A Sneak Peek Behind Filmotechnic Camera Car Systems
Buckle up, filmmakers! Get ready to dive deep into the thrilling world of camera cars with the exclusive Filmotechnic Camera Car Masterclass, brought to you in collaboration with Filmmakers Academy.
This comprehensive virtual workshop peels back the curtain on the secrets of capturing high-octane action sequences and immersive car chases. Firstly, we’ll begin with the fascinating background of the arm car, exploring why it has become an indispensable tool for filmmakers seeking dynamic and exhilarating visuals.
Then, we’ll delve into the technical aspects of the arm car setup, including the capabilities of the crane and its mobile base. Through the expert lens of renowned DP Shane Hurlbut, ASC, you’ll gain invaluable insights into crafting captivating shots. Subsequently, Shane shares his wisdom on selecting the ideal arm length, optimizing f-stops for action sequences, choosing the perfect lenses, and identifying the best shooting times. He also guides you through crafting shots that seamlessly immerse audiences in the heart of the action.
But, the masterclass doesn’t stop there! Prepare to go “inside the car” as we showcase the perspectives of each crucial crew member: the driver, the crane operator, the 1st AC, and the camera operator.
You’ll gain a firsthand understanding of the intricate communication, etiquette, and operational procedures that ensure seamless collaboration within the confines of the moving camera car. Finally, witness the magic unfold as we film a scene in motion, showcasing how each crew member functions cohesively to capture breathtaking footage.
You will learn:
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MEET THE TEAM:
Before getting started, however, let’s meet the elite team operating the Porsche Cayenne Turbo U-CRANE Arm Car.
- Darin Necessary — A-Cam 1st AC
- Kevin Descheemaeker — Crane Arm Operator
- Chris Moseley — A-Cam Operator
- Chris Barrett — Precision Stunt Driver
CAMERA CAR HISTORY:
Once upon a time, Filmotechnic was founded in 1990 by Anatoliy Kokush and is regarded as one of the leading innovators and manufacturers of specialty camera support systems for the motion picture and broadcast industry.
With its origins in Kyiv as a film and television company, by 1996 the company reimagined the camera car when Kokush invented a gyro-stabilized remote flight head and robotic arm designed for cameras.
Thus, today, with its world headquarters in Kyiv, the high-tech company manufactures, develops, and designs specialized camera systems, cameras, dollies, and gyro-stabilized heads for film and commercial industries.
In 2006, Kokush was recognized along with Yuriy Popovsky, and Oleskiy Zolotarov for their revolutionary achievement of the U-CRANE, Flight Head, and Technoscope with a Technical Achievement Award at the 78th Academy Awards. Anatoliy also won an Oscar for the concept and development of the Traveling Cascade Crane.
In 2021, Filmotechnic won the Cine Gear Expo Technical Achievement Award for the invention and design of the Technoscope telescoping camera crane series.
“In honor of [its] country of origin and their heroic fight against Russian aggression,” Filmotechnic redubbed their camera car the “U-CRANE” in 2022.
This development helped make action movies much more immersive as it allowed them to capture action at speeds never before imagined.
FILMOTECHNIC CAMERA CARS:
Filmotechnic provides a fleet of U-CRANE arm car tracking vehicles that can provide stabilized shots on racetracks, off-road, city streets, and anywhere in between. Likewise, their vehicles are designed, manufactured, and maintained in-house by their team of engineers, mechanics, and technicians for optimal upkeep.
Filmotechnic Camera Car Vehicle Options:
- Mercedez-Benz GLE 63 AMG
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo
- Ford Raptor SVT Roush
- Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
- Electric Camera Bike
- Electric Array Car
- Electric Camera Cart
- Transport Truck & Trailer
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo |
Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 AMG |
Ford Raptor SVT Roush |
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro |
Electric Camera Bike |
Electric Array Car |
 Transport Truck & Trailer |
Electric Camera Cart |
U-CRANE AUTOROBOT:
The U-CRANE AutoRobot is the piece of camera technology that takes an ordinary camera car and turns it into a super camera car. For example, it allows for superior performance in speed, image stability, flexibility, and control. Specifically, the arm is controlled via joysticks from inside the vehicle and stabilized in both Pan and Tilt axes.
The U-CRANE series is available in various models for dynamic, stunning, and precisely controlled volumetric shots.
CAMERA CAR FEATURES:
To immerse audiences, filmmakers like Director of Photography Shane Hurlbut, ASC have turned to camera cars for traveling beauty shots on commercials and high-speed action on feature films.
Overall, in this masterclass, we will be driving the Porsche Cayenne Turbo with the U-CRANE Arm Car 6 and the Flight Head 6S.
Furthermore, let’s take a look at some notable features of the Porsche Cayenne U-CRANE Arm Car.
FLAT BLACK MATTE FINISH
The camera car has a completely flat black matte finish to avoid reflections and bouncing light. In short, this is a particularly useful feature when filming car commercials.
HEADLIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT COVERS
Correspondingly, Filmotechnic uses Velcro covers on the headlights and tail lights to keep light off the front and back of the vehicle.
RUNNING BOARDS
There are also running boards and side step bars to step up onto the camera car so you can get your hands on the crane.
SPEED
Filmotechnic souped up the Porsche Cayenne Turbo to hit speeds of up to 150 MPH. Therefore, it can keep up with the most powerful supercars.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Unlock the full Filmotechnic Camera Car Masterclass at Filmmakers Academy and dive deep into camera car procedures and operation.
Above all, this masterclass is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of cinematic motion with Filmotechnic.
Click to access the full Filmotechnic Camera Car Masterclass!
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