Aerial Videos & Gyros

So recently we had the opportunity to do some aerial filming in Argentina and the Northwest Territories. The team was perplexed as to how we could achieve the best footage possible. As we did a little research we stumbled upon an article written by world renowned photographer & cinematographer Vincent Laforet, detailing his experiences with aerial shooting. His rig consisted of gyros manufactured by Kenyon Laboratories and a mounting kit from Blue Sky Aerials; two companies that specialize in professional aerial photography/video equipment.

Though most video footage out there is produced with large professional cameras, we have seen very little aerial work done with DSLR's such as the Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 7d (the cameras we primarily use). Upon further research we felt that the gyros and rigs offered by Kenyon Laboratories and Blue Sky Aerials were by far the best choice and went with the Gyro KS-8 system. 

When we received the system from Blue Sky Aerials and Kenyon Laboratories we hooked it up, jumped onto the back of an SUV, with the hatch up, and started driving around. The system takes some time to get used to, but once you have a handle of it, it's incredible to shoot with. Even with all the typical car vibration and movement, the gyros provided surprisingly smooth footage, especially when spinning up to speed.  

The real test took place on the shoot when I harnessed myself into the helicopter with the doors wide open and lifted off into the air. Though surprisingly often overlooked, it's incredibly important to have a high quality/proper harness when shooting out of a moving helicopter, DUH. Luckily, I had a lot of help from the people at Yates Gear; they helped me pick the appropriate harness for my size, weight, and situation. Generally the harness would attach to three points on the helicopter, but this can slightly differ based on the particular model. 

But I have to say, the feeling of being in the air and filming is exhilarating, it is something that always gets me juiced up to film. As my legs and my body leaned out of the helicopter, I was immediately surprised by the amount of vibration produced by the chopper, as well as the incredibly strong winds. I soon realized how difficult a situation this would be if I did not have the gyros. To show you the difference in the stabilization I had Stan shoot behind me handheld over my shoulder as a comparison. You can see in the example below the amount of vibration throughout his shot, especially when compared to the footage off the Gyro KS-8 rig. 

I also found out soon enough that the helicopter pilot is your best friend. The communication between you and the pilot, and his/her expertise, goes hand-in-hand with the results you need. The Gyro system is heavy and not that maneuverable in the air. So to achieve certain angles and shots, a lot of communication is needed between you and the pilot. This is key, not only to get the best possible shots, but also for the pilot to keep the helicopter safe for everyone onboard. 

All in all I am very pleased with the performance of the Canon 5D Mark II and Gyro KS-8 system. Being up in the air, feeling the wind rush through me, composing the shot and seeing the beautiful smooth footage is an experience like no other, an experience I suggest all cinematographers to undertake. 

I can't wait to get in the air again!

Keith 

Avalon - Northwest Territories

Recently another opportunity allowed Stan and myself to travel to Thor Lake, Northwest Territories to film for Avalon Rare Metals. An opportunity to do helicopter fly overs and to film the progress and development of the mining site. Don Bubar the CEO of Avalon had sent us to capture and update the video we had filmed several years back. 

Traveling via helicopter, It was an incredible view as it circled over top of the camp. It had grew tremendously from the last time I was here. As we landed we were greeted by Chris Pederson the head geologist on site. It was great to see him after several years. 

After Stan and I settled in, we mounted up the gyros and camera, and were once again up in the air, this time filming the site and the drill rigs. Before flying we also set-up a time-lapse across the lake, looking over towards the camp. (Check out the time-lapse here in a previous blog post). We shot until the sun was almost down - shooting the very interesting process of collecting and documenting core samples. Upon finishing the shoot, while stumbling back to the lake shore dock, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the incredibly beautiful Northern Lights. A awe inspiring event which everyone should see at least once in their lives. 

The next day we went through the entire camp, filming and interviewing Chris about all the new things happening on site. It was great to see how Avalon had grown in the past few years and to realize that this site will soon be moving into production.

However, as fast as we came in it was time to leave. I have to say that the Northwest Territories is a beautiful and serene place to be. A place that I would definitely consider as one of my favourite places in the world. 

 Keith

Argentina - Lithium Americas

Back from Argentina…  well actually back for awhile. It took me a little time to put this post together. Wanted to wait until our great editor Josh completed the video before posting. 

We where commissioned by Lithium Americas to film the story of the lithium deposits they were developing, and their road to production.

It was an incredible trip to Argentina, but the flight was a hard one. 14 hours to Buenos Aires, another 45min drive to a local airport, 2 hour flight  into Salta, and yet another 2 hour drive into Juay Juay where we spent the night. With Victor and I only getting into bed at 1 AM, we were up bright and early at 5am for another 2.5 hour drive into the mountains to arrive in Susque; the location of the lithium deposits.

Upon arriving they told us that we were about 5000 metres above sea level and were advised not to run around or eat too much, for fear of obtaining altitude sickness. The altitude was making me a little light headed, but I had no time to get adjusted. The weather was perfect and the helicopter was ready to go. I harnessed myself in and mounted the 5D on the Gyros and we were up and away.

 

We had a lot to shoot in the 2 days. There was a lot of running around and Vic got altitude sickness. Too much running with heavy gear.

The scenery was beautiful and the army pilots were amazing to work with. Being down on the salt flats was incredible, it was like standing on big sheets of corn flakes that would crunch like cereal when you walked on them. 

Waldo Perez the President of Lithium Americas was our tour guide and we got to see the whole operation first hand. It was definetly a memorable and breathtaking experience. Argentina is a very beautiful place and would love to return there again in the future. Thanks to Waldo Perez and everybody at Lithium Americas for the wonderful hospitality shown to us during our stay. 

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