Black Magic is a popular web series on Netflix that revolves around the lives of four women who are professional basketball players in India. The show delves into the personal and professional challenges faced by these women as they navigate their careers in a male-dominated sport. Set in the city of Jaipur, Black Magic explores the journey of these women as they strive to break barriers and make a name for themselves in the world of basketball. The show highlights the challenges they face both on and off the court, including societal norms, gender discrimination, financial struggles, and personal relationships. The characters in Black Magic are well-developed and relatable, each having their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The series showcases the strength and resilience of these women as they overcome obstacles with determination and perseverance.
Codec
We collaborate extensively with the creative community, camera manufacturers, and globally recognized experts to approve cameras that support reliable and flexible production workflows. What is important to note, is that the sensor had been in the works for more than 3 years before the original URSA Mini Pro 12K was announced in 2020.
The series showcases the strength and resilience of these women as they overcome obstacles with determination and perseverance. It also sheds light on the complexities of their personal lives and the sacrifices they make to pursue their dreams. The storyline of Black Magic is engaging and keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.
Cameras & Image Capture: Requirements and Best Practices
To help creatives produce their best work and create compelling visual experiences for our audience, Netflix requires 90% of a program’s final total runtime to be captured on approved cameras using the following capture requirements . For nonfiction content, this threshold may be more flexible.
We collaborate extensively with the creative community, camera manufacturers, and globally recognized experts to approve cameras that support reliable and flexible production workflows. Approved cameras have been evaluated by Netflix technologists to ensure they meet image capture benchmarks for dynamic range, color accuracy, detail rendition, signal to noise ratio, resolution, and key workflow requirements. These evaluations help our partners know they’re using the best and most appropriate capture technology when telling their stories.
For more on why Netflix has an approved camera list see "Approved Cameras - Behind the Scenes."
This article also provides best practices in an effort to help productions avoid common image capture pitfalls or errors.
We understand that limited use of non-approved cameras may be necessary in certain situations. Netflix is available to navigate those specific image capture decisions. Please reach out to your Netflix point of contact with any questions or concerns specific to your production. For information on using Non-Approved Cameras see: Non-Approved Cameras: Recommended Settings & Best Practices.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAPTURE REQUIREMENTS
In order to meet image capture standards required by Netflix, the following capture attributes must be adhered to.
Resolution
Minimum of 3840 photosite capture width (Spherical)
Codec
Lightly Compressed or Uncompressed RAW
or
Intraframe Based Codec with 4:2:2 Chroma-subsampling or Greater
Bit Depth
10-Bit or Greater
Data Rate
Minimum 240Mbps at 24FPS
Color Space
Scene-referred Color Space
(S.Gamut3, ALEXA Wide Gamut, REDWideGamut etc.)
Transfer Function
Scene-referred Transfer Function
(Slog3, Log C, Log3G10, VLog etc.)
Timecode
System is capable of jamming to an external source.
Timecode should be written as metadata.
Note: Not all cameras that meet these capture requirements are approved. These requirements are the minimum specifications necessary for a camera system to be considered for approval. Other attributes must be taken into account such as dynamic range, form factor, stability, workflow compatibility, and more.
APPROVED CAMERAS
Cameras that have been approved for Netflix productions are listed below. We will continue to maintain and update this list as new camera systems become available and are evaluated by our technologists.
ARRI
- Approved for anamorphic capture
ARRI Alexa Mini LF
- Approved for anamorphic capture
- Approved for anamorphic capture
- Approved for anamorphic capture
Canon
Canon C300 Mk II
Canon C300 Mk III
- Cinema RAW Light
Canon C500 Mk II
- Cinema RAW Light
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RAW FF: 5952 x 3140
RAW 2.35: 5952x2532
UHD: 3840 x 2160
- Approved for anamorphic capture
- Cinema RAW Light
Panasonic
Panasonic
VariCam 35
Panasonic
VariCam LT
Panasonic
VariCam Pure
- 422 All-I 400Mb/s*
*Firmware 2.02 or higher required
- 422 All-I 400Mb/s
- 422 All-I 400Mb/s
- 422 All-I 400Mb/s
RED
RED DSMC2 / WEAPON MONSTRO 8K VV
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED WEAPON DRAGON 8K VV
- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED DSMC2 / WEAPON HELIUM 8K S35
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED EPIC-W HELIUM 8K S35
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED WEAPON DRAGON 6K S35
- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED EPIC DRAGON 6K S35
- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED DSMC2 / EPIC-W GEMINI 5K S35
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED SCARLET-W DRAGON 5K S35
RED RANGER MONSTRO 8K VV
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED RANGER HELIUM 8K S35
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED RANGER GEMINI 5K S35
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED DSMC2 DRAGON-X 6K S35
- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED V-RAPTOR 8K VV
- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED V-RAPTOR XL 8K VV
- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED V-RAPTOR 8K S35
- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED V-RAPTOR XL 8K S35
- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
RED KOMODO-X 6K S35
- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
Panavision
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
Sony
- RAW (up to 4096x2160)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
Sony Venice 2 6K
- ProRes 422HQ (4K)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
Sony Venice 2 8K
- ProRes 422HQ (4K)
- Approved for anamorphic capture
Sony FS7 / FS7 II
*4K upgrade license required
- XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode
- XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode
Blackmagic
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K
- CinemaDNG RAW (up to 4:1)
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini PRO 4.6K G2
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini PRO 12K OLPF
IMAGE CAPTURE BEST PRACTICES
While not required for Netflix productions, the following best practices will help productions avoid common pitfalls and workflow errors that can lead to added costs, lost time, or creative compromises.
