For the Affinity Steel shoot, our primary objective was to deliver visuals that truly captured the essence of the brand, requiring us to deploy our absolute A-game. Fortunately, over the past fifteen years, we’ve meticulously built an equipment arsenal that empowers us to consistently achieve such high standards. This production, part of the Affinity Steel 2025 Super Bowl Commercials campaign, demanded nothing short of excellence in video production.

One of the serendipitous moments leading up to this production was the timing of our friend Thomas Sigurdsson’s equipment sale. Approximately a month before the shoot date, Thomas, known for his expertise at Northern Lighting LA, put some stands on the market. This presented a timely opportunity for us to acquire four additional combo stands and four baby stands. This acquisition significantly augmented our existing inventory, not only increasing the sheer number of stands available but also critically enhancing our capacity to support heavier lighting and grip setups, ensuring stability and versatility on set.

Our camera choice for this project was exclusively the Blackmagic Pyxis 6K. This powerful cinema camera was paired with a sophisticated combination of lenses: the pristine Tokina Cinema Vistas and the versatile Tokina Cinema 25-75mm zoom. This particular lens package provided us with exceptional optical quality and the flexibility needed to capture a wide range of shots, from sweeping wide angles to intimate close-ups, all while maintaining a consistent cinematic look.

A truly unique aspect of this shoot was our privileged access to an early release version of the Blackmagic Pyxis monitor. This cutting-edge piece of equipment, still in its developmental stages, required a beta firmware update to be uploaded directly to the Pyxis camera itself. This pre-release access provided us with enhanced monitoring capabilities and a glimpse into future technological advancements, further solidifying our commitment to leveraging the latest tools in our craft.

The night before production officially commenced, our team members William and Ross dedicated considerable time to meticulously performing the necessary camera update. This crucial step ensured that the Pyxis camera and its new monitor would function seamlessly, preventing any potential technical disruptions during the intense filming schedule.

While at our AirBNB in Midland, TX, we also undertook the vital task of ensuring all our Blueshape Batteries were fully charged and ready for action. Our extensive battery collection, ranging from the compact Granite Mini 95s to the robust Granite 290s, provided ample power to sustain our camera and ancillary equipment throughout long shooting days, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.

The final, essential touch for our camera setup involved integrating the Tilta Nucleus M follow focus system. This precise wireless follow focus unit allowed for smooth and accurate focus pulls, critical for achieving sharp and dynamic imagery. This was seamlessly combined with our Vaxis Storm wireless video setup, which transmitted a high-quality, low-latency video feed to our directors’ and clients’ monitors, enabling real-time review and collaboration on set.

For the Affinity Steel shoot, as with many of our productions, we exclusively relied on the comprehensive range of Aputure and Amaran lights. These brands have become our go-to for their exceptional quality, reliability, and versatility, allowing us to sculpt light with precision and create the desired mood for every scene.

Our lighting package for this project included the powerful Aputure Nova P300c, a full-color RGBWW LED panel known for its rich color rendition and broad creative possibilities. We also heavily utilized the Aputure 1200d, a high-output daylight LED fixture that provided immense brightness, perfect for simulating natural sunlight or creating powerful key lights. Complementing these larger units were numerous Amaran 300C and 150Cs. These more compact, yet still potent, LED lights offered excellent flexibility for fill light, accent lighting, or practical effects, allowing us to fine-tune the illumination across the set.

Crucially, we cannot overlook the invaluable contribution of the Amaran tube lights. These versatile linear LED fixtures were consistently deployed throughout the set, often hidden within the frame or used as practical elements to add subtle accents, define spaces, or create dramatic backlighting effects. Their ability to deliver soft, even light in a slender form factor made them indispensable for achieving nuanced and visually compelling results.

This level of gear coordination, combined with our experienced team and creative vision, exemplifies what sets Hamil Bros apart in video production projects across Texas and beyond. From concept to execution, our equipment choices were instrumental in achieving the cinematic quality expected.