Even after years of doing this stuff, I still get excited watching $70k worth of camera hanging 30 feet in the air off a couple of measly bolts.
Last week I posted two 3 minute films that I’ve been commissioned by Russell Investments to create exploring the topic of ‘risk’. In these vids (please check them out here if you missed them), our crew hauled a RED One digital cinema camera and a handful of Nikon D3s HD dSLR cameras into a skateboarding park and glassblowing studio with the goal of making some pretty pictures. In the process, we put these cameras to work in some pretty fun ways and I thought it would be cool to share those with you.
Thus, here’s another Chase Jarvis RAW behind-the-scenes video where you’ll see the RED One being shot handheld, slung from a jib, on a dolly, and on an Easy Rig. You’ll also see the D3s handheld, in shotgun mode, on a steadicam, and remotely chasing a skateboarder on a fun new three-wheeled dolly. There will be no cameras on tripods anywhere in this video.
Hopefully this vid answers a lot of the questions that poured in last week in the comments section, via my @chasejarvis twitter handle (I’d love your follow), Facebook (fan me?), and via email. If I missed something, give a holler and I’ll do my best to respond in the comments below.
A dozen or more behind-the-scenes photos plus some links to worthwhile gear after the jump. Click the ‘continue reading’ link below …—
My DP, Chris, with the RED on a small dolly…
Chris using the Zacuto Z-Finder.
The Easy-Rig in action. I’m looking on with a portable monitor to see what the camera is seeing.
A fleet of Nikon D3s‘ in action. Bounce card at camera right. I’m asking Jason questions.
Scott operating a Nikon D3s on a Merlin Steadicam
Scott and me running from the Humble Monkey camera truck.
Skater shredding from POV of the Nikon D3s on the Humble Monkey camera truck.
View thru the 17″ monitor of the view thru the RED on the jib.
The RED One on a 30′ jib arm. Jib operator Dave…I’m camera right looking at the monitor.
RED mounted to the jib with multi-directional electronic head.
If we missed anything, lemme know.
And once again, if you missed the two original videos showing the results of all this camera wrangling, please check it out here.
Happy shooting.
This is for Scott (D3s on Steadicam Merlin). What Merlin cookbook setting did you use to attach the doveplate to the D3s? How about the weight distribution? From 1:55 in the video, I see that you have a 3 mids/1 finish on top spur, and 3 mids/starting/finish on bottom spur. I’ve been trying that config and many others with absolutely no progress. Any insight into setting the merlin up with a D3s/28 2.8 would be VERY much appreciated!
that rolling dolly is ridiculously cool. gotta check that out
Used the jib in one of my recent jobs. An assembly haal full of kids who must have neck ache by the time from watching the camera swing in around their heads! Anyway love the use of the SLR and that Humble Monkey. Love it. Never seen one.
Thanks guys. Interesting stuff
Hey Chase, Nice one… do you know the model of the shoulder support the D3s on?
I was the b-camera operator/camera assistant for this shoot and Chris (the DP) and I used 2 different shoulder support rigs that we both bought second-hand from used camera shops. I can’t speak for Chris’ rig, but the one I’m using is more or less identical to this: http://amzn.to/9XVb53
It’s dirt cheap and it works great for DSLR video. Highly recommended. Zacuto makes some pretty slick shoulder rigs of their own if you’re looking for something a little more pro.