Embargo until 13:00 GMT, Wednesday 6th September, 2023
London, UK, 6 September, 2023: Today sees the official launch of the new Bloom Gold diffusion filter series, the result of a creative collaboration between award-winning cinematographer Philip Bloom and filter experts at Formatt-Hitech. This specially formulated range of screw-in diffusion filters is designed to remove the digital edge to images from modern cameras and lenses, while having a subtle warming effect. Filmmakers at all levels will appreciate the ease with which the new Bloom Gold filters transform images with their subtle halation and warming.
Philip explains why he decided to create the filters with Formatt-Hitech: “Cameras and lenses are so good these days but the images they make can be sterile and characterless. I’ve been using diffusion filters for many years and never found a solution I was quite happy with, so I decided to make my own with Formatt-Hitech.”
He goes on to describe what the filter does like this: “The Bloom Gold diffusion filter takes away that harshness and makes your image much more natural and organic. A lot of people think diffusion filters are just for effects which is simply not true. Depending on the strength chosen, a ‘Bloom Gold’ filter can have a very flattering effect on people’s faces and skin. It can also do wonders for highlights, softly blooming what would otherwise be harsh bright spots. It’s called Gold as the filter has a subtle warming tone, but it works beautifully under all lighting conditions and even at night.”
Each filter is crafted to the highest levels out of Schott B270i optical glass and is hand-finished in the UK. Philip specifically chose to work with Formatt-Hitech because of their excellence in optical quality, heritage and quality of construction. He said: “I’m incredibly difficult to please. It has to be the best. I can say with complete confidence that the Bloom Gold is the most beautiful diffusion filter I've ever used.”
He continues: “It just made sense. I’ve used Formatt filters since the beginning of my freelance career. They also are used on big Hollywood productions with DPs like Greig Fraser, so when I decided to create these filters I knew they could make them to my exact specifications.”
The Bloom Gold diffusion filters are offered in 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 strengths and 49mm, 67 mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm sizes with an anti-reflective filter ring. Formatt-Hitech’s cinema filters are more commonly found as larger 4x4 and 4x5.65 sizes, so offering these as high-grade round filters instead allows them to easily screw onto common stills and smaller cinema lenses. Philip said: “These filters that Formatt-Hitech make are usually for Hollywood and mainly for matte box use. Like many others I don’t usually use a matte box so to have this kind of quality in a screw-on filter is incredible. This also makes them more affordable and accessible, which is really important to me.”
Choosing the right Bloom Gold filter for your shot is dependent on several factors like the lens used, the lighting, and the focal length. Having the choice between 1/8th, 1/4 and 1/2 gives the user amazing tunability. Philip explains: “The 1/8th Bloom Gold makes almost everything look better. It is my go-to. I use 1/4 in more controlled lighting situations and interviews, or outside if I want more of a visible diffusion. The 1/2 is perfect if I want an even heavier effect.”
The filters are available in a choice of ring finishes with either a traditional black or opulent gold appearance. The glass and effect of both versions are the same.
The filters are available in a choice of classic black or opulent gold finished rings
The Bloom Gold filters range in price from $87.50 US each for the 49mm filters, to $140 US each for the 82mm versions. They are available to order now from the Formatt-Hitech website.
About Philip Bloom:
Philip Bloom is an award-winning filmmaker known for his pioneering work with DSLRs, his blogs, education and YouTube channel. He has worked as a cinematographer and cameraman for Lucasfilm, CNN, Sky, BBC and many more. He has also been a leader in camera reviews and development for many years, advising some of the world’s largest camera companies.
About Formatt-Hitech:
Formatt-Hitech makes world-class lens filters using the most advanced computer-controlled manufacturing equipment available, to create the most accurate and durable filtration products for the photography, cinematic and broadcast industries. They manufacture their filters in South Wales UK and sell their products on every continent.
Formatt-Hitech is especially well known in the cinema field for its excellent performance and has become the filter of choice for many of the world's largest prestige projects including Rogue One A Star Wars Story, Solo A Star Wars Story, Dune, The Batman, Black Adam and Shazam 2.
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High-res image can be downloaded here.
