Z Group Films recently wrapped a shoot at the Las Vegas Palms Hotel for a 30-second Courvoisier film. The film tells a story of a wild night in the Sin City with vivid images and rich color brought to life by director Michael LaBellarte utilizing cutting edge HD technology: no film, no tape, no muss, no fuss, all great images, all direct to drive.
“Greatness Within” is a tightly-constructed concept created by Burrell Communications. Z group’s Michael LaBellarte brings the idea to life with the Phantom HD Hi-Speed camera. This camera was recently introduced as an innovative technology in creating HD images. The best part about this new piece of equipment is the fact that all the captured images go directly to hard drive. The quality of the image is phenomenal, especially for special effects and product shots.
LaBellarte is known for his ability to produce great work even under a time crunch, and with this camera, he had the ability to shoot and finish excellent work even faster. On this particular shoot, Michael directed the film, supervised the edit and the completed spot was out the door in about two weeks, including effects.
Michael LaBellarte has put his digital expertise to use with his elegant manipulations of the Phantom camera. As Tom Fletcher of Fletcher Camera stated, “Michael LaBellarte’s quick adaptation to this new technology is something to be taken advantage of by those of us in the industry.” Michael first used the Phantom camera while filming a feature documentary. He instantly fell in love with it and Burrell Communications offered him the perfect opportunity to put his new skill to use in shooting Courvoisier’s “Greatness Within.”
The film was shot on location at the Palms Hotel, made famous by its debut on MTV’s Real World. It tells the story of an attractive man in Las Vegas who meets a hot young lady friend after a night of drinking Courvoisier. However, the story is told in reverse and is concluded with amazing visual effects, completed by the director’s own post-production company, Outsider Inc.
Michael LaBellarte is one of Z group’s most sought after directors. His work is rich in color and visual appeal, and he truly breathes life into each and every one of his projects.
Executive Producer Dan “Ziggy” Zigulich started Z Group Films in 2000 as a boutique style production company whose main goal is to provide the advertising community with fresh new directorial talent. With offices in Venice, CA and Chicago, IL, Z Group Films prides itself on fostering creativity and flaunting a line of "home grown" directors. Z group has worked with such clients as Arnold Boston, DDB, BBDO, Saatch & Saatchi, Leo Burnett, Element 79, DraftFCB, and the list goes on and on.
