These pages feature stories and articles submitted to us from Polecam owner/operators around the world and also Polecam Press Releases and all show examples of Polecam being used in a variety of different ways and locations.
If you have any interesting stories or pictures to appear within the News Latest section of the site or within the Polecam Newsletters - please contact us
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Amos Clarke in the Arctic
Amos Clarke of Ticki TV (www.tiki.tv) sent us these photos of him with his Polecam in the Arctic.
The full story of what, who, where, when, how and why is to follow!
Polecam at Russian Patriot 4WD club 12 endurance race
Polecam's Russian Distributor, Maxim Fartukov and rental company MT Productions have recently filmed the Russian Rally Patriot in the Moscow region.
It's run by the the Russian Patriot 4WD club and is a 12 hour endurance race in temperatures of -8 degrees celsius.
The Polecam used an Ikegami HDL-20 and a Sony S280 HD recorder.
The Polecam formed part of a crew consisting of 6 ENG cameras, on-board minicams and two big Panther cranes.
We think the pictures say it all!
Bernhard Carduck at Winter Games Vancouver
Bernhard Carduck works with an HD Polecam Rig from PopSpecs KG Cologne in cooperation with PMT Hamburg ( Copperhead Telecast). He's currently at the winter games in vancouver and let us know how he is working.
I cover all alpine speed disciplines at Whistler Mountain at the start for the host broadcaster SRG Suisse. The Polecam HD is fitted with a Toshiba HD 1 and works in combination with a telecast copperhead to transmit all signals down to the venue over a few kilometers. At the OB Van the engineer can match the camera with the polecam rcp. The copperhead works bidirectional and is a very good solution for working in fiber optical HD enviroments.
Steve Rausch video project for the Browns
Steve Rausch of focused motion media (Sioux Falls, SD) worked with the 724 Factory on the video project for the Browns. They are a family of musicians and singers from Northwest Iowa that performs all over the USA.
The group was looking for new promotional material as well as a complete video highlighting their instrumental skills. To help expand their image and show off performance skills, they wanted to shoot during the day in a harvested field for the slower parts of the song and contrast that material against video taken at night for the faster, edgier sections. We shot with the Camera Corps HD mini-zoom along side two other panasonic HD cameras. The shoot took place in the end of October.
The Polecam was an easy choice. We needed to be agile in the corn field which was uneven and full of stubble. The second location was a rooftop that only had access through a small hatch. Most of the lights didn't make the rooftop, but the Polecam did! We had a blast during the shoot and they loved the images. It was budget friendly as well. To get any other rig on the roof we would have needed to rent a crane for the 6 story lift. Thats a budget buster no matter who you are. Plus, the field in Iowa had a 6 foot drainage ditch around with no field approach. We just carried the Polecam in. The hardest part was finding the right field!
The pic was taken during a break on the shoot. We set it down to work out some steps and thats when Michael Winkelman (724Factory.com) took the image.
Polecam achieves world-first at Winter Games in Vancouver
A record nine Polecam systems have been commissioned to provide live video from the Winter Games which commence in Vancouver on February 12. All nine will be working in full 1080i high-definition.
"The number of our rigs in use at these big international sports events has increased steadily over the years," comments Steffan Hewitt who invented the first Polecam system in 1998. "Six systems were fielded at the 2004 Games in Athens, eight at the 2009 Beijing event, and now nine in Canada. Obviously we are hoping to see at least 10 in use at the 2012 London Games, including some of our new 3D kit."
TV Skyline, a broadcast equipment rental company based in Mainz is supplying a total of seven Polecam systems. Six will be deployed as sources for the Winter Games host feed and one will be allocated specifically to ZDF Germany. The six Polecams dedicated to the host feed will be fitted with Toshiba IKHD1 1080i HD cameras. Some of these will be working totally wireless.
One of the world's most experienced Polecam owners/operators, John Gillan, will be in Vancouver shooting with one of his two his HD rigs and covering the curling events. Born in Britain, John now lives in Los Angeles and commutes between the the USA and Europe. Pete Williams, South African born and now living in Canada, will be shooting the short track and figure skating with his HD Polecam rig.
