Polecam press announcement, 2008 July 9
Jason King, principal of Indiana-based production company Forge Media, has achieved electrifying results with his Polecam camera system. One of the USA's most experienced Polecam operators, Jason was commissioned to work on a new season of the popular US television show 'Desperate Landscapes' for DIY Network. Each programme in the series looks at structurally and scenically challenged property and demonstrates various ways of achieving improvements.

HI Rez images (Click to download)

Jason King driving Polecam rig during production for DIY Network's television show 'Desperate Landscapes'

A moment of high tension

"We were invited to a particularly challenging house which appeared to be surrounded by power lines," Jason explains. "Using the Polecam rig at its maximum 20 foot extension allowed us to obtain high visual-impact close-up video from a Toshiba TU-51 camera with TU-53 head. The Polecam joystick control panel has a large-print warning sign: 'Do not operate near overhead power cables'. That is good advice as the boom's carbon-fiber components are highly conductive, let alone the camera and its cables. In fact I knew the potential hazard already having owned and operated a carbon-fiber workshop repairing and creating parts for auto racing. Insulating ourselves with rubber gloves and the Polecam base with non-conductive matting, we were able to achieve very precise control of camera position and very impressive high-viewpoint images."

"Jason has produced stunning content with his rig since he founded Forge Media in 2002," adds Polecam Sales & Marketing Manager Mel Noonan, "including coverage of concerts, winter sports, motor racing, basketball and wildlife documentaries. His latest venture merits the Polecam Award for Bravery!"

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Polecam was established in 1998 by extreme sports cameraman/director Steffan Hewitt. While directing a series of windsurfing kit commercials in Hawaii, he needed to obtain close wide-angle front shots of a windsurfer in action, shot from a tracking boat or jet ski. He improvised a rig comprising a miniature camera on a carbon-fiber windsurfing mast. Returning to Britain, he developed a lightweight go-anywhere rig with a remote joystick-controlling a high precision pan and tilt head. Polecam now sells successfully around the world from its base near Bedford.

Media contacts:

Mel Noonan, Polecam Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1234 855 222
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Jason King, Forge Media Inc
Tel: +1 317-201-0404
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David Kirk, Stylus Media Consultants
Tel: +44 (0)1342 311 983
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