careful planning, technical precision, and collaboration with the client resulted in a cinematic, immersive promo that we’re really proud of.

 

Creative Team:

Director: Cara Nolan

DoP: Dan Flanders

Focus Puller: Paul Trunkfield

Sound Recordist: Angel Rossell De Pablos

Post- Production: Dan Flanders & Duncan Macleod

Colour Grade: Duncan MacLeod

Audio Mix: Dan Flanders

Stills: Jonathan Pryke

This is our video production process and how we make it value for money.

Live videos are becoming more and more important, and soon lots of meetings, events and conferences will take place exclusively online.

How do you make your videos stand out and pop from your competitors?

Watch our product promotional video for Cabin Zero's latest range of travel rucksacks.

Over the past year we have worked on many projects, working everywhere from potato factories to comedy festivals, and we've decided to showcase some of our favourite bits in our latest showreel!

In this world of fake news and other online fakery - how can you be sure that that testimonial you've just read is genuine? The short answer is, you can't.

A promotional video for a bike ride for Northamptonshire based charity NorPIP.

LOROS managed to raise over £50,000 with this charity walk. Read more to find out how.

We are very proud to announce that last night at the Leicester Comedy Festival Awards Ceremony 2017, Crosscut Media won the award for Contribution to Leicester Comedy Festival 2017.

We were commissioned by Corrigo Design to produce a series of promotional / instructional videos for their range of ergonomic chairs and back supports. Read more here.

Once again, this February we took a deep breath, charged our batteries, wiped our memory cards and ensured we had a stock of tea twice our body weights before delving head first into the absolute chaos of Leicester Comedy Festival 2017.

A look into our emotional project with the DAS department at De Montfort University.

A detailed look at our work for the Leicester Comedy Festival Preview Gala Show 2017.

We've all seen Facebook Live taking off in a big way. However, there's more to it than streaming your cat attempting to fit into a shoe box for all of your friends to see.

When Kylie and her team for the UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning approached us to produce a live webcast for their trend report pre-launch event, we happily took it on.

We were commissioned by Big Difference Company to produce a short sketch to be displayed at the MiP national conference.

The Stand Up Challenge pits business people against each other in a night of stand up comedy.

Branston pride themselves on producing as little wastage as possible during their processes and this project was to highlight how they do it.

We're up in Yorkshire filming further promo and course material for the International Wedding Planning Academy.

We produced a live stream of actor Neil Bartlett reading De Profundis by Oscar Wilde from inside Reading Prison in front of a live audience.

We had the honour of returning to work with ArtReach for their Night of Festivals London event.

Working alongside The Reach Partnership and De Montfort University, we went back to film a second round of videos telling the stories of students with disabilities at the University.

Our latest in a series of testimonials with Eazi-Apps clients which have taken us all over Europe.

We worked with our friends at Kinura to produce a live webcast as part of the on-going 'Meet the Adopter' series.

The event, CrashED was an interactive exercise, designed to show students in further education how they could progress from their current courses into higher education. Click through to find out more.