Premium Members Dan Coplan Posted June 11, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 Any of you notice the Steadicam ops working the sidelines (you all are watching the World Cup, right?)? They're doing a pretty kick ass job. Looks like they've got cable wranglers. I can't imagine they're expected to be in "ready" position for the whole 90 mins. - they probably take a break when the action is at the opposite end? Anyone know if any ops from the States are working the gig "representing the USA"? Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Graham Posted June 11, 2006 Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 HI Yes thay are all on cables (silly frequency rules so no links). I also had to provide a load of frequency range modulation band nonsense before they could use our focus system. Even though it uses a legal european band! I believe at least 8 of the sleds are MK-V units (including one of our rentals). Also Usually they have two ops per game one for each half of the pitch. They are expected to be "ready" constantly they do get a brief break at half time though! Some even do the full match using frontmount vests... :blink: I wouldn't do it! I also believe all the ops are european! Anthony Graham MK-V Hire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Guido Lux Posted June 11, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 I sure hope that everybody watches...! I've done a couple of soccer games here in germany and NO,don't take breaks!Even worse: You usually do some interviews before the game...then you track the players to the field and then the first half...more interviews at half time then he second half...more interviews!It's not a very fun job! Here at the world cup we have 6 venueteams: 2 from germany, two fom england and 2 from france, I think!So no ops from the states!Sorry! Guido "hope germany wins" Lux Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Dan Coplan Posted June 12, 2006 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 I didn't think the ops get to take official breaks during the game, but when the action is down at the other end of the field, are they allowed to at least sling the rig over their shoulder or sit on a stool or do they have to shoot the entire time no matter where the action is? Dan PS - I can't believe production isn't going to shut down for the USA vs. Czech Republic game tomorrow. Oh, wait a minute, this is America - what am I thinking? (and it's *production* - what am I thinking?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jason Torbitt Posted June 12, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 We're only a few days in, but the guys have been doing some great work, really enjoyable to watch and appreciate such good work, in the heat, with Triax to contend with too, which has its limitations. Who's operating over there? Does anyone know? I know Chris McGuire did the last World Cup, are you there again Chris? If only I had a nice HD television to enjoy it in...There's some nice Jib work taking place behind the goals too, those guys (looks like they're using the ABC 9m jibs again) and of course the Steadicam ops have to be quick off the mark to keep pace with the action and offer a well composed, 'useable' shot for the director. It would be nice to see some pictures afterwards and read what you guys made of it all. It's unfortunate that it isn't a wireless camera job, the technology has arrived for rackable wireless HD, but clearly as Ant says they're playing ball with the law! I thought another reason for the use of triax also gives the guys in the truck ultimate control over how far the rigs can move, and the area of the pitch they're restricted to. And I suppose they also use the rigs well down the tunnel before the players come onto the pitch, so no possibility of signal dropout if the rigs are cabled as opposed to wireless. As a point aside, I've also noticed at least two ARRI 35mm cameras filming most matches, from the touchlines, on sticks. Impossible to catch the actual camera type from the fleeting glimpses you occasionally get, but interesting to see. Stand out like anything alongside the ENG guys and stills photographers! Great work, looking forward to much more of the same! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Graham Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 The ops I know of are the MK-V operators: Shaun Savage (English), Iberio Cruz (French I Believe), Fiachra Judge (Irish), Nick Bennet (English), Bruno Vilde (french) thats all I can remeber at the moment. Chris Isn't there this year. The 35mm Film cameras are probably there for sponsers of players (Nike, adidas etc) for use in there adverts. Ant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jason Torbitt Posted June 12, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 The Host Broadcaster is apparently from Switzerland - HBS (Host Broadcasting Services). One of their directors has been quoted as saying no wireless camera systems will be used because "they are not yet 100-percent reliable" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl Perkins Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 Are there any Handsfree Transporters being used at the World Cup? It seems like covering soccer would be a great use for the Handsfree. The hard mount would make it easy to be ready the entire game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Bo Baraniak Posted June 17, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 17, 2006 Hi Guys, Just got a few minutes spare before my usa v italy game and can enlighten you to some of your queries. 6 crews on the WC, 2 from germany,france and britain. The brits are using their normal sky/itv footy ops i.e. Jim Littlehales,Hugh Richards, Steve Mitchell and myself. roland katz is operating for the germans and will be doing the final with another german op. All crews apart from the german ones have focus pullers (normal UK setup) and cable bashers, our Genios and Aladins are working perfectly. Because of the uncertainty of HD radio cameras being available, a decision was made over a year ago to stay with cabled HD cameras. I don't think its a frequency issue. No transporter systems here either. Coverage consists of teams out, anthems, match coverage and end of game pitch shots. No interviews before or after game, break at half time and take it easy untill play comes down your end. Loving every minute even with a front mounted vest!! Four 35mm cameras have been with us on 2 games so far, they are filming "Goal 3". Cheers Bo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Dan Coplan Posted June 20, 2006 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 Bo - thanks for the update. I think using Steadicam on the sidelines is a great idea - very dynamic and definitely enhances the experience. I'm enjoying the Steadicam shots as much as the games! Let the other ops know we're cheering them on as much as the teams playing. USA over Ghana!!! Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jason Torbitt Posted June 20, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 Really useful and interesting stuff there Bo, thanks... Are you guys all using the thin yellow triax flexi-cable from vest into the camera? I'm assuming this works even with the HD rather than SD Thomson/Grass Valley cameras? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Bo Baraniak Posted June 20, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 Yes the steadicam is a great addition to football coverage especially in stadiums where there is no room to put a dolly and track. Steadicams on football have been in regular use in the UK since 1992 and now seems to be the norm on most games. The thin yellow triax cables were made by Mike Scott in the UK and can be used with the HD Thomson/G.V cameras. Will try to post a few photos later. Cheers Bo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Guido Lux Posted June 23, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 Guys! Here are some photos of a well functioning HD wireless camera we use here in Germany at the world cup (not the games but all kinds of other things!). You don't wanna do a whole game with this big f...ing piece of...!It weighs about 32 pounds and is extremely long! Easy to knock out you focuspuller when trying to make quick turns and knock out yourself when trying to go dj!!Not a lot of fun there!! Guido "give me back my triax" Lux Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Gus Trivino Posted June 25, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Hey Guido! Nice Pics, more if Riquelme is on it... Sorry for next Friday: Argentina 2, Germany 1 :D Gus :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members mark morgan Posted June 25, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Bo - thanks for the update. I think using Steadicam on the sidelines is a great idea - very dynamic and definitely enhances the experience. I'm enjoying the Steadicam shots as much as the games! Let the other ops know we're cheering them on as much as the teams playing. USA over Ghana!!! Dan i have to agree the shots are really bringing something into the homes of the viewer,and i have to say that the people who hire me for sports are watching these very kool steadicam shots,and can't wait until our soccer season begins,the world cup has opened some eyes, thanks guys i can pay my rent now LOL you guys plain rock,best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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