Safe Shoot Strategies: How Cobalt’s Virtual Backlot Simplifies Safe Shooting
Our Virtual Backlot offers high-tech, low-stress social distancing.
High-tech, Low-stress Social Distancing
Want to limit crew on set, while saving time, money, and the environment? Get to know Cobalt’s Virtual Backlot—the first on the East Coast. We can help you shoot on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, on the moon, or in any other setting you can imagine—while dramatically reducing the amount of crew and staff on set.
Simple Solutions for Supply Challenges
Traditional practical sets require you to build, scenic, prop-shop, and dress your entire set. Add in our current supply scarcity and social distancing, and traditional set-building becomes difficult or impossible. The set of your dreams can be created in CG with more detail and texture than you can build. The only practical elements you need are the props that are actually being touched. And you don’t have to limit the scope and scale of your vision—even vast, photorealistic environments like “Black Panther’s” Wakanda are possible and practical—right here in Hoboken.
Sustainability Without Creative Compromises
Why build an expensive set, only to discard it? Virtual Sets are zero-waste, and they create a minuscule carbon footprint. Because they’re inexpensive, easy to use, and empower productions to work with fewer people on set, there’s no good reason not to adopt this eco-friendly best practice now.
We’ve recently helped Lowes and IBM to leverage this powerful, practical technology. As you explore new approaches for Safe Shooting, our Virtual Set advisors are always ready with strategies and solutions.
We’re always here to advise you on how to Shoot Safe.
Call us (201) 963-5900
Safe Shoot Strategies: Remote Camerawork
Until this pandemic, Motion Control robotics has been used mainly as a creative VFX tool. Sometimes called “Precision Playback”, Motion Control makes it possible to program and repeat complex camera moves with a degree of precision that is impossible for humans to replicate on our own.
Fully Automated for Social Distancing On Set
In today’s production landscape, Cobalt’s comprehensive inventory of Motion Control tools empowers our clients to shoot with remote-control cameras. Productions benefit by reducing crew on set by 2-3 people. By pre-programming and editing camera moves, remotely, you can shoot without a camera operator, camera assistant, dolly grip and focus puller physically on set. We can even operate multiple rigged devices, remotely. On a recent shoot, we built a rig to mechanize a laser that had to trace up, none other than, Jerry Seinfeld’s leg while he was strapped to a table a la Frankenstein.
Robots to Help You Create Without Limits
With 36 feet of track and an effective vertical range of 7 feet, our Gazelle’s 6-foot boom arm can execute large-scale camera moves with total precision. Camera moves can be pre-programmed and saved, then recalled, edited, and played back, as required. For more complex movements, we can incorporate our massive 4-foot turntable to spin an entire set, or our miniature rotators to spin product or props. We can trigger DMX lighting cues in total sync with the camera moves, and motorize a Fisher dolly in conjunction with one of our pan-tilt heads. Focus and zoom are never a problem because we can motorize any lens for remote operation. We even have a motorized an Arri head for heavy-duty applications.
The V Set/Video Village Connection
All of this robotic activity can be operated remotely, with video sent to our Video Village, where it’s distributed instantly throughout the facility and Livestreamed to all remote participants. Incoming audio from the livestream can also be sent directly to our playback sound system for broadcast to all participants on stage.
We’re always here to advise you on
how to leverage our Remote Camerawork tools.
Call us.
(201) 963-5900
Safe Shoot Strategies: Why Turnkey Matters Now More Than Ever
With retailers, prop shops, and suppliers closed for business, Cobalt is uniquely-equipped to help the Tri-State production community shoot safely.
The Swiss Army Knife of Studios
With 2 locations and an 8000 sq. ft. warehouse, our by producers / for producers soundstage offers more in-house supplies and equipment than anywhere on the East Coast. Before social distancing, our inventory was a saving grace for productions. Now, it’s THE difference between “let’s go” and a no-go. Our clients can find tabletops, counters, doors, windows, cabinets, and more – onsite. If you need materials to create sets, props, and backgrounds, just ask!
