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NOVA Digital Studios

A complete Audio Visual Solutions Company Based in the DC Metropolitan Area with an Award Winning Director of Photography.

Nova Digital Studios is an FAA Licensed provider of Aerial Videography and Photography

Operating in the DC area since 2003, we provide a wide range of media production, including advertisement campaigns, television news pieces, commercials, documentaries, training videos, still photography, and more.

Video Camera

CLIENTS

Valued Relationships

Nova Digital Studios has had the opportunity to partner with amazing companies and produce truly great television and film projects, working with a diverse range of clients throughout the years.

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About Nova Digital Studios

A Sharp Eye, a Steady Hand

John Bena is the founder and Director of Photography at Nova Digital Studios, a premier production house specializing in video campaigns including health care, commercial productions, national news coverage, multi-camera live events, and testimonials.

 

With over three decades of experience in video and film, John has documented a wide array of people, places, and events in Washington DC and around the world. As an accomplished and passionate cinematographer, John possesses extensive industry experience and training, coupled with a proven track record of success. He is skilled in overseeing all aspects of film production, including lighting design, audio strategies, camera manipulation, lens choices, aerial drone footage, and editing. His portfolio also includes documentaries, television shows, music videos, and corporate video productions.

 

John excels in collaboration, effectively prioritizing project goals and ensuring smooth production workflows. In his leadership role, he has mentored numerous staff and colleagues, fostering growth and development within his teams.

 

Throughout his career, John has received multiple prestigious awards, including a Peabody Award, a National Press Photographers Association Documentary Award, and most recently, a White House News Photographers Association Award for lighting.

 

Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, John consistently seeks to master new techniques, overcome challenges, and enhance his skills as a videographer and filmmaker. His attention to detail, creativity, technological expertise, problem-solving abilities, punctuality, and clear communication are among the many strengths he brings to every project. 

We at Nova Digital Studios look forward to providing all audio-visual solutions for you and your company. Let’s talk about your next project and come up with a plan.

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Services Available

Expertise. Intuition. Ingenuity.

Film Production

Single and Multi Camera Film Production Packages

Experience Counts

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Video, Audio and Photo Editing

Attention to Detail

Full Service

 Sound Technician

Clarity is Key

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Full Service Photography and Film Studio

A Comprehensive Approach

Film Set
Film Equipment

Equipment List

CAMERAS
Sony PXW FX9, 4K video Camera
Sony PXW FX3, 4K video Camera
Sony PXW FX30, 4K video Camera
Sony A7Rlll, 4K video Camera
Sony PXW Z150, 4K video Camera

Sony PXW X400 1080P Video Camera

LENSES
Sony G-Master FE 135mm f/1.8 Lens
Sony G-Master FE 85mm f/1.4 Lens
Sony G-Master FE 50mm f/1.4 Lens
Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G Lens
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G Lens

Sony E PZ 18-110mm f/4 G OSS Lens
Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

LIGHTS
1-Aputure LS 600D Pro Daylight LED Monolight
2-Aputure LS 300X Bi-Color LED Lights with 2X Fresnel Spot/Flood lens
2-Aputure LS 60x Bi-Color LED Focusing Flood Lights
2-Aputure LS 60D Daylight LED Focusing Flood Lights
2-Amaran F22C RGB Full Color LED Mat lights (2 x 2')
2-Amaran F21x Bi-Color LED Mat lights (2 x 1')
2-Litepanels Gemini RGB Full Color Hard 60 1x1 Panels with DMX


STABLIZATION
Sachtler HOT-POD 10 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Pneumatic Column and Sachtler Video 18 Fluid Head
Sachtler FSB8 Fluid head and 
aluminum mid-spread legs
Sachtler FSB4 Fluid head and aluminum mid-spread legs

Sachtler Ace XL Fluid head and carbon mid-spread legs
GVM GP-120QD Motorized Carbon Fiber Video Slider (48")
DJI Ronin S

MONITORS
Lilliput 28" 12G-SDI 4K IPS Field Monitor
Marshall Electronics 17.3" Professional LCD Field Monitor
FeelWorld 10" 4K IPS Professional Field Monitor
Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 7" Recorder/Monitor

Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5" 12G-SDI/HDMI HDR Recording Monitor

AUDIO
2-Sennheiser SK 100 G4 Wireless Bodypack Transmitters/Receivers with Omni Lavalier Mics,
2-Sony UTX-B40 Wireless Bodypack Transmitters/Receivers with Lavalier Mics
3-Sony ECM 77B Wired Lavalier Mics
1-Electro-Voice RE50B - Omnidirectional Dynamic Shockmounted ENG Microphone

1-Rode NTG4 Shotgun Microphone and Boom Pole
1-Azden FMX-42u 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer with USB Digital Audio Output

Testimonials

“John is, frankly, one of the best camera operators I’ve ever worked with—and I’ve worked with hundreds of them. His dexterity and overall skill with the camera are impressive. But I think what I value the most are John’s ‘can-do’ attitude and his work ethic.”

Brian T. -The Situation Room

“John was a very valuable addition to the team. I found him​ knowledgeable, punctual, and easy to work with. I look forward to working with him again when I'm in the area.”

Angela C. -Hearst Television

“Thanks for your outstanding contribution to Americana In Focus. Great story, beautifully shot, and tastefully edited. It was just an all-around solid piece. It seemed as if every single shot was well-thought out, and served a purpose. Your subject provided you with great sound bites, and you then crafted them into a really interesting story.  Thanks for helping to make Americana In Focus a success.”

Jeff K. CNN

“John Consistently proves that he can craft beautifully shot and produced stories laden with memorable moments. He employs creative control with his meticulous shot framing and enjoys getting the camera in close to fill the frame and composes with depth to his imagery.”

William M. CNN

“John Bena is world class at his craft and a pleasure to work with! On time. Hard working. Creative. Collaborative. And a joy to be around! Can’t wait for our next project together!”

-Max Major, World Renowned Mentalist

Image by Alexander Dummer

Contact

Thanks for submitting!

202-236-7876

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