Visual Story Telling
ShaBiron S. Shockley journey to filmmaking is a story of perseverance and passion. Growing up in a small town with big dreams, he nurtured his love for storytelling through poetry and creative writing, eventually evolving into visual mediums. “Filmmaking started for me by writing stories,” Shockley shared. “I wrote books and poems before I even knew what a script was.”
This passion led him to self-fund projects that demonstrated his talent, ultimately opening doors to commercial cinematography. His work today reflects his narrative-driven style, which balances technical expertise with emotional depth.
Cinematographer ShaBiron S. Shockey & Gaffer Sean Nejman
Flyers Charity Project
The commercial, a collaboration with Pel Productions, sought to depict the journey of young hockey players, beginning with street hockey and culminating in NHL-level dreams. “Josh Pellegrini, owner of Pel Productions and Director for this commercial reached out to me with a brief from Flyers Charities and the mission was clear ” ,Shockley explained. “We wanted to show how the Philadelphia Flyers Charity can support the community to help rebuild and refurbish rinks, encouraging kids to dream big.”
The project required a mix of dynamic action shots and intimate portraits, emphasizing both the sport and its impact on young players’ lives. The one-day shoot at Philadelphia’s Scanlon Recreation Center demanded efficiency, creativity, and meticulous planning.
Getting the shot with the ARRI Mini LF, powered by native DIONIC 26V batteries.
Premium Power, No Compromise
One of the key tools in Shockley’s kit was Anton/Bauer’s native 26V Gold Mount Plus batteries, specifically the DIONIC 26V 240Wh. The batteries powered his ARRI Mini LF camera, SmallHD Cine 13, and Teradek transmitters throughout the shoot. Native 26V batteries have lower source impedance, which means they generate less heat and are more efficient than regulated batteries. This means they last longer, perform better, and respond to high power demands more effectively.
“When you’re working with bigger cameras that draw a lot of power, having reliable batteries is critical.”
With the 26V batteries, Shockley was able to utilize 20A peak and 12A continuous power to shoot continuously for up to four hours, even with multiple peripherals connected. “They give me flexibility on set,” he noted. “Time is money, and not having to pause for frequent battery changes makes all the difference.”
The reliability of Anton/Bauer batteries ensured that Shockley could focus on capturing perfect shots without interruptions. With no drop in current like dual-voltage batteries, sensitive high-end cameras and lights can draw maximum power with no stress or sudden shutdowns. Their precision in displaying remaining power also proved invaluable:
“What I love about Anton/Bauer is the accuracy. If it says four hours, it’s four hours. That trust saves me from unpleasant surprises.”
The rapid charging feature of the DIONIC 26V batteries was a game-changer. “By the time one battery was depleted, another was fully charged and ready to go,” Shockley explained.
Creative Challenges and Solutions
The shoot presented unique challenges, including capturing action shots on an ice rink without prior skating experience. Shockley recalled the innovative solution his gaffer Sean Nejman devised: a custom sled fitted with hockey pucks. “I instantly fell in love with this rig and I had so much fun using it. It made my job so easy and allowed me to get all the shots I needed for the commercial”.
The compact setup enabled smooth camera movement while maintaining safety and comfort. Coupled with the lightweight yet robust Anton/Bauer batteries, Shockley was able to achieve fluid handheld shots, adding an organic feel to the project.
Sliding shots on a custom built sled.
A Marriage of Technical Excellence and Storytelling
Shockley’s approach to the Flyers Charity project exemplified his belief in balancing artistry with practicality. His choice to shoot anamorphic on the ARRI Mini LF provided a compressed, cinematic look that he felt mirrored the isolation and focus of athletes.
“The beauty of anamorphic is its ability to create a unique world. It was perfect for this story—about kids dreaming big in their isolated moments of practice and growth.”
“Growing up playing team and solo sports, this project made me think about how hyper focused athletes are, how the world shrinks and the moment is everything. Anamorphic lenses were the perfect choice of lenses for this story because of the aspect ratio, the characteristics and how they lend themselves to a stylistic way of capturing the story.”
The lighting, meticulously planned during pre-production, added another layer of storytelling. “We shot the street hockey scenes during morning light to get that golden-hour feel,” Shockley said. “Scheduling the day around light was crucial.”
Capturing key scenes in golden hour.
Collaboration and the Power of Community
Beyond the technicalities, the project was a testament to collaboration. The small crew operated like a close-knit family. “With smaller crews, there’s a special connection,” Shockley reflected. “It’s more personal, and everyone has a hand in bringing the vision to life.”
The cast, mostly young players, also brought a unique energy to the shoot. “The kids were amazing,” Shockley said. “Seeing their excitement as they watched playback was one of the highlights of the day.”
The awesome cast and crew, making this a memorable shoot.
Anton/Bauers 12-amp DIONIC XT batteries were on hand during the production to power up the Small HD Cine 13 and Teradek transmitters. With Anton/Bauer’s three-level protection in their batteries the crew we’re able to focus on their creativity, safe in the knowledge that reliable consistent power was keeping all their equipment powered.
For Shockley, the Flyers Charity project was more than a commercial; it was an opportunity to explore new creative possibilities while contributing to a meaningful cause. “I’m always looking for stories that challenge me to learn something new,” he shared. “This project gave me that.”
As he continues his journey, Shockley remains committed to his dual roles as Director and DP, with ambitions of shooting a narrative feature film, tv series, or a feature length sports documentary. “Anton/Bauer will definitely be part of that journey. They make my life easier, I trust them to get me through the day without a hitch.”
Watch the full commercial:
Behind the scenes photo credit: Luis Castellon.
