High Speed Steadicam.

[Stephen Murphy]

Hi Guys,

 

Ive been asked to shoot a promo which consists of a single take steadicam shot, shooting anamorphic (c-series) during which the camera will ramp to a high speed of 100fps. The take is almost 10 minutes long.

The DP wants me to fly a 435 with a 1000ft magazine which i have flat out refused to do. Im trying to think of alternatives.

The Panastar, which i have never flown, can reach 96fps, and may be an acceptable compromise - but before i offer it up as solution i wanted some advice from those of you who may have used it. Is it steadicam friendly? Can the panastar ramp if used in conjunction with a Preston? Is it possible to fly it with a 1000ft magazine and a C-series anamorphic lens (assume a heavier one!) on my 3A arm (with gold springs)? Are the power cables the same as the platinum? Does it need a conversion kit?

I cant think of another alternative - i dont recall ever seeing a 1000ft steadi mag for either the arri 3 or 435 do you?

I could also suggest super 16 or breaking the shot into two takes but im trying to not be too much of a spoilsport:)

 

Any advice appreciated.

[mattmarek]

hey steve,

i mistakenly flew a 1000' mag on a panastar years ago. my masters arm was maxed out and i was doing some lifting with my own strenght. i'd think the 435 with 1000' would be lighter no? hmm, have to look that one up i guess.

 

if i were you, i'd suggest super 16mm.

 

cant help you with the preston question, but i would not recommend doing 1000' 35mm mags for a ten minute shot that may need to be repeated, again and again :D

cheers

 

...on 2nd thought, what about the new arri 235 or an older 2c, can those take 1000 footers? hmmmm

[Stephen Murphy]

Hi matt hows it hanging bro?

The problem with the 1000ft on a 435 or 235 is the take up. There isnt an adaptor available that allows the 435 or 235 to take a vertical back mounted magazine - they only take their specific steadi mags.

The displacement on a 1000ft mag, mounted horizontally at a 45 degree angel, would kill me - especially on anamorphic.

Keep the ideas coming though:)

[Thomas English]

rent an ultra sled off someone and get someone to trim it during the shot ?

 

sorry not the best idea but I know someone in england that would give u a wicked deal on the sled that it would be worthwhile if it worked.

[mattmarek]

other idea that comes to mind is if there's any whip pans in the segment to do an actual cut and edit during a whip, or if there's many ramps up and down with speed, to find a natural cut in there...maybe some 8 fps fast motion stuff???

 

if it's gotta be 1 continuous 10 min shot, you already know you dont wanna consider going with 35mm and a 1000' mag. 16mm or alte cine or varicam with 35mm transfer maybe?

[quincy paglaro]

Hey Stephen, long time no chat...

 

Panastar is a pig, not rampable with a preston, not steadicam friendly.

235... ramp to 100fps,1000 foot mag, sorry.

The best bet would be 435 with 1000' mag.

Good luck and get some rest.

 

 

Quincy

[Stephen Murphy]

Thanks again for all the great responses guys - im going to push to break the shot into two pieces, or shoot on another format (but i think the DP is sold on anamorphic). If that doesnt go down well then they'll have to find another op cause im not flying the 435 with a 1000ft mag:)!

[Stephen Murphy]

Theyve decided to curtail their ramping to a max of 50fps so they're looking at a millenium.

Does anybody know the weight of a millenium in steadicam mode?? Trying to figure out if my 3A arm will be able to handle it with a 1000ft mag - maybe just?

Dont think the XL can ramp to 50fps?

[Thomas English]

stephen,

 

I found this in my camera weight folder.

 

? Millennium 17.5 lbs. (7.95 kg) body only - 29.12 lbs Steadicam mode with short zoom

 

The source i believe was ericoh, so with thanks to ericoh.

[James Puli]

Hey Steven and everyone.

 

Any thoughts on shooting with the Milleniun on 2 or 3 perf? I know it can go 3 perf but not sure about 2 perf. You will get a 25% stock saving on 3 perf and a 50% saving on 2 perf. You may find that depending on the shot and the length you may get it on a standard 400 or 500 ft load.

 

Even if you could find an old 2 or 3 perf Arri 3 or 435 that would help you out a heep, again depending on the length of the shot and the ramp.

 

With the right planning your AC should be able to tell you exactly how much film you need and simply use what you need.

 

Just my two cents. And its something that alot of people may not think of let alone consider for a shot like this. The only thing that I can think of as a negative to this method of lengthening a roll, is that not all post centers can handle it, but if you find somewhere that does, BINGO.

 

JP

 

Melbourne Australia

[Stephen Murphy]

Thanks Thomas.

James - we're tied into shooting anamorphic so im stuck with a 1000ft mag unfortnately!

[Dave Thompson]

If it is truly a 10 minute shot you will roll out on a 1000' with the ramping. So you are going to have to break it up anyway. S16 with an 800' or 1200' might work depending on how long you will be at 100fps.

 

Dave Thompson, SOC

[Matt Burton]

Is it me or does this shoot seem to be not very well planned out. Has the director had any experiance shooting this kinda shot befor or is it a creative move decided on the fly ?

Would be interesting to get a little insight to it all.

 

Cheers

Matt

[Thomas English]

seems like a crazy idea but

 

somehow having the battery on a easy to move rail on the bottom of the sled or a magic arm. Have the start point for the battery s weight and an end point and so trim the sled during the locked off parts of the shots.

 

Grip the sled real tight and have your trusty assistant dive under your sled and move the battery.

 

You could even have the battery on a long pole that is ratchet strapped to the bottom of the sled and trim it by pushing it in or out while twisting it. Have 2 trims one in the first third and one in the second third.

 

Although I would be very tempted by the magic arm.

[Thomas English]

get good at triming your 3a topstage whilst shooting!

 

I reckon its possible but much easier on a pro topstage or tiffen.