Turnkey is Essential for “Safe Shoots”
Cobalt offers rigging, high-end lenses, motion control robotics, and the East Coast’s only publicly-available Virtual Backlot for working with Virtual Sets. Our purpose-built spaces like our fully-appointed Home Ec Kitchen, woodshop, and private furnished carriage house (the Hoboken House), make it possible to get it all done— an “all in one” solution with wayyy less running around. We’re also offering free Livestreaming for bookings through June 21st, so team members can collaborate from home with HD quality footage delivered in real-time.
20,000 sq ft to S P R E A D O U T
Main Stage Facility = 12,000 sq ft
The Hoboken House = 2,000 sq ft
Storage = 8,000 sq ft
Our advisory team is here to help you take advantage of our spaces, inventory, and high tech tools— like VSet, Livestreaming, and Video Village to make social distancing easier.
Can we help you get it done?
Safe Shoot Solutions: How Productions Are Shooting Safely With Cobalt
Shows like Saturday Night Live and Cobalt Client “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” are broadcasting from home. Our industry-leading Livestreaming capabilities are evolving to meet the changing needs of the production community.
Livestreaming is 100% Safe
To help our clients produce content during a pandemic, we’ve been holding think tanks on the regular. We’ve been hard at masterminding “Safe Shoot Solutions” that leverage our Livestreaming capabilities in innovative new ways. This entails taking each project’s creative vision into account, managing a high degree of technical complexity, and making the process streamlined and user-friendly enough to succeed by shooting anywhere.
We’re Livestreaming Experts
We’re already on our second generation of Livestreaming hardware, and have invested in the tools to help productions switch and stream from multiple video sources. We can stream out of Video Village which gives us no end of video input options— including SDI, HDMI, and USB inputs, as well as, any content from the host computer (like PowerPoint, graphics, and web content). We can stream simultaneously to multiple platforms while recording H.264 output (compression alrorithm). Our portable Livestreaming system is also easy to take on the road with its small form factor.
We strive to empower our clients with the tools and support they need to produce great work—under any circumstances. Problem-solving in a pandemic is challenging for everyone, but we’re here to deliver solutions. We’re committed to being the partner you need, right now, so reach out anytime, and let us know how we can help.
Safe Shoot Strategies in Action.
Cheers to another successful safe shoot with John Oliver.
To the Tri-State production community:
Thank you for keeping us informed and occupied, now and always! We’re proud of the way everyone is helping curb the spread of coronavirus. Knowledge is power, so here are some practical ways we’re making it work for our clients.
Expanded Livestreaming
We’ve offered Livestreaming for years, and our clients have used it mostly to communicate with decision-makers who can’t make the trip to the studio. Now, we’re offering Livestreaming, gratis, for bookings made until June 21st, and we’re recommending it as a way to connect with any one who isn’t essential on set. Collaborators can literally keep tabs on production by keeping a tab open on their computer with continuous HD quality footage delivered in real-time.
Space to Spread Out
With crew sizes of 10 people max, our 12,000 sq. ft. facility allows everyone to have their own nook and cranny. 12,000 sq ft divided by 10 people. Do the math! Our two locations and production support spaces are here to enable social distancing. Located three blocks from our studio, The Hoboken House is our fully-furnished, sun-drenched 2000 sq. ft. Carriage House that can also be used for extra space if need be.
Virtual Sets, Infinite Possibilities
Cobalt’s Virtual Backlot is a unique resource on the East Coast— letting you set a scene anywhere you can imagine—without even leaving our studio. Our advisory team is always on hand to help you take advantage of high tech social distancing tools like V Set, Livestreaming, and Video Village.
We do “Safe Shoots”
At Cobalt, nonessential personnel are working from home, and we are disinfecting our spaces and equipment for everyone’s protection. Because high tech is our way of life, we also use Ozone Air Purification between shoot days to cleanse our facilities of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Dr. Mercola and many others support ozone therapy during the COVID-19 crisis.
Shooting Safely: Coronavirus Fast Facts and Tools
Virus 101
Viruses are not alive, so we can’t use antibiotics to kill them. Instead, we can inactiveate the viruses, so our cells are no longer susceptible to infection. We can also boost our immune systems with lifestyle and supplements.
Immunity Boosters
Ascorbate based vitamin C (for higher doses), zinc (if you think you've been exposed), elderberry (as a preventative), and reishi and agarikon mushrooms are all-natural immune boosters (and then some!). It also helps to get enough sleep and exercise, as well as eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Why is this coronavirus so contagious?
