Revolutionizing 3D Drone Filmmaking with Kowa Lenses

Elevating Cinematic Storytelling: Capturing the Essence of "Anselm" with Kowa Lenses
In the realm of cinematic innovation, achieving unparalleled clarity and depth is essential to conveying the profound narrative of a subject as compelling as the life and art of Anselm Kiefer. This ambitious vision was brought to life by Sebastian Cramer of Screenplane, who utilized cutting-edge 3D drone technology and Kowa’s FC24M lenses to craft the film Anselm, directed by renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders.
The Challenge: Pushing the Limits of 3D Filmmaking
Creating a 3D film is no small feat. It demands not only a strong artistic vision but also advanced technology capable of producing high-resolution, stereoscopic images. For Anselm, which captures the expansive, intricate landscapes and studio spaces of the iconic artist Anselm Kiefer, the challenge lay in filming both indoor and outdoor scenes using a drone while ensuring the footage aligned seamlessly with the film's overall visual quality. The drone system had to be compact yet robust enough to support dual cameras, while still delivering footage in high-quality 6K stereo, matching the aesthetic consistency of the film.

The Solution: Leveraging Kowa FC24M Lenses
Sebastian Cramer’s innovative approach involved creating a custom 3D drone rig designed to meet the film's demanding requirements. At the core of this system were two small industrial cameras equipped with Sony IMX sensors, which are capable of capturing stunning 4K resolution. To further enhance image clarity and detail, Cramer chose Kowa’s FC24M lenses, a decision that proved crucial to the success of the project.
Why Kowa FC24M Lenses?
The FC24M lenses were specifically selected for their exceptional 24-megapixel resolution, compact form factor, and reliable performance. These features enabled the cameras to be mounted in close proximity, a necessity for achieving the desired stereoscopic effect with a narrow interaxial distance. This compact configuration was vital for maneuverability and ensured the drone could navigate and capture complex environments, such as the sprawling and varied premises of Kiefer’s studio in the south of France.
Achieving Excellence: Application and Results
The drone system, equipped with Kowa FC24M lenses, captured the vast and intricate environments of Kiefer’s world with breathtaking clarity. The resulting aerial footage blended seamlessly with other high-resolution scenes in the film, meeting the project's rigorous standards for visual consistency. The lenses proved to be the ideal choice, delivering exceptional resolution while maintaining a compact design that was essential for the drone’s unique setup.
Key Advantages of Kowa FC24M Lenses:
- High Resolution: The 24-megapixel resolution of the FC24M lenses ensured every intricate detail of Kiefer’s expansive surroundings was rendered with precision and depth.
- Compact Design: The small size of the lenses allowed for a reduced interaxial distance, crucial for achieving effective 3D imaging with the drone system.
- Reliability: The lenses consistently delivered high-quality footage, meeting the project’s demanding data requirements, which involved recording approximately one gigabyte of data per second.
Impact on the Film Industry: Redefining 3D Cinematography
This project showcases the potential of advanced optical technology in the world of cinematic applications, particularly in 3D filmmaking. By integrating Kowa’s FC24M lenses with an innovative 3D drone setup, Cramer and his team set a new benchmark for quality and creativity in aerial cinematography, demonstrating how cutting-edge lens technology can elevate the storytelling potential of complex, high-resolution projects.
Conclusion: A Successful Collaboration
The partnership between Kowa Lenses and Screenplane for the film Anselm stands as a testament to the power of combining state-of-the-art optical technology with visionary filmmaking techniques. The FC24M lenses not only met but exceeded the project’s stringent requirements, proving their capability in delivering high-resolution, 3D cinematic imagery. Through this collaboration, Cramer and his team have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in aerial cinematography, setting a new standard for the industry and highlighting the endless possibilities of integrating optical innovation into modern filmmaking.