Three of the Polecam rigs will cover sections of the Biathlon in Whistler Park. Others are designated for speed-skating, bobsleigh and the medal presentations. They will also be deployed to other areas as the Winter Games progress, and will also be used in the opening and closing ceremonies.
One of the nine rigs is being supplied by Polecam's Belgian distributor, Studiotech Belgium.
Rob Wick at Cottenham Church
Rob Wick sent us this film of his local village church before it closed down.
He wanted to capture it's spirit before they turned it into a Starbucks. There was only one camera that could get the shots (of course).
Stuart Nicholls Emagine Productions
Flying his Polecam rig at the famous Abbey Road Studios
for the “Help for Heroes” 2009 Charity Single
“We will remember them” was shot on a combination of EX3’s, Canon 5D MkII and of course Stuart's Toshiba HD polecam rig using the Flash XDR.
Polecam at Night of the Proms concert in Hanover, Germany
The event was covered by Outside Broadcast with 8 camera's and 1 polecam (Alexander de Backer) for the new (not yet available) DVD and a Christmas special for the German TV of the concert.
One of the main reasons that the Polecam was used was that in Germany they are very considered about the visibility of the musicians for the audience and wouldn't allow a regular crane to be set up (blocking the view). So Alexander had to prove to the organisation that he could deliver the goods with the Polecam system...
Produced by PSE and directed by Peter Bosmans, who claimed afterwards that in his 7 years of covering the Proms he had never seen these kind of pictures ever before of the concert. Jan Vereecke (founder/producer) was equally impressed by the Polecam.
Standing on the side of the stage, Alexander could not only sweep over the orchestra, but also drop inbetween the musicians (for coverage and beauty shots), using the Polecam at 5m and the 2.8mm wide angle all in glorious HD. Alexander said "I was very pleased with the results with this lens. The Polecam had to work with the HD broadcast studio/mobile camera's and came through with flying colours. This was a great project to work on and an excellent opportunity to show the strengths and uniqueness of the Polecam".
Polecam to demo new solid-state capture package at BVE 2010
A compact, affordable and energy-efficient solid-state 1080-line HD capture system will be demonstrated by Polecam on stand B10 at BVE 2010 (Earls Court, London, February 16-18). Centred on the proven Polecam man-carriable production jib, the system incorporates Panasonic's new AG-HCK10 1080i camera and AGHMR10 ultra-compact solid state recorder as part of a complete package.
The AG-HCK10 camera includes a 12x optical zoom lens, optical image stabiliser and three 1/4-inch CMOS sensors. Recording is to SD/SDHC memory cards which are available worldwide at relatively low cost in up to 32 gigabyte capacity (approximately three hours at 1920 x 1080 in highest-quality 21 to 24 Mbit/s mode AVCHD.
"This new recorder/camera combination from Panasonic is an exciting development," comments Polecam founder and Managing Director Steffan Hewitt. "Added to a Polecam, it offers potential customers either a versatile entry-level HD rig or a state-of-the-art HD medical rig, the medical area being one in which Polecam is gaining a growing reputation for excellence.
"Camera and recorder can both be mounted directly to a current Polecam. All the controls are exactly where you want them and large enough to be used with confidence even in low light. Iris, focus and zoom can be remotely operated from the front panel of the AGHMR10 recorder via up to 10 metres of cable. The recorder has a 3.5 inch monitor and an enlarged-display focus-assist function which can be used in conjunction with a larger Polecam-mounted LCD monitor or even instead of one. In terms of size and weight, the recorder is far more portable than any traditional tape or disc based device, and far more robust.
"Ten years ago an SD Polecam including a bulky and power-hungry luggable VTR cost more than £25,000. Today we can supply this complete energy-efficient rig including Panasonic HD camera and recorder for less than £20,000."
Polecam heads for Burbank 3D Technology Promo
Polecam USA and Camera Support are co-operating in a demonstration of the latest 3D high-definition production gear at Camera Support's headquarters in Burbank. The 3D Technology Promo is scheduled for Saturday January 23.