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has protein spikes that stick out on all sides, making it very effective at bonding to our human cells. Reishi supplements can deter bonding between our cells and the virus.
How is it transmitted?
Coronavirus is spread primarily through physical contact like a handshake or in the form of airborne droplets from a cough, sneeze, or shared air. That’s why handwashing and physical distance are key.
How long is the virus 'active'?
Studies suggest that it can remain viable in the air for 2-3 hours, on cardboard for 24 hours, and on plastic and stainless steel for up to 3 days.
How can we destroy it?
First - soap and water, folks. Also, used correctly, ozone air purification and 3% hydrogen peroxide are effective in destroying the coronavirus. Other easy, but effective, home disinfectants also include 10% malt vinegar and distilled white vinegar in combination with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Ozone Air Purification
We run an ozone machine between shoots to purify the air. Ozone, otherwise known as O3, is very effective in destroying bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Routinely used in Europe, ozone air purification destroys viruses by diffusing through the protein coat into the nucleic acid core, damaging the viral RNA.
High Tech Protection
Our Virtual Sets let you set a scene anywhere you can imagine—without leaving our studio. Our Livestreaming services let your clients and collaborators weigh in from home, without missing a beat. We now offer Livestreaming free to all productions that book our soundstage through June 21st, 2020.
Taking Care of Our Team
Much of Team Cobalt is working from home with only essential individuals to keep crew size small. Everyone is trained in hygienic "safe shooting" best practices at the top of each day. We sterilize equipment and surfaces at the end of each shoot.
We’re always here to help you shoot safely.
If you have any questions or would like to book our soundstage:
Disclaimer: Kara Vedder is not a doctor and is in no way providing medical advice or suggestions of any kind whatsoever. Please, contact your health care provider regarding adding any supplements or changes to your diet, exercise or life choices. Cobalt content and is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Our intent is to demonstrate that we are a health & safety conscious company.
Case Study: John Mulaney x Netflix @ Cobalt
Challenge
Cobalt Stages recently hosted a promo shoot for the Netflix hit “John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch.” The shoot involved two kinds of special talent: VIP John Mulaney and 15 child actors! With our diverse Industry experience, we’ve worn many hats in front and behind the camera. We understand that special talent has unique needs, and we know exactly what those needs are. So, we fashioned our soundstage to exceed expectations in meeting them.
Solution
When you host a cast of 15 children, they come with parents and tutors in tow—that’s a lot of people. Add in the Netflix team, the star, their people, and a sizable crew... and well, you really should be shooting at Cobalt. Our multiple, fully-furnished support rooms offer quiet, versatile spaces where people can regroup, review footage, or hold a private meeting away from the action. Our Hoboken facility provides a discreet location where high profile talent can slip in and slip out
without attracting unwanted attention.
Impact
We did more than accommodate the needs of 15 children, their parents and tutors, and the crew. Our commitment to hospitality and thoughtful extras made it comfortable and cozy without any additional expense. We’re told that the gracious and hilarious Mr. Mulaney put in a good word for Cobalt with Netflix execs, and we’re thrilled to report that they've already scheduled another shoot at Cobalt!
Shooting Tabletop at Cobalt
The Ideal Location for Close-Up Cinematography
Expert Advisors
Alex is the architect behind Cobalt’s close-up cinematography inventory—all the lenses and devices that make tabletop magic look easy. He’s on hand to connect our clients with the space, tools, and advice that make Cobalt ideal for tabletop products. And he’s saved our clients thousands by providing the generous space and equipment redundancies they need to work, simultaneously, instead of sequentially. You can set up multiple stations so lighting/ rigging crews, grips, electricians, set carpenters, prop people, and your art department can stay busy all the time — instead of taking turns working. This strategy may mean investing an extra $1000 in props, product, and lighting for multiple tabletops — all to save your production $1000 AN HOUR in crew costs. Alex speaks from experience, and loves to share :)
Home Ec Kitchen
Our home ec kitchen was purpose-built for food styling. The main door opens directly to the stage, and a side door opens to an extra large prep area. Key features include: Our one-of-a-kind, custom-built bake-up oven that allows you to see and experience the magic of baking in real-time or in time-lapse; our high-volume gas mains and purpose-built exhaust system for fire effects; our versatile kitchen amenities including an industrial range hood, adjustable-height stainless steel tables, four baker’s racks, forty full sheets, chest freezers and two double-door refrigerators that accommodate full sheets. There’s even a grocery store half a block away for last-minute needs!
