Internship Journal: Cutting Edge Cameras and Canine Coworkers

By Elwood Folse | Hell Cat Productions | Week 3

After a long week of working from home due to the snow, I finally made it back to the hangar. What made this day particularly exciting was the chance to meet some of David’s colleagues—partners working with him on a “Top Gun” project. And no, I’m not talking about the movie. This project was for the actual Naval aviation company.

Our task? Cutting and editing a video advertisement for their F-35 pilot training videos—a high-energy project showcasing the cutting-edge technology and skill of modern fighter pilots.

Filming with a RED Camera: Hollywood in the Hangar

One of the most exciting aspects of this project was learning that they filmed the footage using a RED camera. If you’re unfamiliar, RED cameras are among the most powerful digital cinema cameras in the industry, renowned for their high-resolution imaging, dynamic range, and unmatched clarity.

What Makes RED Cameras Special?

• Insane Resolution – Some RED cameras shoot in 8K, meaning their footage is crystal clear, hyper-detailed, and future-proof.

• Cinematic Color Science – The color depth and dynamic range make footage look rich, immersive, and true to life, giving even digital images an almost film-like texture.

• Modular Design – Unlike traditional cameras, RED cameras are built like LEGO for filmmakers—completely customizable with different lenses, attachments, and configurations.

• Hollywood Standard – Some of the biggest films have been shot on RED, including:

  • The Social Network (2010)

  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

  • The Hobbit Trilogy (2012–2014)

  • Mindhunter (2017–2019)

This meant that the F-35 video footage we were working with had that same sleek, blockbuster-level quality, making every shot of the jets look incredibly sharp and cinematic.

The Philosophy Behind the Edit

Beyond the technical side, what stood out to me was the philosophical discussion surrounding the project. The team wasn’t just focused on cool visuals—they wanted to convey meaning through the video. What did they want the audience to feel? What story should the edit tell?

It was an inspiring conversation, especially for me, as my grandfather was a Skipper in the Navy back in the day. Seeing how storytelling, even in something as straightforward as a military promo, plays such a vital role made me appreciate the art and intention behind every cut.

Bowie: The Real MVP of the Day

Of course, no workday is complete without a little morale boost. David brought in two of his dogs, and they might as well have been our emotional support animals for the day. My favorite was Bowie, an older, all-black sweetheart who made the long hours of editing a little easier.

There’s something about having dogs around that makes even the most tedious work more bearable. Between fighter jet footage and philosophy-filled editing discussions, Bowie stole the show—and maybe my heart, too.

Looking Ahead

As I continue this internship, I’m eager to dive deeper into the technical aspects of editing and storytelling. Working with Hollywood-grade cameras, discussing the deeper meaning behind video projects, and getting some much-needed dog therapy—I’d say this week was a win.