"Visitors will have the opportunity to try Polecam hands-on for themselves and seeing the creative advantages of the only man-portable 28 foot 3D crane on the planet," comments Greg Salman of Polecam USA. "Watch us build and rig the complete system in under 10 minutes and see at first hand some of the most realistic 3D ever captured on screen. Also on display will be the Polecam underwater head, counter-weight system, FFFS full-frontal filter system and a unique 189 degree HD camera/lens system that fits in the palm of your hand. Both in 3D and 2D, the Polecam system really can raise your production values through the roof."Steffan Hewitt, the inventor of the Polecam, will be on hand to answer questions and share his 12-year experience of ultra-mobile SD and HD video production. Visitors will also be able to get a close-up view of Camera Support's line-up of TechnoCranes, and a demo of Gekko Technology's high-efficiency LED lighting equipment.
Tommie Rekstad of Pink Elephant in Gothenburg, Sweden has just taken delivery of his 7th heaven poles allowing him to reach 8m.
"This is without doubt the most significant step forward Polecam have made. 5 sections was always a bit difficult to fly for the untrained hand. Now, it's a no brainer and with the 7 sections (which are more stable than the old 5) it really does make Polecam unique.
In conjunction with the new Dumbell Mount, travelling abroad with a Polecam is so much easier and cheaper. We just buy the weights when we arrive on location from the local sports store. I've even borrowed them from the local jib operator. He needed 8 (25kg) of them and I only needed 1. It is also much greener to fly with less weight."
Thanks Tommie, can we have a better picture please?
"IBC2009 was a significant step forward for 3D television broadcasting," comments an ebullient Steffan Hewitt, founder and managing director of Polecam. "The show itself was well attended and our stand was busy, often crowded, from start to finish. Interest in the Polecam 3D Head was immense, our demonstrations being widely credited as the most natural stereoscopic pictures at the show.
The Audi FIS championship visited Moscow on November, 2009 and Polecam was in action again.
The HD Polecam with a Toshiba IKHD1 and Polecam MkIII RCP and extra Toshiba IKHD1 for Beauty Shots was provided by “TPC Rental house“ at the start hut and gave the usual stunning shots that the Polecam has been used to giving on the Skiing and Ski Jumping tour.
Maxim Fartukov of Media Trust (Polecam distributor for Russia) commented,
'The Polecam has been very successful here in Russia, we have 34 Polecams in Russia to date, with 14 in one rental house alone and this is just the start. As the camera quality improves and our sales efforts increase Polecam is fast becoming an industry standard here in Russia.'
Steffan Hewitt, Polecam founder and Managing Director,
'Max has done an awesome job for us, we can't thank him enough. It only goes to confirm that we are doing something right. Now we must progress with this sales model success into other countries - that's our new goal. Max has already indicated that there could be another 10 sales by the New Year. Great news!'
The Audi FIS tour continues through the winter with Polecam making a regular appearance through Europe
Amos Clarke's day with the LADDs
Amos Clarke (www.tiki.tv) was invited by the Los Angeles Derby Dolls (the real life girls who are an inspiration to the new Drew Barrymore movie "Whip It") to use Polecam to capture the Bumps, Grinds and Speed of the Roller Derby action in a way that no other camera system can keep up or get within the thick of the action without compromising the players.
Inition co-produce Keane's Historic Live 3D Musical Performance with kit including an HD Polecam with 3D Head
Inition triumphed recently with a ground-breaking production of the UK's first successful broadcast of a live event in 3D TV to a domestic 3D TV set, via Sky's satellite network and existing Sky+HD set-top boxes. The broadcast was part of a 3D music event co-produced by Inition, Sky, production company Nineteen Fifteen Productions and Island Records to coincide with Keanes live performance that saw a 3D webcast of the gig via Keanes website. Inition pitched the idea to the band back in December when they were using our 3D equipment to film the promo for Spiralling. Keane, a band that have a reputation for embracing the power of new technology and connecting online with their fans were quick to take up the idea.
The live 3D transmission took place at Londons Abbey Road studios as part of a three-screen 3D event that involved:
Sky broadcasting over a high definition satellite transponder using SENSIO encoding and displaying the event on two Hyundai 46 inch high definition 3D TV screens. A VIP audience in Abbey Road's world-famous Studio 2 were able to view the full live Sky transmission.
A separate 3D webcast over the internet using the anaglyph (red/cyan) glasses was made available to Keane fans internationally.
A live broadcast via a satellite uplink to the 3D-enabled Vue cinema in Leicester Square, using SENSIO's 3D Cinema Encoder.
