Nu9ve: Pierna Arriba
NU9VE: Pierna Arriba is a narrative short film driven by performance, atmosphere, and carefully constructed visual language. The project blends theatrical staging with intimate, emotionally charged moments, requiring a camera and lighting approach that was precise, controlled, and expressive—while remaining flexible enough for a small, indie-scale production.
The film was captured using a lightweight cinema camera and lighting package, proving that strong visual storytelling comes from intention and design, not the size of the gear list.
The Challenge
This narrative production required:
Carefully composed, stylized frames
Controlled lighting in interior locations
A small crew working efficiently across setups
Consistent image quality for dramatic and emotional scenes
A camera system that supported both static compositions and subtle movement
The visual language needed to feel deliberate and cinematic, without slowing down production or overloading the set.
The Camera Approach
We prioritized:
Super 35 depth of field for a cinematic, narrative look
High-resolution capture to protect framing and allow flexibility in post
Lenses with consistent color and contrast across scenes
Compact camera builds to maintain fluidity on set
The goal was to create images that felt intentional, theatrical, and emotionally grounded, while keeping the production agile.
Camera Equipment Used
Primary Cameras
Z CAM E2-S6 (Super 35 Cinema Camera)
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6K capture for reframing and precise composition
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Strong dynamic range for controlled highlights and skin tones
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Compact form factor ideal for indie narrative sets
Recording
Atomos Ninja V (ProRes RAW 12-bit)
Provided maximum flexibility for color grading and tonal control during post-production, while keeping data manageable for an indie workflow.
Lenses
Sigma Cine Lenses (T2)
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18–35mm zoom for controlled interior framing
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50–100mm zoom for emotional compression and portrait-style shots
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Consistent color, contrast, and exposure across focal lengths
The Lighting Approach
Lighting for NU9VE: Pierna Arriba was designed to support mood, texture, and performance. The approach relied on controlled key lighting, minimal fixtures, and motivated practical sources to build atmosphere without over-lighting the scene.
The goal:
Sculpted light with a theatrical feel
Controlled contrast and shadow
Minimal gear footprint
Fast adjustments between setups
Lighting Used
Key Light
Godox SL300III / Nanlite FC500B
Used as the main key light for a cinematic look.
Its output allowed us to push light through diffusion or bounce while maintaining a soft, cinematic look.
Fill & Accent
2 × Godox SL-60W /
Neewer 60w Panles
Used for fill, edge light, or background separation depending on location and time of day.
Practical Lighting
Aputure B7C bulbs
Used inside lamps and practical fixtures to:
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Motivate light sources in frame
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Add warmth and depth
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Maintain control over color temperature without breaking realism
The Result
Using a compact camera and lighting setup, NU9VE: Pierna Arriba achieved a stylized, cinematic narrative looksuitable for festival exhibition and theatrical presentation.
This case study demonstrates:
Indie narrative films don’t require oversized gear packages
Controlled lighting and lens choice define mood
Small, intentional kits support strong visual authorship
Built for Indie Narrative Films
This exact camera and lighting setup is available through our Narrative / Short Film Equipment Package, designed for filmmakers creating emotionally driven stories on indie-scale productions.