Flapper3's live-action filming, fully incorporating technical perspectives

Flapper3 focuses not only on motion graphics but also on live-action video production in a wide range of genres, including music videos and stage footage. They offer a one-stop production service that covers everything from planning to filming using their own filming equipment, including drones, and editing. In this article, we will introduce flapper3's strengths and commitment to filming, as well as the content they have worked on so far.

Flapper3's filming techniques pursue a unique video experience

The people in charge of filming for flapper3 are directors Naohiro Yako and Lemon Shimada, and technical director Yoshiki Inomata. Each of them makes full use of their knowledge and skills in the filming.

Flapper3's greatest strength is special effects photography, which incorporates extra technology into live action. We find and incorporate the most appropriate filming and directing techniques for each project, such as XR/AR live shows that combine CG with filmed footage, and music videos that use robotic arms.

For the reggae punk band "SiM"'s online live concert "SiM XR LiVE," they attempted an unprecedented filming challenge by combining 3DCG images projected onto a large LED screen with actual footage captured by camera in real time. The filming was done using a special technique in which the angle of view of the images displayed on the LED screen changed in accordance with the movement of each camera. Flapper3 has a long track record of producing filming that combines virtual reality with real space, and this is one of their creative specialties.

We have also worked on many music videos for artists. Taking advantage of flapper3's strengths in CG and motion graphics, we are able to incorporate special effects in-house. For example, in the music video for Yufu Terashima's "Love * Song," we handled the lighting control installed on set in-house, and we also offer suggestions on the equipment side of video production.

The director himself takes on the challenge of piloting a drone for filming

Flapper3 also offers live-action filming using drones. Led by Yako and Inomata, who have extensive flight experience, the company offers a one-stop service from planning and arranging video footage, arranging filming locations, filming, and editing. The company owns three drones: a large drone capable of capturing high-quality footage, a small, maneuverable drone, and an FPV drone capable of capturing acrobatic footage. The company uses the appropriate equipment for each purpose.

The strength of flapper3 in drone filming is that it can directly translate the image that the director has in mind into the footage. On a typical filming location, the director gives instructions to the drone operator as the filming progresses. On the other hand, with flapper3, the director can operate the drone himself. This allows for the capture of high-quality footage that is more in line with the concept.

For the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal project, we used drones to capture aerial footage with the themes of "cruise voyage" and "movement on the water." We were responsible for everything from selecting a location that could capture the beautiful flow of water from a bird's-eye view, to obtaining permission, filming, and editing. We seamlessly stitched together various scenes, such as canoes and large ships sailing, to create a comfortable space for the people staying at the facility.

The Tech Team's technical capabilities supporting flapper3 filming

Supporting these special filming and video productions is the Tech Team, whose members are well versed in software and programming technology. They work with the director to come up with filming and production methods, and share their vision internally to progress the project in a one-stop process, so they can bring the video to completion without losing resolution from the initial proposal.

Another feature of flapper3 is that, while being a company that specializes in CG and motion graphics, they also own a wide range of filming equipment, including drones. They are able to repeatedly test and experiment with their own equipment, so they are able to take on filming after gaining knowledge and experience. They will continue to try new filming techniques and provide unique and creative footage.