Black Balancing / Black Shading
Black balancing, sometimes referred to as black shading, of a camera’s sensor should be performed regularly in accordance with manufacturer provided guidance. For optimal results, please allow the camera to reach its normal operating temperature prior to performing the sensor calibration. The black balancing/shading procedure defines an imaging system’s proper black level given its current operating state and may reduce the visibility of misbehaving pixels while operating under fluctuating temperature ranges. To ensure this process is performed correctly, please refer to the instructions in your camera’s operating manual.
Framing Charts
To ensure on-set framing meets the creative and technical needs of your production, a framing chart should be shot before principal photography begins and processed through the dailies, editorial, and VFX pipelines.
For Best Practices involving Framing Charts and Dailies Workflows see:
- Framing Charts Best Practices
- Dailies: Best Practices
Choosing an Aspect Ratio
Choosing an aspect ratio for the active image area of your production is a creative decision; however, aspect ratio can affect your workflow. “Aspect Ratio - An Overview” from our foundational video series demonstrates how aspect ratios may be used for story purposes and outlines technical considerations.
We’ve also designed a Framing & Working Resolution Calculator which can determine if your capture and framing method is Netflix approved.
Aspect ratio choices should be discussed with Netflix for approval.
Anamorphic Lenses
When using anamorphic lenses, extra resolution may be required for capture. Camera selection should take this additional need into account. Cameras that meet this resolution requirement and are approved for anamorphic capture are designated in the list above. If you are unsure if your desired camera system has the necessary resolution or have questions about anamorphic capture, Netflix is here to help. Please contact your Netflix project lead to discuss implications or concerns.
Color Management
In order to ensure compatibility with your project’s color pipeline, productions should test each camera format’s color space transformation into the working color space. “The Benefits of Color Management” from our foundational video series explains why color management is important to Netflix and provides an introduction to the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES).
To explore color management further see: "What is Color Management?"
Spanned Clips
Recording single takes across multiple camera cards, also known as “spanning clips,” should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Spanning clips across camera cards increases the likelihood of downstream workflow issues.
Film Capture
For productions seeking to shoot any photochemical film, please contact your relevant Netflix project lead.
External Recorders
In some instances, productions may require the use of approved cameras with external recorders. The recording format should be in line with minimum requirements outlined at the head of this document, and should be discussed with your Netflix point of contact.
RED V-RAPTOR XL 8K VV
The series does an excellent job of portraying the highs and lows of the characters' lives, making it easy for the viewers to connect with and root for them. The show also explores various social issues, such as the gender pay gap and stereotypes associated with women athletes, further adding depth to the narrative. The production value of Black Magic is top-notch, with stunning cinematography and well-executed basketball sequences. The performances of the cast, including Riya Malik, Nishchay Chhabra, and Sid Makkar, are commendable and bring authenticity to the characters they portray. Black Magic is not just a sports drama, but it also serves as an important commentary on gender equality and empowerment. It challenges prevailing norms and inspires viewers to break free from societal constraints. The show is a must-watch for anyone looking for an inspiring and entertaining series that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit. In conclusion, Black Magic is a compelling and well-crafted web series on Netflix that explores the lives of four women basketball players in India. Combining sports, drama, and social issues, the show offers an engaging narrative that resonates with viewers. It brings to light the struggles and triumphs of these women as they strive to make a mark in a male-dominated sport, making it a must-watch for fans of sports dramas and inspiring stories..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Secrets of Black Magic on Netflix"
1. John - 1 out of 5 stars: I couldn't stand Black Magic on Netflix. The plot was convoluted and poorly executed, making it difficult to follow along and stay engaged. The characters lacked depth and development, making it impossible to empathize or connect with any of them. The show relied heavily on cheap jump scares and predictable horror tropes, making it incredibly predictable and devoid of originality. Overall, I was thoroughly disappointed with Black Magic and would not recommend wasting your time on it.
2. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars: I had high hopes for Black Magic, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The storyline had potential, but the execution was lacking. The pacing was slow and dragged on, making it feel like a chore to watch. Additionally, the acting felt forced and unnatural, with the characters lacking authenticity. While the visuals and cinematography were decent, they did little to salvage the overall experience. Overall, I found Black Magic to be a lackluster supernatural show that failed to deliver on its promises.
3. David - 1 out of 5 stars: Black Magic on Netflix was a complete disappointment. The plot was confusing and poorly explained, leaving me questioning what was going on most of the time. The characters were one-dimensional and unrelatable, making it difficult to invest in their stories or care about their fates. The dialogue was cliché and lacked depth, further undermining any potential the show may have had. I would not recommend Black Magic to anyone seeking a quality supernatural series as it fails to deliver on all fronts.
4. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars: Black Magic on Netflix left me underwhelmed and unsatisfied. The plot had potential, but the execution was messy and disjointed. The pacing was uneven, with slow and dull moments interspersed with rushed and chaotic ones. The characters lacked development and their motivations were unclear, making it hard to fully invest in their journeys. While the special effects were decent, they couldn't compensate for the show's overall lackluster storytelling. Overall, Black Magic was a missed opportunity that failed to captivate and entertain.