Each camera was recorded at full HD for archival purposes. That's 2 X HD pictures for each camera position.
Five 3D rigs from Inition including three 3D Mirror Rigs, and two side-by-side rigs (one SteadiCam and one PoleCam), 3D monitoring of live and preview feeds using several StereoBrain Processors. 3D technical architecture, 3D technical production, stereography, 3D camera build by Inition.
Client: Island Records / Keane / Nineteen Fifteen Productions / Sky
Polecam now offers two different 3D Heads for use with Polecam. The cameras, used in a side by side configuration, are generally either Toshiba IKHD1-E or any of the Iconix range of HD cameras.
For more info contact info@polecam.com or phone +44 1234 855222.
Rob Wick of Polecat covers 'Chariots of Fire'
UK Polecam Owner Operator Rob Wick of Polecat Cameras seen here covering 'Chariots of Fire', a charity relay race over 1.7 miles for Cam-Mind in Cambridge.
He says he had an excellent crew on the day, which looks suspiciously to us like lovely his lovely wife Debbie and equally lovely daughter Francesca. The weather was fine, the shots were great, everyone had a great time.
In his spare time Rob is a dancer on MTV, and has two goldfish called 'Skiboots' and 'Pinecone'.
Amos Clarke films a commercial starring Nick Jonas
Photo of Nick Jonas courtesy of Mary Ellen Matthews and Bayer.
Amos Clarke, DP and Polecam owner operator, left the UK a few years ago to live and work in the US. Based in Los Angeles, he was recently contracted to make a commercial featuring US singer/celebrity Nick Jonas, in which Nick speaks passionately about managing diabetes.
Shot using his Polecam portable jib system with an Iconix HD camera on board, Amos also used the new Panasonic HPX3700. Amos said:
"The combination of the HPX3700 and the Polecam/Iconix rig gave an overall superb level of quality and sent the production values through the roof."
Polecam to demo nanoFlash ultra-compact solid-state HD/SD video recorder at IBC 2009
A powerful new addition to the Polecam range of portable video production equipment, nanoFlash is capable of operating in HD or SD direct to dual Compact Flash solid-state cards, it can be attached to a Polecam rig or mounted direct to a camera. It can also be connected to any HD-SDI source via BNC coax.
"The nanoFlash is the perfect solution for truly portable digital film, HD and SD video origination," comments Polecam founder and Managing Director Steffan Hewitt. "Both the recorder and its Compact Flash storage media are very competitive in comparison with traditional tape-based video recorders. Measuring only 107 x 94 x 36 mm and weighing just 400 g, it creates digital files for fast transfer to industry-standard editing software such as Final Cut Pro, Avid and Premiere. Besides its very small size and low weight, the nanoFlash consumes a tenth the power of a typical hard disk drive and has practically zero maintenance cost. The nanoFlash has the extra advantage of being ideal for use in extremes of vibration, temperature, and humidity: there is no scanner to get stuck, no tape to tangle and no disk mechanism to crash. And operation is absolutely silent."
"Up to two hours and 40 minutes of 50 megabit/s video can be accommodated on a pair of 32 gigabyte Compact Flash cards," adds Polecam Sales & Marketing Director Mel Noonan. "Coming soon will be the ability for operators to hot-swap Compact Flash cards seamlessly which will provide effectively limitless recording time. An LCD display on the front panel shows the remaining storage capacity on each card as well as the total available recording time. Two or more nanoFlash recorders can be genlocked for easy 3D or multicam recording. Additional features include the ability to start/stop multiple nanoFlash recorders or players from a single command."
The file format used in the nanoFlash conforms to the FAT32 standard used in PCs and Apple Macintosh platforms. Automatic file-coupling ensures compatibility with the 4 gigabyte FAT32 file-size limitation. Nine bit-rates are supported, ranging from 160 megabit/s I-frame-only 4:2:2 1920 x 1080/1280 x 720p master quality to 18 megabit/s Long-GOP 1440 x 1080/1280 x 720p HD as well as 50- megabit/s 720 x 576i and 720 x 480i SD. The nanoFlash can, as an option, also output 18 megabit/s MPEG 1 Layer 2 Long-GOP streamed ASI HD.
