Nu9ve: Pierna Arriba
Cinematic narrative capture with a compact, intentional cinema Look
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.
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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:
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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
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The visual language needed to feel deliberate and cinematic, without slowing down production or overloading the set.
The Camera Approach
We prioritized:
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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
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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:
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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:
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Indie narrative films don’t require oversized gear packages
Controlled lighting and lens choice define mood
Small, intentional kits support strong visual authorship
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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.