FEATURE | REMOTE HEADS
RIGHT The ACS Smarthead 3 takes to the stands to do what it does best
systems. The Milli offers much the same, but with a much more compact, lightweight design, and the Magna offers stabilisation on an additional fourth axis, meaning improved performance and greater flexibility when it comes to control. Then there’s something altogether new and exciting for OperTec – the Active Head Milli Max, which debuts this year and is designed for use with IMAX cameras. The upshot of this for both operators on-set and those filling cinema seats is clear: a new combination of technology, greater possibilities and grander productions – at least as far as cinematography is concerned. This new addition to the family isn’t the only of OperTec’s new developments, though. No, there’s much to be excited about across the board, as international sales and rental director Elena Miloradova explains. “Our engineers have developed a new, better-than-ever level of stabilisation for the Active Heads and added the possibility of programming the heads’ movement,” she states. “We’ve also expanded the range of opportunities when it comes to operating all of our gyro- stabilised heads.” Miloradova is referring to OperTec’s latest control desk, which joins handwheels, a joystick and a pan bar as far as control option offerings go. “Combined, these updates allow DOPs to implement all of their ideas on-set,” she says. Just how far this could be taken is, perhaps, an idea best explored through conversation with DOPs themselves, following some use of the new systems on-set. Even still, it does beg the question, just how far can remote head technology be taken? “Also, with the newest control desk,” Miloradova continues, “the DOP can
The key developments for 2020 were really driven by a significant expansion in UHD HDR format requirements across major projects
proportionate range of kit, and that’s certainly the case here. Camera Revolution offers an array of rigs, grips and more, in addition to its seven remote heads. As Ian Speed, the managing director, tells us, there are some new additions on the horizon here, too, including an update to the flagship Libra. “The new Libra 7 succeeds the Libra 5, with a roll-out across our fleet this year,” says Speed. “Also, the Matrix remote head will succeed the Oculus and Maxima 7 heads, and this is available from June.” The three-axis stabilised Libra already offers a lot, with the possibility of rigging in most scenarios, the ability to accommodate all common camera and lens combinations, including IMAX, and features like 360° rollover. That’s not to mention its flexibility, with multiple camera array set-ups of three, four and six cameras already in use. Yet, still, it’s looking to offer more – and not just as far as cinematography goes. “The Libra 7 now offers complete stabilised repeat motion, which can be synced to a track or wire system for full
receive the picture he or she needs by pushing just one or two buttons, offering the fastest results.” And it’s not just this element of the production that’s been streamlined. Miloradova assures us that these technologies allow faster set-up on-set, including easy balancing and rigging time. Of course, this improved performance and operability isn’t just of benefit on film sets – the latter in particular could be key in the world of live broadcast. BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER Looking elsewhere, we talk to Camera Revolution – a giant in the world of film and high-end television productions. Camera Revolution has an unbelievable amount of credits under its belt, but 20 years in the industry will do that. Films include action blockbusters like The Avengers and intense dramas like Children of Men , while television work includes seven series of the immensely popular Game of Thrones . As one would imagine, a range of productions this vast requires a
14 DEF I N I T ION | MAY 2020
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