Two channels of audio can be captured direct to the nanoFlash with respective levels displayed on the front-panel LCD. Using an external embedder, up to eight channels of audio can be recorded direct to the SDI stream.
Available now, the nanoFlash ultra-compact solid state video recorder will be demonstrated on the Polecam stand (10.C49) at IBC 2009.
Steve Rausch is a freelance camera operator based in the Midwestern
city of Sioux Falls, SD (USA)
Steve's wide range of experience includes time as a Photojournalist, a Producer and a Broadcast Engineer. His love for creating outstanding images led him to create focused motion, the media company he owns and operates.
Work includes video production for commercial, industrial, broadcast and live events. He has SD and HD camera packages as well as full audio and light kits ready to go.
The Polecam was added to the arsenal in the Spring of
2009 opening up tremendous production opportunities for his clients.
Although Steve is new to the Polecam family, he has proven the ease
of learning the system by producing a demo video within his first 3 months of being an operator.
The shoot lasted only 3 hours. With this project complete and
getting good reviews, Steve is ready to put it to use for others that
want their video to stand out.
Guild of TV Cameramen - 7th Heaven Press Release
The Guild of Television Cameramen in the UK has put this Polecam 7th Heaven IBC preview Press Release up on their website. Read the press release here
Polecam to debut expanded range of portable production equipment at Broadcast Asia 2009
Photo: Jan Cervenka (based in Prague but shooting worldwide) working with one of the Polecam underwater accessories: the DiveBag. Polecam is used at many of the world's major sports events. Ten Polecams were deployed during the Beijing Olympics.
Polecam returns to Broadcast Asia in Singapore, June 16-19, with the South East Asia debut of 7th Heaven, the world's longest truly portable camera jib, plus major new additions to the Polecam range of production equipment for television and digital film. Polecam will be exhibiting with its Singapore-based partner H. Wata Pty, and represented by Sales & Marketing Manager Mel Noonan.
First photo received from Polecam Owner-op Nikos Kentzoglanakis, who has been working with his rig on Greek National channel NET 'Speira Speira' Show, hosted by Greek celebrity Stamatis Kraounakis.
Polecam, a world leader in truly portable production systems for digital film and video, announces a new addition to its sales team. Nigel Paine joins as Camera Sales Manager for the company's broad range of cameras and accessories, working alongside Polecam's Managing Director Steffan Hewitt and Sales & Marketing Manager Mel Noonan. Nigel's prime directive will be to increase the sales and profile of Toshiba and Iconix cameras to potential and existing Polecam customers in Britain and worldwide. He is based at the company's headquarters in Kempston, Bedford
"I first knew Polecam as a client during my years in lens sales at Pentax," Nigel comments. "Each Polecam jib sold expands the potential market for the many cameras, lenses, filters, mounting heads, control systems and other production equipment that the company offers. A vast number of customers of Toshiba and Iconix cameras could benefit from Polecam upgrades and accessories such as the Full Frontal Filter System as well as the new multi-camera RCP. Polecam has proved its ability to react quickly to the rapidly evolving broadcast and digital film sectors, being small enough to care and big enough to cope. The Polecam team is also a great pleasure to work with. I was soon put right for turning up in a suit and tie!"
"Nigel joins us at a crucial time in the company's development," Steffan Hewitt adds. "The market for video production equipment is widening rapidly as the broadcast market diversifies. Polecam's particular mix of portability, operational versatility and cost-efficiency are exactly in tune with the requirements of today's television and film producers, both in 2D and 3D."
Photos from the Sound and Light show in Franfurt
Here are some photos from the recent 'Sound & Light' show in Frankfurt, supplied by German Polecam distributor Kamtek, who were in attendance, and who presented Polecam at the exhibition there.
Mathias Löw and Joern Genserowski of Kamtek reported great intertest from stage management and producers of live concerts because of Polecam's discreet presence on stage.
There was an integrated music event called 'Schooljam' in which Polecam was used to great effect. It's an annual country-wide contest for school bands and the final is always the big final event at the Prolight & Sound in the Frankfurt Musikmesse. The final was also streamed live on the web.
Polecam was also used with the Leurotruck, a cool truck with huge LED screen, which proved to be a perfect symbiosis with Polecam, and there is a plan to work together more in future.
