In post, VFX a plenty

So this post is a bit off topic for a Steadicam blog but I just couldn't resist. Alpha Dog Production, LLC is in the final stages of post-production with their first feature length movie "The Photon Effect," and Brumar Films is pitching in to wrap the movie for a summer premiere. This super-hero movie is packed with loads of action and it has been an exciting process developing the many looks for this film. Director Dan Poole first became well known for his early 90's fan flick "The Green Goblin's Last Stand," and The Photon Effect continues on his love for the genre with brand new original characters. It has been a long time coming but with the soundtrack finally in place and visual FX shots coming to an end it is starting look as if 2010 will be the year for Photon. You can keep up with the movie as well by visiting the website or becoming a fan on Facebook.

www.ThePhotonEffect.com

Flying Canon's DSLR Systems

Over the past 2 years DSLR video systems have certainly boomed throughout the film, television, and hobbyist sectors. These cameras that produce such astounding images have certainly opened all new creative possibilities to filmmakers of all levels. But the big question is...how well does it FLY?

Well over the last 4 months I have really come to enjoy proping either my Canon 5D or 7D atop of my Steadicam Archer2 whenever possible. Out of the box these cameras are not ideal, mainly due to their small lightweight bodies. But when joined with the Redrock Micro DSLR cinema bundle these cameras operate and feel like real film and video cameras. As configured in the picture to the right, the camera, sled, and accessories weigh in at a hefty 30lbs which is just about perfect.

At this weight I find that I don't fatigue to quickly but there is enough mass that I don't feel like I am going send the rig out of control from a subtle bump. The only major down side I have run into is the lack of decent monitoring from the cameras. While both bodies support HDMI and composite out, most rigs aren't cable of taking the HDMI and the composite is of questionable quality at best. Regardless it is still loads of fun to fly and the final results continue to impress me.