Cutting Edge Tools
Tabletop tools are highly specialized to shoot smaller, faster, and closer while retaining a high resolution. If you need to capture the bubbles in a bottle of beer with the crispest detail imaginable, you'll want to be shooting over at Cobalt. Regular equipment doesn’t scale down to tabletop size, and over the years, Alex has acquired—and invented—the right devices to capture the moment. We offer macro lenses, our unique bellows-focusing Epic Dragon, and a comprehensive inventory of miniature motion control tools to deliver uncompromised precision. We have the tools you need to lift, push, pull, and rotate products—and the specially-modified lighting equipment you need to get the shot.
Science in the Service of Art
More than any other production discipline, tabletop requires a high degree of creativity and technical expertise. Come to Cobalt for the space, equipment, and expertise to help you
elevate your tabletop images.
Look Who’s Shooting with Cobalt
John Mulaney x Netflix, Harry Connick Jr., and Chris Rock
John Mulaney’s Netflix Promo
In the past year, Netflix has become a repeat client at Cobalt, and we couldn’t be happier about it! Most recently, we hosted John Mulaney and a bunch of kids to shoot a promo for his Netflix musical comedy special “John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch.” Cobalt’s commitment to comfort and hospitality shines when our clients are shooting with special talent like the kiddos, and we’re so grateful
they keep choosing us!
Harry Connick Jr. in the House
We were honored to host the legendary talent and consummate professional Harry Connick Jr. at our soundstage. Harry used our own Alex Fernbach as DP on his production. Harry and Alex really hit it off. He ended up dubbing Alex “Matrix Man,” as a nod to Alex’s historic contribution to cinematography. Conceived and directed by Harry, “A Celebration of Cole Porter” is a multimedia theatrical performance that presents Porter's most beloved songs in an unprecedented and unique way,highlighted by Harry’s signature style.
Chris Rock x Cobalt on the Road
When Chris Rock’s team calls with a production emergency, you don’t let it go to voicemail! We recently pulled off a near-miraculous motion control job supporting Chris Rock’s comedy special with just 48 hours’ notice! Challenged with coordinating equipment and talent in three time zones, our MoCo master Alex also devised a custom rig to fit in an extremely tight space. A true team effort — Kara directed the operation from an RV in Los Angeles while Cobalt’s Stage Manager Steve drove the rig overnight to Chicago, so our client wouldn’t miss a beat. We won't let you down. That’s how we roll. ?
We’re built for producers.
Experience the ultimate production workplace,
The Hoboken House.
Produce here. Stay here. Shoot here.
Located three blocks from our soundstage, The Hoboken House is Cobalt’s versatile three-bedroom, three-bath Carriage House. It’s fully-furnished and production-ready, with high ceilings, an open floorplan, and great natural light. Built by producers, for producers... No other “home” location on the East Coast is supported by a 12,000 sq. ft. turnkey soundstage facility. Done.
The right balance of efficiency and hospitality.
Cobalt offers more than just space. We provide convenient access to cutting edge production tools, and we’re generous with amenities that make our locations feel more like home. That includes quiet, comfortable places to collaborate, well-appointed kitchens, locally-sourced, organic coffee, and even the lemon-scented green cleaner we make ourselves.
Sustainable sets made affordable.
If you’re not experienced with Virtual Sets yet, let us show you the ropes! Our Virtual Backlot provides a cost-effective, low-carbon-footprint alternative to practical sets or shooting on location. Leverage our computer-generated Virtual backlot to set scenes anywhere you can imagine - with zero waste!
Comprehensive, cutting-edge production tools.
We’ve been in the business for over 25 years, and we’ve always been early adopters so that we can offer the East Coast the most comprehensive inventory of onsite production tools. Our in-house motion control robotics specialist, Alex, can help you customize solutions to lower your costs and stress. Feel free to give him a call!
We built Cobalt so you can focus on what matters most—doing great work. We’re generous with support and supplies because it helps our clients avoid costly delays and creative compromises :)