You can see the truck here: www.srp-fernsehen.de
Amos of Tiki.tv - Timelapse in Vegas
Amos of Tiki.tv recently got in contact with us to show off one of his latest videos... Timelapse of 1957 Chevy Truck in Vegas. Check it out in the youtube player below.
I was in Vegas for NAB 2009 with my 1957 Chevy truck 'Lil Devilene', so I took the opportunity to shoot some specialist video & timelapse with my Iconix camera, Polecam and Nikon D300 for my first newsletter.
Polecam's Abbey Road 3D Keane Shoot
Chris Taber and his Polecam took part in a UK broadcast first recently
when his rig, fitted with a Polecam 3D HD head was used in the
filming/webcast of the Keane set in Abbey Road Studios. The combination
of HD and 3D has sparked a revival in 3D worlwide and Polecam with it's
3D head has been playing a part in both the UK and the US.
There is a lot of activity with Polecam in Germany now. Here you can view the latest German language newsletter from Polevision. Photo shows Matthias Gollmer of Polevision and Mathias Low of Kamtek.
Polecam braves the crocodiles of Florida
Adam White, a producer at the BBC Natural History Unit wanted to film the underwater courtship and mating of crocodiles. The only way we could hope to achieve this kind of detailed behaviour was in a captive situation - but even so, filming presented considerable challenges. To do this we went to St. Augustine Zoological Park in Florida, and spent nearly 2 weeks filming "Maximo" an enormous Saltwater Crocodile.
Polecam captures the high view at FIS Skiing World Cup
Tommie Rekstad has completed a major project for Sweden's state broadcaster, Sveriges Television. As part of an SVT team covering the International Skiing Federation's World Cup Alpine Finals, he and his Polecam jibs were assigned to the starting ramp and warmup area at the head of the ski-slope.
John Gillan (International Owner Operator extraordinaire) - Latest Photos
Here's some new photos received from top Polecam Owner-Op John Gillan, now living and working in the US, and commuting back to the UK for Polecam work too.
NFL Combine: Annual high profile event in Indianapolis, live on the NFL Network and shot in 1080i using a Toshiba HD camera on the Polecam.John was using a Polecam RCP together with a Telecast Rattler to convert the HD-SDI Polecam output to optical fibre. John has now worked this event for NFL for 4 years running and the Polecam has become integral to the event.
Tommie Rekstad of Pink Elephant (tommie@pinkelephant.name) in Sweden took these photos of his Polecam at the World Cup Downhill Skiing from Åre, Norway. Just another demonstration of the extremes that Polecam can work in.
Polecam at NAB 2009 and Prolight and Sound - Details
German distributor Kamtek will appearing at Prolight and Sound held in Frankfurt am Main Messe onthe 1st to 4th of April.
Polecam will be launching new products, including Polecam 7th Heaven, on their own booth C7642, shared with Camera Corps, who will themselves be launching their new Q-Ball HD Remote Camera System.
Polecam to launch Poledom in formal dress at NAB 2009
See Polecam at NAB2009, booth C7642, Las Vegas Convention Center,
April 20-23
Making a temporary break from their informal no-fuss go-anywhere routine, the Polecam team will be demonstrating the world's longest-reach easy-transit camera rig in long sleeves at the 2009 NAB Convention.
"The sleeves are for the Polecam, not for the staff," explains company founder and Managing Director Steffan Hewitt. "We will be launching a brand new series...
In December 2008 I had the pleasure of taking my Polecam to the Masai Mara for (I believe) the very first time. Using camera cranes to shoot wildlife has always been limiting, but the portability of Polecam has made crane shots very possible.
Polecam launches 7th Heaven The world's longest-span ultra-mobile camera jib
Making its worldwide exhibition debut at the 2009 NAB Convention in Las Vegas, Polecam's new 7th Heaven jib spans up to 26 feet from its pivot, the longest reach of any ultra-mobile HD/SD camera support system currently available.
