Samsung Launch at Sydney Opera House Time-Lapse 

Australian Cinematographers Society Silver Award Winner

Electric Films documented the 48-hour setup of a Samsung product launch at Sydney Opera House. Several portable time-lapse cameras recorded the preparations from different viewpoints, through the day and night.

This event was recorded using several time-lapse cameras. A camera in the northern foyer of the Sydney Opera House captured a wide view of the multi-day setup. During the initial tent construction, a single time-lapse camera was constantly repositioned for multiple angles before being mounted to the ceiling for the internal build.

Cinematographer Graeme Beck also captured refreshing cutaway shots of Sydney Harbour from various angles, adding a scenic element that beautifully complemented the heavy industrial build. This film was honoured with a Silver Award by the Australian Cinematographers Society.

 Short-Term Time-Lapse FAQs 
What shooting intervals are used for time-lapse filming?

The interval is tailored to the pace of the work. Long-term construction projects use ten-minute intervals. As construction nears completion, this is adjusted to five minutes to capture stunning day-to-night transitions, showcasing your finished building at its absolute best. For shorter projects lasting a day or two, intervals can be as brief as 30 seconds.

What is HDR shooting?

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. At each time-lapse interval, the camera takes three exposures: one normal, one darker, and one brighter. These are combined into a single frame using intensive processing power to retain maximum detail in bright areas and deep shadows.

Are conventional video and still photography services available?

Yes. In addition to time-lapse, Electric Films provides a complete video production service.

Can a time-lapse camera be moved?

Yes. A time-lapse camera stays fixed while recording each sequence, but can be repositioned as the project develops. Moving it at key stages lets us capture the best angles that are more engaging to watch.

Can industrial work be filmed overnight or over several days?

Yes. A number of portable time-lapse cameras can record a specific operation overnight or over a weekend, often alongside long-term cameras documenting the same project. The M2 Freeway Bridge project demonstrates this approach. Project managers can share their work schedules with Graeme so coverage is planned precisely around key stages.