Behind the Scenes

Videographer: Luke Parmeter
Site: http://www.lpmultimedia.com

Equipment Used: Canon 60D, Canon XH-A1s, Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 VC, Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye, Cobracrane Dolly with 6' track

Unique Challenges:This video was all about camera movement. I believe that camera movement, when done correctly, adds another level of professionalism to your videos which can't be matched by stationary or panning movements from a tripod.

I used a Cobracrane camera dolly with two 6' PVC tubes for tracks. This set up is difficult to use, which is why I have a Hybrid Slider on the way, but it can be used effectively. For this shoot, I wanted to mimic crane movements, instead of just using the dolly on flat ground.

Luckily the Sandbox had some very gradual inclines which I could lay the tubing down on and set the dolly on top. With this setup I could get angular movement from my dolly. Add some camera pans and you have very fluid, crane-like shots.

Is this an ideal set up? No, but hey, I wanted to mix it up and I got some really great shots in the end.

Favorite Shot: I'm picking two clips. The very first clip of the video is a great opening shot and the depth between the foreground and background is especially nice. Second, the black and white clip at :35. I had the camera at an angle and timed the movement perfectly with the rider.

A look at the Cobracrane dolly set on two 6' PVC tubes. We like this set up especially if you need long dolly shots, but if you're a 1 man crew get a slider.