"A standard Polecam comes with five connectable elements which combine to achieve a span of up to 20 feet from its pivot," booms Polecam founder Steffan Hewitt. "With 7th Heaven, we can now offer it bigger, stiffer and longer. 7th Heaven uses a new method of pole fabrication to achieve higher rigidity, allowing the seven elements to provide the 26 ft span. A highly innovative combination of laminated and spun carbon-fiber, unique in our industry, maintains strength and rigidity without sacrificing the portability and discreet on-screen profile that have made Polecam so successful over the past decade. The fibers used are 15% stiffer than in our previous booms and there is approximately 24% more fiber per square foot, maintaining rigidity over the entire length. The 26 ft reach makes a dramatic difference to vertical as well as horizontal camera angle, both on location and in the increasing number of studio productions being made with Polecam jibs."
Mark Sallaway goes HD with the best of new and old cars
A couple of recent High Def shoots Mark Sallaway has been working on include the Vodafone McLaren MP4-24 launch in Portugal and Bonhams classic car auction in Paris. Footage from the McLaren shoot was used for VNR's, team promotion and for a Vodafone advert. The polecam shots of the classic car auction were shown live on big screens and the sale of a Bugati Type 57S which sold for a record 3.4 million Euros was seen on worldwide news channels. There will be 3 x 1hr Discovery programs to follow.
We're not the only ones with a Beijing Games story to tell, Zerb have their own Polecam in Beijing story. Which you can download in pdf format here.
This article was first published in Zerb for the Guild of Television Cameramen (www.gtc.org.uk)
Thierry Rancier at the Ski World Championship
French Polecam Owner operator Thierry Rancier of Facon de Voir has sent photos of his recent coverage of the Ski World Championship at Val d'Isere. His role was to shoot the start of the race. He had recently upgraded his rig to use the Toshiba IK-HD1E HD camera, and he says the resulting oictures were excellent. The camera video and data was routed between 1000 and 2000 metres of optical fibre usong a Telecast Viper system. The result was a great success for Thierry and he is looking forward to more of this work.
The ever extreme Martin Muller strikes again!
Martin Mueller (info@polecam-deluxe.de) has recently taken Polecam to new extremes with a Polecam mounted on a snowmobile.
This was shot for German Television in Liberec in the Czech Republic filming ski-touring. Martin reached speeds up to 60km/h. Very good Martin but not yet beat Steffan's record of 140km/h out the back of a Wrangler Jeep for the Iron man Triathlon in Lanzarotte.
Congratulations on showing us that Polecam still knows no limits.
Polecam at the China Games
by Steffan Hewitt*
Beijing was our third Summer Games. Conceived during a windsurfing shoot off Hawaii in 1996, the Polecam go-anywhere transportable camera rig was developed from the combination of a carbon-fibre windsurfing mast and a miniature SD camera. Two Polecam systems were fully up and running by the time of the Sydney Games in 2000, increasing to six at the Athens Games in 2004. This short article attempts to track the ten Polecams known to have been in used at the 2008 event.
Edo and Thijn of Camforce were commissioned to make a corporate video for the sale of a property in Orba,Spain, on the Costa Blanca, shown in the photo (attached) - a unique 'finca', a villa with surrounding gardens and guesthouses on it.
They did the shoot with an ENG HDV camera and the Polecam (connected to a laptop via a DV-converter), in around. 5 days ( well, they took a bit of a holiday as well ).
The clip was used on the websites of the real estate agents and the owner.
Here is a little clip they made which well demonstrates Polecam's ability, as well as their own.
"The Polecam gives it great production value, the video looks very classy, like the house...
The Polecam moves make the video different from most of the other real estate videos you can find on the web."
Richard Hookings gets creative
A cold London studio was the setting for a corporate shoot in December. The
additional lights we put up had the added benefit of keeping all of us a
little warmer.
This was a single camera shoot which as a polecam operator is perfect - I
had the freedom of moving where I wanted to get the best possible shot and
we had ample amount of time to experiment and get creative.
Photo is from Polecam owner operator Camforce, who are very active in and around the Netherlands with their rig. Thijn and Edo of Camforce did this shoot for TP Marine, who build very fast patrol boats for (to name but a few) the marines, army and police.
They tracked the target boat from this second boat, pre rigged with Polecam and lowered into the water, speeding alongside in classic Polecam style, the only mistake being forgetting to tell the driver to step on the gas (750 horsepower) a liitle more gently than usual. They almost disappeared over the side with the rig, but hung in there and completed the shoot with some great shots.
