A Game-Changing Grant That Brought Courage to Life
When I set out to make Courage, I knew the heart of my film was there. What I didn’t expect was the kind of industry-shaping support that would meet me and my team along the way.
Thanks to Panavision’s New Filmmaker Equipment Grant, our production received an unprecedented package of professional-grade tools, gear used on today’s biggest studio projects. This grant gave us access to dual RED V-RAPTOR X 8K VV cameras, Panavision 65 Vintage Prime Lenses and so much more, totaling in value to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
That kind of access changed everything. It allowed us to match our cinematic ambition with the tools to make it real.
A Cinematographer’s Advocacy: Mario Contini’s Vision Made It Possible
Our connection to Panavision came through Director of Photography Mario Contini, whose resume includes acclaimed productions like Netflix’s Beef. From day one, Mario believed in the vision of Courage. He championed our project to Panavision and helped us navigate the immense technical scope of working with this caliber of gear.
His artistry didn’t just raise the bar, it gave our entire production the confidence to meet it.
Key Gear that Transformed the Film
The grant included a full array of cutting-edge and rare tools that brought visual nuance and cinematic polish to the screen:
Dual RED V-RAPTOR X 8K VV Cameras with Tilta rigs
Sony FX3 Package for mobile and BTS work
Panavision 65 Vintage Prime and Kowa Anamorphic Lenses
Laowa Macro Probe Lenses for hyper-stylized shots
Preston Wireless Focus Units and Light Ranger 2
O’Connor, Ronford Baker, EasyRig, and Mitchell support systems
Teradek Bolt 6 LT Wireless Systems for seamless on-set monitoring
Panavision IRND and Tiffen Black Pro-Mist filters for in-camera style
Sony OLED and SmallHD ultrabright monitors for precise color and framing
Engineering-level cables, batteries, and FIZ controllers to ensure uninterrupted production
Panavision’s support allowed us to create a visual identity that holds its own. All on a minimal independent budget. Panavision’s support of
To Panavision: thank you for investing in stories that haven’t always had the spotlight.
To Mario: thank you for your belief, your craft, and your fierce support.
To our cast, crew, and community: thank you for reminding us why representation on screen is powerful.
Courage is more than a film, it’s a movement. And it’s a movement that was made possible by people and partners who believe in the power of telling stories that matter.
