Erik Sopracasa has always had an eye for storytelling. In early 2023, he established Movart Studios with the ambition to create impactful visual stories. His keen understanding of cultural significance and storytelling led him to the Philippines, where he embarked on documenting the Miss Universe Philippines pageant – a spectacle that captivates millions. The Sony Alpha 7 IV camera turned out to be the perfect tool for bringing his vision to life. The documentary's success, culminating in its release on Netflix, “A Queen’s Runway,” highlights both Sopracasa's talent and the camera's capabilities.
Still Frame From "A Queen's Runway," by executive producer and director Erik Sopracasa. Shot with the Sony Alpha 7 IV.
The Miss Universe Philippines Documentary
The Miss Universe Philippines pageant is more than a beauty contest in the Philippines – it's a national event with millions of viewers. “They treat it as a sport, and all the biggest brands want to be part of it every year,” he says. “So the idea was to tell a story in that sports documentary style like you’ve seen with other sports on Netflix. It’s popular and such a great way to see the behind the scenes.”
Sopracasa aimed to capture the essence of the event, offering audiences an insider's view of a world often misunderstood outside of Asia. The documentary was shot over five months, covering the pageant's extensive three-and-a-half-month competition period. This immersive approach allowed Sopracasa to portray the dedication and intensity behind the glamour.
Still Frame From "A Queen's Runway," by executive producer and director Erik Sopracasa. Shot with the Sony Alpha 7 IV.
Why the Sony Alpha 7 IV?
Choosing the right camera was crucial for Sopracasa's documentary. “I was comparing a bunch of different brands and cameras,” he explains. “Even just looking at the specs, I knew Sony was going to be the best for what I wanted to do.” He selected the Sony Alpha 7 IV due to its versatility and professional-grade features. Even with the Sony Alpha 7 IV being a hybrid camera, it delivered the high-quality footage required for a Netflix production. He shares the key features and performance of the camera and how it came into play for the film.
Portability: The Alpha 7 IV's compact size and lightweight design made it ideal for a documentary that required constant movement and travel across various locations in the Philippines.
Electronic Image Stabilization: This feature provided stabilization without the need for a gimbal, crucial for capturing smooth footage in dynamic environments.
Exceptional Autofocus: The camera's advanced autofocus system allowed Sopracasa to focus on capturing spontaneous moments without worrying about missing a shot.
Low Light Performance: Filming events that often took place at night or in dimly lit venues, the Alpha 7 IV excelled in low light conditions, providing clear and usable footage without excessive grain.
Durability: Despite the intense heat and humidity of the Philippines, the camera rarely overheated, outperforming even some higher-end models in durability.
For flexibility and quality, Sopracasa used the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master and the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master lenses paired with his A7 IV. These lenses provided a broad range of focal lengths, essential for adapting to rapidly changing shooting conditions and capturing both intimate interviews and expansive crowd shots.
Still Frame From "A Queen's Runway," by executive producer and director Erik Sopracasa. Shot with the Sony Alpha 7 IV.
Standout Scenes & Challenges
Several scenes highlighted the Sony Alpha 7 IV's capabilities, particularly those shot in low-light settings such as fashion shows and behind-the-scenes moments at night. The camera's resilience in extreme temperatures was tested during outdoor shoots in Sultan Kudarat, yet Sopracasa says it consistently performed without issue.
The lightweight rig also allowed Sopracasa to be nimble, a must when filming a documentary. “It's not like a feature film where you have the time to set up everything and your shot and the light and everything. You basically have to be ready at all times. Your day doesn’t really end or start. You have to be continuously ready to go because something can happen at any time.”
Still Frame From "A Queen's Runway," by executive producer and director Erik Sopracasa. Shot with the Sony Alpha 7 IV.
Showcasing Your Work On Netflix
The documentary's appearance on Netflix has been a milestone for Sopracasa, bringing global attention to a uniquely Filipino story. Streaming on such a popular platform not only validates the project's quality but also opens doors for future opportunities, enhancing Sopracasa's opportunities as a filmmaker. “It’s not something that just happens,” he says. “It’s taken a lot of time and hard work.
Erik Sopracasa's journey with the Sony Alpha 7 IV is a testament to the power of combining the right tools with a compelling story. His documentary not only sheds light on the cultural significance of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, but also showcases the capabilities of the Sony Alpha 7 IV in professional filmmaking. As Sopracasa's work continues to gain recognition, the Alpha 7 IV stands as a crucial partner in his storytelling toolkit, proving that great stories can indeed be captured with the right vision and equipment.
See more of Erik Sopracasa's work on Instagram @eriksopracasa and at movart.tv. Find "A Queen's Runway on Netflix here.
