Free ARRI ALEXA Mini LF Simulator + 1917 Filmmaking Challenge

For most of us getting our hands on an Alexa MINI LF may be difficult, but ARRI have now made it easier by releasing the official ARRI Alexa Mini LF simulator. A free online camera exploration and menu simulator, the ALEXA Mini LF simulator has been designed to get camera assistants, cinematographers, and all other camera creatives more familiar with the latest large format camera from the legendary camera maker.

Spit into two sides – one being an Alexa Mini LF MENU Simulator with a pretty accurate GUI of the Alexa Mini LF menu, and the other being a Camera Exploration tool listing all the camera outputs, buttons, and other important bits so as to give you an overall idea of where things are and what they do.

ARRI Alexa Mini LF Simulator

Images by ARRI

The ARRI Alexa menu style has become the de-facto industry standard with pretty much all other major brands (maybe except RED) copying the logical button and menu structure layout – think Varicam LT, Sony F5/F55, Sony VENICE, but over the years with the latest generation Alexa MINI LF exploding onto the large format cinematography scene, that menu has evolved as well, hence why it’s a good idea to get familiar before heading out to a shoot.

Head over to ARRI to explore the Alexa Mini LF simulator.

And speaking of the Alexa Mini LF, the latest ARRI camera had its maiden voyage on the set of the Sam Mendes director and Roger Deakins lensed one-shot war epic “1917” set to hit movie theatres later in December.

Now you can channel your inner-Deakins and enter the 1917 One Shot Filmmaking Challenge by making a 2 minute short film in a single, continuous shot using a minimum of two actors.

Luckily you don’t have to shoot on the Alexa Mini LF, but there are quite a few rules you have to abide by. The winner gets to attend the LA premiere of “1917” and have the opportunity to meet crew and talent.

1917 One SHot Filmmaking challenge

Image by Universal Studios/1917

For a full list of rules, guidance, and full T&Cs you should head over to https://1917oneshotchallenge.com but I’ll summarize below for those that are TLDR.

1917 One Shot Challenge Film Requirements 

  • One single, uninterrupted, continuous shot
  • Maximum 2 minutes run time with credits
  • 2 characters minimum
  • Have one interior and one exterior location
  • Must be original idea
  • Open to US residents only
  • Can’t be vulgar, offensive, or
    • otherwise inappropriate for general audiences

To enter head over to the 1917 One Shot Challenge.

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