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🎬 Putting Blackmagic Cameras to the Test — The Gear Behind Our Zero-Budget TV Pilot


At Rāngai, we’re in a pretty unique position — we teach screen production using a fleet of Blackmagic cameras that have seen plenty of action. They’re not the newest models, and most can be found second-hand at unbelievably low prices, but that’s exactly what makes them exciting.

Instead of dreaming about the cameras we wish we could afford, we’re proving what we can make with what’s already in our hands. No studio backing. No million-dollar toys. Just creativity, hustle, and gear that punches way above its price-tag.

So — we’re shooting a TV pilot, due January 2026, using almost exclusively the tools we use in class every week. This blog breaks down everything we’re taking with us into the field.

Welcome to the zero-budget production kit tour.Let’s roll.


🎥 00:27 – A Camera – The Workhorse

Our primary camera is the trusted URSA Mini Pro — rugged, reliable, incredibly cinematic for its price point. Paired with zoom lenses, wireless monitoring and timecode, this becomes the backbone of our shoot.

Kit List:

This is the heart of our production — stable, flexible and ready to run all day.


📷 05:00 – B Camera – The Pocket 4K

Cheap on TradeMe. Lightweight. Stunning image quality.The BMPCC 4K is the indie filmmaker’s secret weapon — and ours too.

Rig Configuration:


📡 06:54 – C Camera — Studio Cam 4K Pro

Perfect for controlled interview setups or multi-cam coverage.

This camera will live on sticks and roll when we need clean plates or additional interview angles without slowing the A-team down.


🛸 07:45 – Drone – DJI Mini 4 Pro

Lightweight. Legal almost everywhere. 4K gorgeous aerials.

For establishing shots, movement, coastline, skyline — this is how we elevate production value instantly.


📺 08:49 – Director’s Monitor

Lilliput BM280 28” — the village screen.

The whole crew can see what’s happening — no crowding around a single 7-inch display.


🎚 10:34 – Grip

Smooth movement is production value.

We’ll mix static, slider and handheld work to keep the visual language dynamic and authentic.


🎙 11:16 – Audio

Good audio makes a film feel expensive.Bad audio makes a film unwatchable.

Our sound team is packing:


💡 12:51 – Lighting

We keep things simple and mobile.

Affordable, punchy, quiet, and enough output to compete with daylight when used right.


Final Thoughts

We don’t have the biggest budget.We don’t have fancy cinema rigs.

But we do have the tools to tell great stories, and that’s what matters most.

With the right crew, the right energy, and a willingness to push every piece of gear to its limits, we’re about to prove what "no budget" filmmaking really looks like.

📅 Pilot screens — January 2026🔗 www.rangai.nz

Stay tuned — we’ll be posting BTS, test shots, student insights, failures, wins and everything in between.

 
 
 

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